So having been confined to my house for a number of weeks in order to fully recover, I decided to venture out with Baby J on my own. I had already been out a few times but only when it had been absolutely necessary, such as to doctor appointments which were flying visits plus I was always accompanied by my husband. I really wanted to take Baby J out by myself but my desire to do so was met by my unwillingness to let the world too close to him. Hundreds of questions were racing through my mind; ‘how do I protect him from the millions of germs out there?’, ‘what if someone tries to pinch his cheeks with their grubby hands?’, ‘what if he makes a monster poop and people think the smell is coming from me?’. I don't even like people coughing, sneezing or even breathing next to me. How was I supposed to protect us both?! I braved it and decided to visit the local shopping centre around midday when it would be quieter and hopefully less people around to judge my incompetence. I fed and changed him before getting him layered up and into his car seat. I covered him from every angle possible to avoid anyone getting remotely close to him. Blanket, car seat top cover, plastic cover. I threw it all on. Poor baby, don't think he knew what on earth was going on. Maybe he thought he was getting ready for a trip to Antarctica. Next, nappy bag packed and pram ready - but how was I to get the whole contraption into the car? Did I need to ask my neighbours for some help? Did I need to balance something on my head? A lot of head scratching and fumbling around I was packed, in the car and off.
I didn’t think I was doing too bad until it came to getting Baby J out of the car. I must admit I felt like I was wrestling with the car seat for some time (and that the car seat was winning) before being approached by two people in the car park offering to help. The second man actually raced across the car park to offer his assistance, spurred on by his wife who was standing about 30 metres away frantically waving her hands around as if to say to her husband ‘do something!’. Ok, maybe I did look totally incompetent. We entered the shopping centre and Baby J was still fast asleep. I was pushing my pram around with no problems feeling a sense of satisfaction. This wasn't too bad. I was getting a few smiles from random shoppers who would look at Baby J and then at me so proudly as if I was doing something so right. Dare I say it, it actually felt easy.
Except it only lasted for about 10 minutes.
I was in the queue in John Lewis when Baby J woke up screaming. He was loud. I panicked. Do I pay for the items in my hands first? Do I pick him up? Do I cry with him? Or just dump the items and make a quick exit?! Now I know all babies cry, but Baby J really can scream for England. I'm sure even people from the other side of the shopping centre were probably wondering where the sudden eruption of noise was coming from.
I quickly slipped out of the queue and dipped into John Lewis’ baby room (this is something I did actually research beforehand!). As I entered the room with my screaming baby I was met with smiles (and a few disapproving looks) from other mothers feeding their extremely quiet babies. I tried to act cool and started feeding him, but could feel the sweat trickling down my cheeks as all eyes were on me. As soon as he was done I changed his nappy and raced back to the car. That shopping trip lasted all but 35 minutes, but I'd say it was a success as far as first trips out go. Needless to say I was a little traumatised (I think my poor baby was too), but since then we have had many many trips out together and I would say I'm now (almost) a pro at timing feeds, taking the pram and seat in and out the car and getting to places by myself. Now, every time I see a new mum struggling with her pram with a pure look of misery and fear on her face, I give her a little smile. It does not seem like it now, but it does all come with time and your confidence will gradually build. I would say don't let your first trip put you off as I assure you if it’s a disaster, you're not alone. Just remember it gets easier! Tips if you're taking baby out for the first time by yourself:
1. Factor in feed times and changing times. I try to get in a feed as close to leaving the house as possible. This helps but you will most likely have to feed your baby whilst out at some point. Babies don't care if you're waiting in the queue in John Lewis, or waiting to meet the Queen. When they want food they will let you (and everyone in a 20 mile radius around you) know. But if and when this happens, don't panic. Try to find somewhere comfortable to feed and ignore any disconcerting looks from other shoppers. 2. Make your first journey/trip a quick one and pick somewhere not too crowded. You'll be surprised how many strangers want to talk to you about your baby, touch your baby or just offer you tips. As you go out more you'll find busy and crowded places a breeze!
3. Make sure baby is warm and layered up if cold, but if it’s warm enough inside the shopping centre take off any blankets and hats inside to avoid overheating.
4. Try baby friendly places – most public bathrooms have baby changing facilities but they look like they haven't been cleaned since the beginning of time and you’ll probably have to hold your breath for the duration of the change. Try centres with baby shops such as Mothercare which have lovely changing facilities. I love the baby room in John Lewis stores and Westfield Shopping Centre, which have ample room to change, feed and soothe your baby. 5. If you don't feel confident, take someone with you. Don't pressure yourself. Don’t worry, most these tips will come as second nature to you the more you go out and you'll soon be a pro. That's until your baby comes up with a new bag of tricks, to keep you on your toes! Good luck!
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