Leaving the house with your baby can feel like a military operation, so here are our top tips for making life easier on the go.

Venturing out of the house for the first time with your newborn can be a daunting experience for any new mum, so it’s a good idea to keep the first few trips as short as possible. Start with a walk around the block and slowly increase the time you spend outdoors as your confidence grows. Inviting your mum or a close friend to join you will also help you to feel less anxious.

Transport

The best way to transport your baby depends on where you’ll be going. Newborn babies benefit from being as close to their parents as possible in their first few weeks of life. By placing them in a baby sling or carrier they can be surrounded by your body’s warmth and comforted by your heartbeat, whilst leaving your hands free to do other things. A baby carrier or sling is perfect for crowded airports or stations, sightseeing trips and walks that pushchairs might struggle with.

At other times, a travel system might work out better, allowing you to whisk the car seat out of taxis or your car straight onto the pushchair chassis, without disturbing your baby.
If you travel a lot by public transport, live in a first floor or higher apartment and/or will be taking your baby on lots of short journeys during the day, a lightweight, easy to erect pushchair will become invaluable.

Car seats

It is very important to buy a car seat that is suitable for your make and model of car and the car of anyone else who will be transporting your baby. The supplier will be able to confirm this. Seats can be fixed to the car in two ways, either with an adult three-point seat belt or with IsoFix fittings that are integral to your car.

Changing

You will inevitably use your changing bag for at least two years so look for a stylish design that features lots of compartments and is easy to clean. It’s a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality by packing the following:

• Nappies (plan for one nappy change an hour for newborns)
• Wipes (cotton wool for newborns)
• Nappy sacks
• Nappy cream
• Changing mat
• Muslin squares
• Dummy and dummy clip to attach to clothing
• Breast-feeding mums: breastpads and a breastfeeding support pillow
• Bottle-feeding mums: pre-sterilised bottles and measured doses of formula powder
• A change of clothes for your baby and an extra top for you in case of spills or possetting
• Sunscreen and sunhat (summer)
• Extra clothing layers and a blanket (winter) 
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Feeding

If you’re going to be bottle feeding while you’re out, either using breast or formula milk, make sure you have an emergency supply in case you have to stay out later than planned. This is when travel sterilisers and disposable bottles can come in handy. If you’re in a café you can ask for a bowl of hot water to stand the bottle in for a few minutes to warm the milk. Otherwise invest in a travel bottle warmer.

Where to Go

Whether you want to make new mum friends, do some gentle exercise or encourage your baby to interact with other children, there are lots of local activities for you to get involved with.

Mum and baby group
Make new mum friends and relax with a cup of tea while your baby sleeps or plays.
Postnatal exercise class
Ask your local gym if any classes are held for mums and babies. Many leisure centres also have a crèche on-site so check these too.
Playground, soft-play area or music group
Private classes can be expensive so personal recommendations are useful.
Swimming pool
Ask you local pool about baby sessions.
Local park
Perfect for some fresh air and light exercise.

Tippitoes’ Top Tips

• Always buy a new car seat. If a second-hand model has been in an accident, its safety will be compromised
• Not all car seats are compatible with all makes of car. Always check with the retailer.
• Consider your lifestyle and budget before choosing your pushchair. Negotiating public transport in a busy city? Opt for a lightweight model with a compact fold. Taking regular countryside walks? A tough buggy should be your pushchair of choice.

Getting Out and About Checklist

• Consider using a sling or baby carrier
• Choose the right pushchair for your lifestyle/budget
• Check that you have the correct car seat for your baby’s weight
• Check that your car seat is compatible with your car
• Pack your changing bag with a changing mat, nappies, wipes, nappy cream, nappy sacks, muslin squares, a dummy, pre-sterilised bottles and a change of clothes.

Ensure that you are prepared for the weather. A baby sunhat and sunshade if it’s hot and a pushchair raincover and extra layers if it’s wet.

Article By Judith Wilkinson

If you are looking for products that can help you and Baby's Out and About experience, why not check out our Travel Essentials List or Out and About category.