Quick tips for getting out and about with your baby
Going on day trips or shopping trips with your baby can be very daunting to begin with. But, it needn’t be scary and unless you are marching up the Hindu Kush, there is nothing you can forget that cannot be purchased from even the smallest of local shops.
What shall I take?
You know your baby best, but around five nappies, packet of wet wipes and 1-2 spare baby grows in case of nappy explosions are usually enough. A muslin cloth is great for spillages, baby sick or an impromptu sunshade.
How shall I take it?
Keep it light, keep it minimal. And don’t pack the entire contents of Mothercare. Go for a practical bag that will be easy to sling over a shoulder when using public transport and having to fold a buggy up or down.
A thin, yet large changing mat is also a useful item to have for changing your baby anywhere – and for sitting on wet park benches.
An independent pocket housing purse, phone or other items you may need to access quickly will be a bonus.
If you are taking bottles, you don’t necessarily need bottle pockets in your bag as you can wedge them upright with nappies.
If you are formula feeding, take sterile bottles and individual cartons of formula. Don’t take bottles of water and powder as cooled water will not sterilise the powdered milk.
If you are taking bottles of formula you have made up, pop an ice pack wrapped in a carrier bag for them to sit against.
Damn! I forgot the formula! – Remember, babies survive the slums of India. A different brand of formula going into your baby is not going to bring about a visit from social services.
What shall I take the baby in?
Up to six months of age, a fully reclining buggy or pram to enable a baby to lie flat is best. From six months, a sturdy buggy with some recline is good. But, avoid the very cheap umbrella buggies – around £10 – £18 – as they rarely recline, have swivel wheels or no shopping basket underneath.
If you can’t fold up your buggy or pram, this will leave you at some disadvantage when using public transport.
A good quality front baby carrier is great for trains and buses. Make sure it has good lumbar support for you and excellent head support for the baby.
When the baby is around the age of six months, you will be able to use a back carrier. This is great if you already have your hands full with older children.
A good quality back carrier will have great support for both you and the baby. It’s worth shopping around to find the best price. Those without huge metal frames are better for getting on and off buses.
Some carriers will allow you to carry your child until the age of three – four years. They may also zip up into a ruck sack style bag – great for closing up if you have dropped your child off to nursery and are heading straight into work.
Make sure you practice using them before leaving the house. Pop the instructions in your pocket in case you can’t remember how to get the carrier off again.