So Happy Together
Zoos , natural history museums, and aquariums offer great escapes — and social opportunities — for cooped-up parents. These options are particularly fun if you have other preschool-aged children.
Not only do they offer clean family-oriented bathrooms, good parking, and snack bars, they also offer annual family memberships that cost less than $50 and allow unlimited repeated visits. Baby will enjoy the movement of fish in aquariums, the low lights, and watching other kids play and run around. You will enjoy the chance to get out and maybe even talk to other parents with new babies.
How do I get to the aquarium when I can barely get a shower?
Start small! Don't try to spend an entire day out with baby. If you do too much, you'll both be exhausted by day's end and reluctant to go again. Choose the time of day your baby seems most relaxed and happy, or stay close to home.
Spread the Joy — Not the Germs
Of course, getting too social too early can be risky, as the more you are around other kids, the more likely that your child will get sick. Even if your child isn't in daycare, a few weekly trips to a playgroup and the library might get her a regular cold or ear infection. This might be a good reason to delay getting social until baby is at least two to three months old (or even older) — especially during cold and flu season.
Start Simple — and Easy
Once you're ready to roll, you can keep the outings simple at first by just going on errands together. If you live close enough to town, you can take a walk to return those videos or to get an ice cream cone. The fresh air and scenery is good for baby and the walk is great for you.
As you run through the grocery, show baby the things you are picking out and describe the colors. Babies love to be talked to and conversation is how they learn to be able to talk with you; it doesn't matter that they don't know what spaghetti marinara or an eggplant is, just the tone of your voice and engaging with you is important.
