Running errands or attending groups outside of the home

[Doj]

Hello


I am just starting the EASY program with my 7 week old daughter. I am one of those people that has a hard time staying home. A
After reading the books I have some questions:
1. Since the little one is on a structured routine,  how does and when is the best time to take them out and run some errands? Would it be during her activity time which usually only lasts about 45 min, but my errands may run much longer than that. She always falls asleep while in the car.

2. I have joined two groups, a moms and babies group and a baby massage group. (I need to get out of the house) Both group run for 1.5 hours a week on different days. They run during the Sleep time. How do I handle this? 

What I would really like to know is how do you handle going out with your little one when there is such a structured routine.

Any suggestions?

[momtoelise]

When my dd was really little, I'd run leave to run errands when it was nap time.  She'd always fall asleep in the car & I'd have that time as her nap time & be home in time for the next feeding.  Once she got a little older, she wouldn't fall asleep when we were out - so, I now do errands during her awake time & get home in time for her nap.  At this point her awake time is longer so that's more manageable.

As far as the groups/classes go, I would just do the best I could with her naps & keeping her on schedule for feedings.  Some days when I went to a group, her nap would just be a short one in the car.  I'd keep the EASY routine the same & hope that she'd take a longer nap late to compensate for the shorter one.  Give yourself a little flexibility & enjoy getting out - it's important for you both! 

[Grace's Mom]

I completely agree.  We would also always go out during nap time but she won't nap out and about anymore so I make sure I am home for all her naps except her cat nap between 5 and 6:30. I agree it is hard.  I was going to attend a MOP's group but it always ends up right in the middle of a nap and I just can't manage to wake her from a nap.  The only time we get her up early from her nap is on Sundays when we head to church.  She use to fall right back to sleep in the car but last week she stay awake which threw off the next cycle but we somehow got back on track.

It's hard but as they get older I think it gets easier.  I am just waiting for her awake time to extend so I have time to go out and about.

Melissa