Leaving the house with your baby for the first time
One of the most daunting things for a new mum is leaving the house alone with the baby for the first time. At home you know you have everything you need to make sure the day goes as smoothly as possible. The thought of leaving your comfort zone can be daunting, but you can’t spend the rest of your days outside.
One of the great things about becoming a new mum is making friends with other mamas going through the same things. So all you need to do is get your routine in place and know exactly what to take with you.
Have baby, will travel
A pram is a very good idea if you’re going a long distance and finding one that allows for a car seat will make a huge difference. Ickle Bubba does a wide range of converting travel systems that are worth looking in to.
Lots of young babies like to be held close to your body, so having a sling wrap or a long shawl is a great option. Just remember, if you’re carrying your baby in a sling, they will be attached to you until you get home! A good compromise is to take a sling and a carrycot if you are going out for a while to give you a break.
Smart packing
Your changing bag is one of the most useful items you’ll buy. You don’t need to spend a fortune – a rucksack will work fine and might even be more comfortable. The important thing is what you include. Wipes, nappies, nappy sacks and a changing mat are all essentials but there are a few other things you might like to take. A toy is a good idea to keep your baby occupied and a few snacks and drinks are highly recommended. Take a look at my changing bag essentials here.
Take a friend
If you’re leaving the house for the first time, it’s a good idea to take your partner or a friend. They’ll be able to help you figure out the pram, the car seat or just watch the baby whilst you pop to the loo! There are lots of newborn-friendly outings you might consider but to begin with, it’s a good idea to stay fairly close to home and not put too much pressure on yourself. Visiting a coffee shop and treating yourself to a cake is a great first outing and you might even find other young mums doing the same thing and in the mood for some conversation.
Going out does require a lot more preparation than it did in pre-baby years but as you get used to it, you’ll find yourself automatically checking you have everything and gaining confidence to do more exciting things.
*This is a collaborative post.
