
I remember those days! My dd was born in Nov and the next two months after her birth, it snowed and iced almost every two weeks! If it wasn't doing the above, it was bitter cold, like now. I felt trapped. However, I felt it important to keep her on a nap schedule, in her own crib. I remember timing my outings around her nap schedule, albeit the outings were for 30 minutes max. I wouldn't go out every day, but for my sanity, i did go out at least every 2-3 days, even for a gallon of milk.
In the big picture, this is such a short period of time that you are having to do this. Re: going to a gym with a daycare, I never a. trusted the cleanliness of the rooms and b. didn't trust the caregivers in there (are they CPR certified, etc). |
not in this weather! I can't wait for Spring. The only place we can go when its this cold is shopping, the library and friend's' houses. |
OP - I know you mentioned you get flustered and embarassed when DD cries in public. Don't let that bother you. People understand (and if they don't they obviously don't know what it is like caring for a newborn) that babies cry...sometimes inconsolably.
If you want, try to come up with a witty remark when she cries such as "that is my little opera singer for you" or "uh oh, my boss is calling me" This phase will pass before you know it. Take heart and hang in there. |
I can relate to you and the OP. I had trouble getting my DS out when he was newborn until about 5 months old. He hated the carseat. He hated the stroller. He'd scream and scream. And people would look at me or worse, say terrible things! It's easy to say "ignore people" but when you are a new Mom and already flustered trying to get around in the Winter with your newborn, it can be depressing to have people yell at you too. I had one woman at a grocery store stop in front of me with her 3 year old girl...the girl said "why is the baby crying?" Her Mom glared at me and said "Because his diaper is dirty and his Mom won't change it." I WANTED to say to the little girl "Your Mom is a an evil witch"...but don't worry, I didn't. The truth was, he had been fed & changed 15 minutes earlier. I answered (the truth) to both the Mom and little girl: "Actually, he just doesn't like to be in the stroller. His diaper is clean." The Mom said "yeah...sure." So people can be REALLY RUDE out there. My solution was to order groceries from Peapod until my son was about 5 months old. Then I could avoid the grocery store. With all the rebates you get, it was no more expensive than going to Giant. And they take all the sales & coupons too. To get out, I would just take my son to the mall for about 30 minutes and head home. Anything to get out for a minute or two. And I wanted him to have his naps at home as regularly as possible to get him on a schedule. He's a great sleeper now. Eventually my son got used to the stroller and carseat too. By about 6 months, it really does get easier!! |
Can you invite the party to YOUR house? Any moms you can invite over for a playgroup?
I have another suggestion - take the baby immediately after she wakes up - and LEAVE! It doesn't have to be a whole production to get out of the house. Get a diaper bag ready, put it by the door, warm up the car, have the infant seat out and ready. Wake the baby 5 minutes before you want to leave, feed her and get out of the house, drive right to Starbucks/yoga class/whatever. Meet moms. You must get out of the house!! |
I agree with the PP who suggests you have everything ready and just GO when your baby wakes up. It's important for your mental health to get out of the house. The PP has good advice. Good luck to you! |