Going Out with Preemies

I had 29 weekers, they were born in late Spring. I took them out pretty regularly in the fall and winter, even though one of my sons had lung issues, which eventually resolved. I didn't bring them out much to malls and that kind of thing at the holidays, but we had photos taken. Are you getting Synagis shots? That is really important.

I suggest taking them out now. The older they get, the harder it will be. I had twins and had them out in public (Halloween festival at my older sons school - lots of kids around) at three weeks old and they were fine. I think everyone worries way too much.

My daughter was a preemie and about a week after being home I took her to go get her pictures taken at a studio. I also took her to go get pictures taken with santa about two weeks later (at the mall) I cannot be in the house for days on end and I had a toddler and felt as though it was unfair to keep him inside all day too. My doctor said to just use common sense, I allowed NO one to touch her, or hover over her, and I had a little bottle of sanitizer that I would use every time I would touch her, and washed my hands constantly that they ended up bleeding. Doctor said the doctors office was the place she would most likely catch something and that she would be okay. I wore her most often but when she was napping in her carseat in the stroller I would put a blanket over the car seat while she napped and I got out of the house and walked around the mall for fun but I also ran errands and did everything else I had previously done. (no else to do it) She has never had anything other than a little cold.

I say follow your instinct. Take the little munchins out for a little walk. I agree with avoiding crowded areas though. Alot of people with colds out there during winter time. Bring hand sanitizer with you and disinfect anything your babies may touch.

You didn't mention if the babies are breastfed. If they are then their immune system will be stronger.

Also don't feel guilty having your parents watch their grand children once in a while. It will be a win-win situation for everyone. You'll be more relaxed, and babies and grand parents will have some great bonding time!!!

The answer lies probably somewhere in the middle...

BUT...I will tell you my doctor explained to me that the reason to keep the babies away from public places is really two-fold. One so they don't compromise their health, but it sounds like your little ones are doing well and are on their way with their shots so you're probably as safe as you can be there. Two, the stimulation and over-stimulation babies receive in public places can be difficult for them and can lead them to be fussier babies or have trouble sleeping. I would think with 31 weekers, this would be even more so which is probably why your one doctor said six weeks.
The standard for full term babies is six weeks at home after delivery, so why not go with six weeks after their due date?
Either way, I'm sure whatever you decide will be fine...you're the mommy after all!
-M

I think you should take walks around the neighborhood with the babies during the day when everyone's at work or school, then go out with friends once in a while just to get out, and in another couple months you can take them out to more places.

I would play it safe and avoid crowds or places where many people will want to hold them. You can still take them places like restaurants or a coffee bar while you meet with a friend. Just leave them in their carriers. Don't feel guilty for leaving them with your parents-- it's a great bonding time for them and a chance for you to get out of the house.

I was the same way when my DD was born. Her pediatrician said that short walks outside would help us both as long as I protected her from the cold and sun. Twice a day we went for little walks to get some exercise and fresh air. With the holiday season it's just too crowded at stores and the mall and flu season is in full swing. Try walks around your neighborhood and then branch out to little restaurants and cafes. See if there are any new Moms in the area that you can meet up with for coffee and adult interaction.

Mu daughter was a preemie. I took her out for walks with friends who had babies, but I didn't take her to the grocery store unless it was absulutely necessary. When I did, as soon as someone approached I told them not to touch her at all. I usually said something like "dr's orders, please do not touch". Most people completely understood, and just looked.

Congrats on your babies!

I would stick to outdoor malls. out door activities are better during cold and flu season. And the grocery store-no way. that is a place people HAVE to go, so they go when they are sick. put them in a stroller and walk the neighborhood.

My son was a 31 1/2 weeker with 5 weeks in NICU because of his size. I spent the first week at home, then started going out a few times a week to a breastfeeding group. By 4 months, we flew to Hawaii (a family trip for my mom's bday, otherwise I would not have taken him). He was born in April, though. I would be a lot more careful taking them out in the winter months. Did they get the RSV shot that they give preemies? If you go out, I would keep them your own stroller so they don't touch anything. My whole family has been sick this week. There is a lot of yuck out there right now. I would definitely suggest that you go out for your own sanity, but stick to outdoor venues.

My DD was 6 weeks early. She spent a few days in the NICU for severe jaundice. The day we were released from the hospital we went to a wedding and Walmart the next day. She's fine. I think sometimes the doctors go a little overboard with the "keep them cooped up" bit. You are the mom here and if you think they are in good enough health to go outside, then dress them as you would dress yourself and go! My goodness, the doctors office is crawling with germs & sick people... if they've managed to fight off everything there when they go then I'm sure a trip to the mall won't be tragic. :) Enjoy your California weather! Going out is not an option right now in Cincinnati where we are sub-zero! LOL! :)

I have 31 weaker twins that are 6 months old And we go NOWHERE. It's cold and flu season now... I'm not risking it at all. Tell your friends to come visit you. Has your dr told you about rsv? It's bad if they catch it. Try to stay in... It's about what's best for them, not you right now!

I think getting out would be good for you and them. Being around germs isn't always a bad thing, that's how they build their immune system. Just start slow and don't take them to very crowded places like the one dr. said. Be prepared to be stopped A LOT if you take them to places like Wal-Mart or Target! I had twins who were born at 36 wks and I started taking them out when they were about 2 wks old and everywhere we went I would get stopped by little old ladies wanting to look at the "twins" and ask all kinds of questions. It got to the point where I would hold my cell phone up to my ear just so it looked like I was too busy to talk and would just wave and keep walking if someone started to stop me to look at the babies. Don't feel guilty about leaving them at home too, you need time to yourself as well. I've also seen some moms put a sheet over their babies' carriers so they could sleep and not be bothered when out at the mall or something. Start slow and see what feels comfortable for you.

I believe it would be okay to take them out. Just keep them away from others and insist that people don't touch them etc. Good luck and congratulations!

6 months...yikes! I agree that you could probably take them out safely. Since they haven't been out much I would keep a closer eye on them, like don't start out going to super germy places, or maybe just don't put them in the cart, stick with the stroller. They have vaccines, they are thriving, I don't see it as too big of an issue! Good luck!

I had twin girls December 14th and 15th in 2002. Christmas is the following week and I had family gatherings to go to and I went and they were fine. Of course mine were not in NICU either and not born with any complications but they were considered premature because I delivered at 36 weeks. Not a single doctor told me NOT to take them out so I did. I have heard that a baby carries the mom's immunity for a few months or something-now whether or not that is true I do not know but I don't remember mine getting sick until they were probably 6 months old I think.
I think I would go out but just be cautious.....I would always get irritated with people with smaller children (or even older ones too) that would come up and touch the baby or whatever and it was apparant they had a cough or runny nose-I would cringe. I used to sit there and wonder why in the world the parents thought it was "okay" for them to be around my newborns. What do you do though? The only thing to do is say something and most people would get offended but all I have to say is they don't understand the consequences in a simple runny nose or cough. As a mom of twins I wouldn't get offended by any means but others might but who cares-its your job to protect those babies. Oh and when they were about 3-4 weeks old my uncle died and I went to his funeral-it was dead winter and probably not the best place for me to go but I wasn't going to miss my uncle's funeral either. I think having twins turned me into a germaphobe though as well. LOL! My mom teases me all the time about my "ticks" I guess you could call them.
Just know that eventually they will get sick and that happens.....but with them being so young and being premature it puts them at a higher risk for RSV and a few other "sickness" to be passed around which could lead to serious complications and I think that might be the concern of the one doctor. Congrats on your new additions-it will be the ride of your life but its ALL worth it. My twins are fraternal twins but look identical to most people and they don't believe me when I tell them so. I feel blessed to have them in my life.....its my truest treasure ;())

My opinion - Better to be safe than sorry. It is flu season and people and kids (especially at the mall etc.) are super germy (people sneezing and coughing all over the place). A huge number of cases of whooping cough this year plus the regular colds and flu's to worry about.

I would wait until after the holidays when there are fewer people to deal with. I would take the offer to go out without the kids... trust me, we all get mommy guilt when we go out, but it is good for you and will help you to be a better mommy. Maybe you can take the kids to a friends house (preferably one without kids - because toddlers/young kids are the worst with germs)?

Good luck with your babies!

I would say that it is OK to go out now.
Just remember that it is the flu season, so avoid crowds. If you prefer the mall, then go outside rush hours!