Now that you’ve brought your little one home from the hospital, settled into a routine and eased into parenthood, you might be thinking of getting out and about with your baby in tow! Although this may sound like a simple feat, all new parents know that their baby’s first outing can be stressful and nerve wrecking.
With a little bit of planning and organizing, you can make your first day out as a family , both stress-free and memorable. Read on for some preparation tips and advice!
- Figure out when it is safe to take him/her out. Consult your pediatrician prior to the first outing so that you can be aware of any health concerns & issues and how best to tackle them!
- If you are feeling overwhelmed, start small by planning a short outing. Be it a walk or a quick errand. Keep it simple and choose places that are not too crowded. Ideally try to plan the first outing to be no longer than 2-3 hours. This will help you figure out the do’s, don’ts and how your baby reacts & responds to being in unfamiliar territory. If everything goes smoothly, plan a longer day out, the second time around!
- Pick a time of day that you feel most comfortable heading out. Try to plan your outing for a time when the weather is cooler and there are less crowds. This will make it a more enjoyable experience for both you and the baby.
- Schedule your outings around the baby’s feeding schedule. Having a hungry, cranky baby will put a damper on your day. If possible, make sure to feed your baby before leaving your house.
- Make sure your baby is dressed comfortably. Ensure to dress him/her according to the weather. Loose, cotton clothes work great for warm days, while cozy warm onesies are perfect for outings in cooler weather. A comfy baby is a happy baby!
- Worried about germs and bacteria? Keep your baby safe by minimizing contact between your little one and other people. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask people not to touch your baby. Another way to keep contact at bay is to get a privacy cover for the top of your baby’s stroller.
- Choose baby friendly activities, where there will be other new parents who will make you feel relaxed and less worried. Being around other new parents who have similar concerns, suggestions and advice will help make outings with your baby less daunting.
- Ask for help when needed. If you don’t feel confident enough to take your baby out on your own, ask a family member or loved one to accompany you. Having someone there to help will make the first outing that much more enjoyable.
- Pack all the essentials. This is the most important step when planning your baby’s day out. We suggest making a list a few days prior, with all the possible things your baby might need. Your baby bag should include 3-4 diapers, wet wipes, change of clothes, a soothing lotion such as the Rebecca Lee Herbal Cream, Rebecca Lee Nappy Rash Cream, small towel, changing cloth, sippy cup, pacifier, formula, baby sunscreen, hat, burping blanket etc.
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