You probably prepared your home for the arrival of your newest member and made all arrangements to make your homestay smooth and fulfilling, but it never occurred to you that at some point, you’ll have to step out of the house with the baby.
Photo Credit
If it’s your first baby, you’ll soon realize that gone are the days you just grabbed your purse and left the house. You now have to plan, sometimes for days, for a simple visit to the store. It gets more complicated when you have to be away from the house for long hours or days. How do you make it less stressful?
Start Planning Early
If you intend to go to the store for groceries, write down everything you need to buy, where you’ll get it from and then put aside a bag for the things the baby will need. Even if it’s a short trip, pack items such as diapers, a changing pad, wipes, change of clothes, formula and bottles if you’re not breastfeeding the baby. Check out Venicci products for comfortable yet beautiful accessories to use on a day out with the baby. Nuna Baby also have a beautiful range of pushchairs including the Mixx which is very popular at the moment.
Make Sure the Baby is Comfortable
Keep the baby away from crowds. If you plan to visit the grocery store, do so when it’s less crowded such as on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Also, make sure the baby is well-fed and has a fresh diaper before stepping out. As you run your errands, don’t expose the baby to the sun.
Cover the pram, if you’re using one, with a cloth or stay where there is a shade. Dress the baby in comfortable clothes and don’t overdo it. The best way to check whether the baby is hot or cold is by touching her forehead.
Although it’s best to keep your first outdoor experience brief, when forced to be out for long hours, don’t place the baby in the stroller, bouncy seat or car seat for long hours unless she is asleep or you’re driving. Hold the baby in your arms as much as you can. It enables the baby to stretch and bond with you minimizing anxiety.
It would also be safer to keep the baby away from people. Family and friends would like to hold and touch the baby, but she is still too young for that. You’ll expose her to germs and dirt.
Prepare Yourself
As much as you want the baby to be comfortable, take time to prepare yourself. If it’s a short trip to the grocery store, put on a pair of comfortable shoes and probably carry an extra top if you’re breastfeeding. If you intend to take more than four hours away, think of having an additional person with you to either drive or help with the baby.
To make the outdoor experience more fulfilling, test the waters first. Start with shorter trips, probably to the grocery store to fetch two or three items. As you and the baby get comfortable, plan more extended trips. If going out with the baby is too much stress, consider having someone take care of her at home as you run the errands.
Laura x