1. Pack Strategically
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to pack strategically when one is planning an outing with a baby. For starters, minimize the nonessentials. They’ll just be too much baggage for no good reason. If you are running an errand, you do not need a million extra baby bottles.
So what items should you pack? Always remember to prepare and pack for feedings and diaper changes. You can use your favorite backpack, tote or messenger diaper bag. Never miss diapers and at least a bottle. You never know when they might surprise you. Wipes, extra clothes, hand sanitizer, a small blanket, a pacifier and a changing pad are among the essentials that you should always have in your diaper bag when leaving the house. And don’t forget your wallet too! We don’t want you to get stranded.
2. Plan Trips Around Baby’s Schedule
A great trick for easy outings with the baby is planning the trip around the baby’s sleep schedule. Instead of struggling to make the baby fit in your schedule, why not fit yours around the baby’s? It works great in ensuring that your outings are as smooth as possible since the baby’s schedule isn’t disrupted. You’ll probably end up avoiding those meltdowns since the baby will be asleep anyway. It’s a win for everyone.
3. Length of Outings
Outings with the baby do not have to be an all-day affair. If you have to bring the baby along when running errands, then make sure you keep your activities short so that you are back home in no time. Make a quick stop at the grocery store and pick up whatever you need really fast to avoid getting the baby tired. The shorter the outing, the better. Once they are all grown up, you can go back to having those all-day outings.
4. Picking Your Outing Location
Pick out your outing location carefully. No one wants to hear a baby scream while they are watching a movie, so you probably don’t want to go with your baby to the movies. Plus, it’s not good etiquette. Be considerate and put yourself in other people’s shoes. Then there is the whole germs issue. Avoid really crowded places like weddings and sports events because your little wonder might just leave with an infection. The horror us parents go through when our babies are unwell. You definitely do not want to go through this.
Nail and beauty salons are a No-No too. A great place to go with your baby can be a nice quiet restaurant. Sometimes situations force us to go to places we otherwise would have avoided, like funerals. If you absolutely have to go, then please do. Pay your respects, but prepare accordingly.
5. Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to these trips. You probably remember how you used to grab your stuff and leave the house without a care in the world before the baby came. Now, with the baby, this cannot be the case. If you want to have a stress-free outing, then you have to plan for everything and do it early. Way before the outing. Give yourself a few hours to get both you and the baby ready for the outing. Do not make plans to leave the house the very day of the outing. Start preparing early, probably a day before. Your outings should be done first thing in the morning. Especially if they are doctor’s appointments. You never know how long lines can be. The earlier the better.
When all is said and done, it is important to note that it is vital to be prepared for anything and everything when it comes to babies. They always tend to surprise us, and sometimes not in a good way. Also, do not forget about you! You are important too. Your well-being is theirs too.
Melanie
Photo by Julie Johnson
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