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Q. My husband and I like to take day trips, go to beaches, museums, galleries, amusement parks, etc.
We're pregnant but are exploring all areas of parenting and want to know what other parents do to stimulate their babies or if most people wait til toddler age?
Answer
As a newborn, they will really just sleep most places you go. As they hit about 6 months, they become both much more alert, and much easier to carry around, in my opinion (once they are sitting unsupported they can go in a backpack or sit on your hip in a sling). So around 6-7 months was when I started taking my dd places just because she might have fun there.
There are a couple things you have to remember with baby outings. The first is that your baby will probably only be able to be happily awake for a few hours w/o feedings and/or a nap (some babies nap well on the go, others don't). So for any longer excursion, you have to make sure you plan in stops/time for these things. Babies also usually have a pretty short attention span, so the best outings are ones where enough is going on to keep them interested, but not enough to by totally overwhelmign (like very loud or very crowded. I have found my dd does much better in overload situations when she is close to me in the sling, as opposed to in a backpack, in the shopping cart, etc). The final thing to consider is that babies are more sensitive to environmental conditions - they should not spend a lot of time in the sun or in extreme temperature conditions, esp since before 6 months sunscreen is not recommended.
So that said, I have found the best outings to often to be ones that can be done in just a few hours, between naps. Often these are very mundane things. Babies LOVE animals, so a trip to a local petshop can be a favorite outing. We also go to the library's children room/story time - besides reading and getting books, babies LOVE seeing other children. Many areas have science centers with special corners for young chilidren. My dd also enjoys the pool, going on hikes or walks (something we did since she was very young), going to the playground, and actually even going on errands (lots of people to see).
As far as the things you mention, amusement parks are overwhelming for young children usually, and while they like the beach, a few hours out in the sun is probalby enough at that age (plus you would need a ton of gear to keep the sand/salt/sun off). babies are pretty indifferent to things like museums - they would probably enjoy the people, its just a question of how bad you would feel if she was loud (babies are pretty unpredictable). So I guess my overall recommendation is to keep it short and local most of the time, while they are young. Longer expeditions like camping or the beach are possible, but tend to take a lot of planning, packing and vigilance, so most people only do day trips occasionally.
Of course there are tons of things you can do with your infant in your own house as well.
What do I need to have for a new born baby?
mona
I need to know what furniture, clothing, and other necessities to properly bring home my newborn baby.
Answer
You'll find a lot of people recommend things that are nice to have but not necessary. Obviously you need clothes, diapers, wipes, soap/shampoo, car seat, baby nail clippers, and feeding supplies.
Nursing pillows are nice, but any pillow can prop your arm/baby up. Bouncers can help, but didn't work for my son. A crib will eventually be necessary, but a lot of babies are happiest sleeping with Mom or in the car seat for the first few months. Changing tables are easier on your back, but I change my 7 week old on a changing mat that came with my diaper bag. Baby bathtubs are a good idea, but many babies have been bathed in the sink. Diaper warmers are a waste of money.
If you're breastfeeding, a pump can give you some freedom. A swing saved my sanity with both my children. A thermometer can relieve middle of the night worries (ear thermometers work better on older children. A newbon's ear canal is too small for an acurate reading). Along those lines, mylincon drops for gas and baby Tylenol or Motrin (don't wait until you need it). A dresser (you have to put the clothes somewhere), but a cheap rubbermaid set of drawers from Wal-Mart lasted my son for a while. Rattles and other toys will become necessary, but for the first little bit your face will be their favorite thing to look at (along with lights, ceiling fans, and large high contrast objects like furniture and the tv). A sling or some type of baby carrier is a good idea(I have a backpack and a sling and prefer the sling). I don't use my stroller very often, but I'm glad I have it. A baby monitor is necessary if your home is large, but can be useful in a small apartment too (it helps me to be able to relax and not rush my shower). My kids didn't care about a crib mobile at first, but as their vision improved they did like it more. You will need a diaper pail, but at first (until they start solid food) the diapers don't smell too bad and can be thrown in a regular trash can. Many hospitals will give you a free diaper bag (I got 2 with my son). As they grow books will always be a necessity.
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