r/Mommit • u/perpetuallypissed616 • 17h ago
Reality of taking newborn out on Halloween?
Baby boy born on the 10th (happy one week š„¹) I had no significant tearing and am doing great myself for a week pp
Besides to the hospital little man hasn't been outside yet. I'm a bit anxious as a ftm.
But Halloween is my favorite holiday and I was thinking about taking an early evening walk out as a family. There's a little park nearby having a neighborhood kids party (kind of like a trunk or treat but no cars)
Is it unrealistic to bundle the boy up (he has a bear winter onesie coat so I was thinking I could do scarecrow makeup and husband could be a lion and we could be part wizard of oz lmao) and bring a bag of candy and get a few pictures?
Is Halloween too risky or overstimulating? I can't tell if I'm overthinking this
37
u/murraybee 17h ago
Youāre overthinking. If you feel like you can walk a mile, Iād say go ahead and do a short trick or treat, and then have fun passing out candy as a family at home.
6
u/perpetuallypissed616 16h ago
Haha thank you, I haven't stopped overthinking everything all week.
1
u/Logical-Roll-9624 16h ago
Always aim for what is your dream outing and know one day it will go wrong before leaving the house. Enjoy but be ready to take yourself and baby if it becomes too upsetting for anyone.
You are looking at a 3 week old newborn if my overtired brain read that right. Seems like you have had an easy time so far so enjoy and letās see the photos of the baby. Is he getting make up on?
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 14h ago
I wouldn't say an easy time but not as bad as I expected! No make up, just his bear cold weather body suit :)
1
u/Logical-Roll-9624 14h ago
Iām sorry I should have said relatively easy or free if major complications.
I had an easier one when a nurse started yanking my sheets off and waking me from a nap where I went from not quite 4 to plus in less than hours thanks to an epidural which
took every drop of pain away.Baby slept well so I was kind of bored by one week. Then my second child turned everything upside down and my āgood luckā was no more.
Still a healthy baby. Wasnāt trying to minimize your birth and recovery.
2
u/perpetuallypissed616 14h ago
It's okay! I almost lost him in a home delivery. Hard to talk about but getting it out in the world helps me not feel bottled about how truly terrifying it was.
But once he was out he was so healthy and strong and normal. Like completely unphased that his umbilical cord ruptured as I was pushing. Little man showed no signs of losing oxygen. Feels crazy every time I think about it.
But after that? He's a good baby. A velcro baby, struggles not to cry if I'm not holding him which makes sleep a tactical endeavor but really he's pretty chill. Poops a lot lmao
1
u/Logical-Roll-9624 11h ago
Well I couldnāt have been more wrong saying your birth/recovery was easy. Then relativity easier. Then you tell me a
Harrowing story that I skipped some words even though my birth experiences were 40 years ago I now feel even luckier. Hey my kids are decent people working jobs that are
Meaningful to them and their communities and I guess if thatās all I accomplished in my lifetime I am ok with that. Iām easily entertained.Iām going to work on saying congratulations and have fun Trick or Treating and leave it at that.
ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø2
u/perpetuallypissed616 10h ago
It's okay, us being healthy and normal now does make it seem like a week ago wasn't the scariest day of my life! Trying to plan our first fun outing around the anxiety is rough but why I came here. I only have my in laws and my husband where I am and husband has zero opinion on Halloween other than he would love to get out, or love to hold us and watch Halloween town. Whatever makes me feel safest. He's the first in the generation of my husbands family so they're eager for fun pictures lmao but not pressuring me too much either. They've been kind and respectful of boundaries.
Anyways I'm rambling lmao please don't feel bad, I'm not upset but don't want to downplay my birth either :)
Did I mention my midwife didn't show up? Not her fault. Crazy night for both of us š
2
53
u/Moritani 16h ago
An outdoor event is pretty low risk, and newborns are pretty hard to overstimulate. Something that low-commitment is probably an ideal first outing! If he gets cranky, you just head home.Ā
9
u/perpetuallypissed616 16h ago
Appreciate the reassurance! Babies first Halloween has me tearing up š„¹
4
u/SerentityM3ow 14h ago
Just take the regular precautions you would. It is cold and flu season and if you dress up baby people will come over and ogle
6
u/perpetuallypissed616 14h ago
Good point! His "costume" is really just a cute cold weather one piece with bear ears but he is too freaking cute in it
11
u/Long_Increase9131 16h ago
I say do whatever you are comfortable with. Personally ive gone out with a 2 week old trick or treating. I just used a wrap and walked around. Baby was warm, I got some steps in and watched the other kids have fun. Everyone was happy.
6
u/kerfuffleMonster 16h ago
I also went with a two week old - we put him in the stroller and stay pretty close to home so I could go home if it was too much but we went out and saw the decorations.
2
u/perpetuallypissed616 16h ago
Y'all helped me feel good about going :) as long as on the day we all feel good it sounds like babies first Halloween is a go :)
4
u/Logical-Roll-9624 16h ago
Try to keep your distance and donāt hesitate to ask that baby not be touched and ruin his first Halloween.
Thatās the nicest way I could think of.
Anyone overā¦ 6 years old should know not to touch or cough around baby.
For an adult who should know better I might use my I canāt believe you just touched my babyās face without permission. Here I will show you what boundaries you have not kept by touch touch and my husband would pull me away saying āYouāre almost always right but your delivery needs work pronto ā
5
u/0runnergirl0 11h ago
You're overthinking it. You can take your baby outside for a walk. Both my kids were out in the stroller for a walk the day they came home from the hospital.
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 10h ago
It's more the chaos of Halloween I was feeling unsure about. But I feel better after talking to some people here
5
u/Living-Tiger3448 16h ago
Anything that involves walking outside is pretty low risk. We also have a newborn that weāre not taking anywhere indoors but weāve gone on walks outside with him. We have a toddler, so we need to take him outside sometimes anyway. Just remember plenty of people going out for Halloween have babies and older kids! I also figure we might as well enjoy some of the nice fall weather before it gets freezing (but not sure where youāre located)
5
u/Ok-Elevator-1405 14h ago
Can confirm, youāre overthinking! Babies are perfectly allowed and safe to be out in the world, even newborns. I wouldnāt take them to a bar or a concert haha, but I found the more I was out and about with my baby (runnings errands, getting coffee, going on walks) the better I felt mentally and emotionally. Especially if you love Halloween, this will be so special! Enjoy!
4
u/j3nn1b0t 12h ago
You're for sure overthinking it, and maybe i'm overthinking this.... But what bears are in the wizard of oz? Anyhoo.. Go have fun!!
6
u/perpetuallypissed616 12h ago
Well not really any bears but lions and tigers and bears oh my lmao I already have the bear onesie and have done scarecrow make up on myself before so I figured id make it work lmao
2
9
u/Independent_Honey150 16h ago
When you go out with a young baby, just be prepared to back away or even block others from touching him. Itās happened to me a few times as a third time mom (even during the height of Covid)ā¦. Some people see a cute baby and try to touch their face or get way too close.
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 15h ago
Ugh I know how people can be, I'm not a shy person with boundaries and they've gotten even sharper since birth. Even during birth I didn't want to be touched at all. Definitely a small concern of mine
6
u/legobeachhouse 16h ago
Go! Kids make holidays so much more fun and special. We took our 1 month old trick or treating with his older siblings a couple years back and all was good. š
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 16h ago
Thanks for the encouragement! My nerves are shot as a ftm. The protective instinct is such a wild thing.
6
u/wellheynow 14h ago
R/babywearing
You can take your tiny dude anywhere and he will be warm and cozyā dress him in normal weight clothes since he will be sharing your warmth. I ended up getting babywearing coats but a you could use the bear onesie on the outside of the carrier by running the straps through the sleeves of the coat. Youāll get the warmth on the outside of the carrier and you can take the hood on and off.
Facing in, laying on your chest, hearing your heartbeat, and smelling you will guard against overstimulation. I am pretty anxious which has lead to a lot of research and eventual participation in crunchy/secure attachment type options. Once I learned about the fourth trimester, it was a bit easier to make decisions that supported a smooth transition from womb to world. Babies donāt acknowledge you as another person on day 1, you and he are one and the same to him. So while he will survive and itās just one night you could bundle him up and put him in a stroller, to me thatās so jarring and chaotic for a 3 week old. With my first kid I was super anxious and it took months to take him on errands. Then I had surprise 2 under 2 and newborn and I were up and after the toddler asap once I was healed up. ANY time I could wear my kids I would, up through around 20 lbs. I used a sling yesterday to get my 2 year old away from the park for dinner.
There will be many years for pictures and costumes and giving him exposure and independent experience on Halloween. This is a fleeting time with an expiration dateā he will be too big or too busy to want to be worn before you know it. Until my kids had head control, they were transported on me. Done properly, babywearing can count toward tummy time, and he will be using and strengthening the same muscles.
Babywearing can seem a bit extra but thereās such a small window where itās an option and the benefits are many.
But do you and have fun. Itāll be fine, I just have had bad luck often so I plan ahead.
2
u/perpetuallypissed616 14h ago
Thank you for the detailed answer! And a new mom sub to join lmao
Honestly it hadn't even occurred to me to use the stroller... I have a sling and learned how to use a blanket to make a sling. He's too little to not be on me for my own comfort at this time. Even when Dad holds him I know my heart rate spikes
I have GAD like in general and then had a scary birth so anxiety is just a tad high. I'm managing it and making sure I see a specialist soon to address the trauma of almost losing him in delivery. But yes definitely anxious as heck
1
6
u/Gold-Bag1657 6h ago
Outside, sure. To a crowded and noisy indoor venue, like a bar or restaurant or house party, Iād say probably not.
4
u/perpetuallypissed616 6h ago
There's not a universe where I bring my newborn to a restaurant or house party tbh I have anxiety even thinking about it
3
u/Gold-Bag1657 5h ago
Youāre probably fine then lol. I feel like a lot of these posts will be moms asking if they should take their newborn to a party.
2
u/Emergency_Lettuce601 16h ago
My nephew was born on oct 11 last year and they took him out with their 3 yr old for Halloween. It will be fine.
2
2
2
u/Lonely_Ship9812 15h ago
Go have fun. My daughter was born in November and we took her outside to see Christmas lights. I was surprised how nice and cozy the fleece suits and car seats are. She was perfectly warm and content, it was a nice way to get out and honestly I worried less about germs being outside.
The one other thing Iād keep in mind is your body may not be up for super long walks yet. Still highly encourage going out, just maybe shorten the route or go slow?
2
u/ShinyPennyRvnclw 15h ago
Oh my gosh, go! This is the perfect outing - outdoors, youāre close to home & can head back whenever you want, & youāll soak up the Halloween vibes just by walking around. Have a great time!
2
u/Lavender_Iced_Coffee 15h ago
Overthinking! Go and enjoy! My son was 2 months by Halloween, but we enjoyed dressing him up in little astronaut PJs and handing candy out to the kids while sitting on the front porch.Ā
I think there's nothing wrong with a walk, some pics and community. Certainly it can help with any feelings of limbo that early newborn days might bring lol.Ā
Cute costume idea by the way!
2
u/yubsie 14h ago
If YOU feel up to it go for it! I didn't have the energy for Halloween with my October 12 baby but I totally took him out plenty when I did have the energy. Our only real barrier was that I had only bought outdoor clothes in 0-3 and then he wound up needing preemie sizes so I had to wait until I could order something smaller. If we'd had access to a low key outdoor event like that I absolutely would have.
2
u/AppalachianStackCake 12h ago
You havenāt been outside with him at all? Get outside and get some sunshine. Even if itās chilly it will be good for you both!
A walk in the park on Halloween sounds lovely.
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 12h ago
He's only a week is that so odd :( he's going out Monday for appointments but I'm just really anxious. We had a scary birth and I'm just trying to navigate the fear of almost losing him
4
u/Spicy7997 11h ago
Please get therapy for the scary birth! I had a scary pregnancy, and Iām glad my OB made me get therapy!!
As for Halloween, I think the bigger question is how cold will it be. If it is super cold, that could be too much, even if he is bundled. If it is chilly, that seems fine.
If you have to stay in, you can decorate the porch, and have a lot of fun passing out candy.
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 10h ago
I have an appt scheduled! After that harrowing trial and not being able to get away from ppd being talked about everywhere I am definitely making sure I'm processing everything and keeping my baby and self safe š
1
u/Spicy7997 7h ago
Good. Iām so glad. Also, please get a baby swing!!! I personally couldnāt handle hearing my baby cry for 20 minutes. The time I tried to let her do it for a few minutes, she was crying so hard she massively barfed everywhere. The swing was a sanity saver when I had to put her down awake, and I was alone with her.
1
u/AppalachianStackCake 11h ago
Do you even go outside on your porch or in your yard or anything? Not taking him anywhere this early isnāt odd, but the outdoors and sunshine would be good for both of you.
1
u/perpetuallypissed616 10h ago
He's been out in the back garden. I go out there every day to breath alone and to cry for a minute
2
u/ClaretCup314 11h ago
Go for it if you feel well enough! My younger (now 13) is an October baby. For her 1st Halloween I put her in the carrier with a bear hoodie blanket and we walked around the block. I still remember it as her first Halloween costume.Ā
But if you don't want to walk or stand that much, it's fine if next year is his first Halloween too!
2
u/thatsaniner 11h ago
Other than the fact that you and your husband donāt need costumes (unless that fun for you, trying to take something off your plate) this all sounds totally reasonable. Have fun.
2
u/illustrious-cream-01 16h ago
I did this last year! My 3rd and final baby was born on 10/19/25. I bundled her up (New England), snuggled her in the Moby wrap under my jacket and took my kids out it went great
2
u/funny_muffler 15h ago
Youāre good! Heās your first but if he was your second or third heād be along for the ride anyway!
1
2
u/SatisfactionBitter37 15h ago
Yes take baby out for a nice walk. It is a great time of year and I love getting festive in the fall
1
u/thewhatroom 14h ago
Do it! Itāll be fun and youāll have adorable pictures to look back on when heās older.
1
u/somrthingcreative 14h ago
From a safety perspective itās not really different from going for a walk and no one would think that was unreasonable as long as baby is appropriately bundled.
1
1
u/blahhhhhhhhhhhblah 8h ago
Youāre overthinking this. Go out early, do a lap or two around the neighborhood, show off your cute little one, get some candy, then head back home and pass out candy to the trick or treaters or just call it a night.
ā¢
u/femmegremlin 2h ago
if you walk anywhere make sure not to walk too far cause your pelvic floor is still recovering! its super classic to go on a long walk a few weeks after giving birth and then regret it when you need to walk back. halloween should be fun and your LO will likely sleep through most of it but go easy on your pelvic floor!
ā¢
u/Ill-Mathematician287 2h ago
I had a c section on October 24th last year and took our little guy out to trick or treat on Halloween. I just went to the closest houses and then took him home while my husband continued on with the big kids so I wouldnāt overdo it. He was a pumpkin. š
ā¢
ā¢
u/Queasy_Flamingo6585 1h ago
Not exactly the same, but my first was born 2 days before Thanksgiving (which is my favorite holiday). I wasn't discharged from the hospital until Thanksgiving day and we drove straight from the hospital to my grandma's house for dinner. I think as long as you feel physically up to it it's a good idea.
1
u/gentleheart05 16h ago
Definitely go! My daughter was one month old for her first Halloween and I dressed her in a little pumpkin onesie and took her around to familyās homes in her bucket seat.
1
u/SLL141821 14h ago
You are over thinking it, but that's okay lol
With all 3 of my kids on there 1st Halloween, I got them a fuzzy costume, layered them up, blankets to (im Canadian, and its cold on Halloween!) and put them in the stroller and off we went.
1
u/syntheticassault 14h ago
I brought my son voting at a week old. I did a lot of child wearing so he was outside regularly.
1
u/DirectionSweet2091 14h ago
Do it!! I had a 10/25 baby and went out on Halloween. No regrets (except maybe too much walking so soon)- baby was fine and you're a few weeks in. :)
1
u/psycheraven 13h ago
That's basically what we did for our first Halloween. Walked around the neighborhood, went back home when she started fussing.
1
u/levrelle 12h ago
If you have the energy and desire, go for it!
My son is an October baby too, though I skipped trick or treating with him the first and second year purely because I didnāt want to. Heāll be going for the first time this year at 2 years old and Iām looking forward to it.
1
u/sefidcthulhu 9h ago
We did Halloween with my 6 week old! Itās cute and his first holiday. Heāll sleep the whole time, but it will be a nice memory for you ā¤ļø
ā¢
u/Educational_Yak_6172 39m ago
Iād be more concerned about you than the baby. Remember to hydrate and go home if you start to feel tired or off.
195
u/DoodleDoo1989 17h ago
You are waaaay overthinking this. Go, have fun.