Out and About with your New Baby

As any new parent knows, that first outing with a new baby can be a challenge. As your baby grows, everything tends to get a little easier. And that’s probably also because you’ve become adept at handling any situation. To make it easier for new parents, here are a few tips for getting out and about.

The key is preparation. There’s no need to lug around a suitcase but also don’t underestimate what you might need. Whether you’re heading to the shopping centre or out for a picnic, you will want a few things handy. Try to include the following:

• Nappy bag – these can be quite compact nowadays and fold up very small. The best ones will have a fold out change mat and a space for a few nappies and wipes.
• Nappies – disposables are obviously easier but you can also use cloth if you prefer. Just remember to bring a bag for dirty nappies.
• Wipes.
• Clothes – include at least one change of clothes (singlet, one-piece suit and if it’s winter, socks and extra layers).
• Wraps – muslin wraps are fabulously handy. Use them to wrap your bub, use over the pram to shade them from the sun, or throw one over your shoulder if breastfeeding in public.
• Bottles/milk – If you're breastfeeding, fantastic, it’s much easier! If you need to take bottles and milk, you might put them in a soft-sided cooler lunch box if you’re going to be out for more than an hour or so.
• Baby skincare – the Little Innoscents travel bag carries all your organic baby skincare essentials in a cute and compact size. Includes- Nappy Cream, Vapour Rub, Massage Oil, Massage Lotion and Body and Hair Wash. http://www.littleinnoscents.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=7
• Hand sanitiser – always handy!

While all of these essentials might seem a lot to carry, it’s possible to fit them all quite compactly in the bottom of your pram. If you’re travelling with a baby carrier, try and pack all the essentials into a small bag that you can throw into your shoulder bag.

New parents will discover quite quickly where there are parents' rooms in the neighbourhood: shopping centres, department stores and community facilities such as swimming pools are likely spots. Facilities vary but will generally include change tables, a kitchen bench and/or microwave to heat milk or food for older bubs, as well as toilets and private cubicles for breastfeeding. Once you start getting out and about you’ll no doubt find which parents' rooms you prefer.

If travelling by car, keep an eye out in car parks for designated areas for parents with prams. If you’re getting out and about by public transport, always look up timetables and station facilities before you leave. Wheelchair accessible buses for instance are perfect for prams. You just wheel straight on.

If you’re looking to meet friends out, try cafes that have outside tables with plenty of space for prams. Keep an eye out for cinemas that have mums and bubs sessions. Or for an easy get together, meet up in the park, throw a blanket on the ground and let your baby lie next to you.

Babies might seem a challenge when you first head out and about, but with a little planning, an outing can become a lot easier.

While the greatest effort has been invested to ensure the validity of this information, the advice therein is set as a ‘general’ guide only, and your individual needs may require a different method to the one shown. Little Innoscents would like to encourage you to see your regular healthcare professional, should you be concerned for you or your baby’s wellbeing.