How to Prepare for an Outing with Your Baby

Deciding that you're going to take your baby out for the very first time is bound to be nerve-wracking and overwhelming. Thoughts about what needs to be packed in the baby bag might plague you all the while you're getting ready to prepare for an outing.

This is a completely normal response for first-time parents who listen to elders, relatives, and parents about the 'dos and don'ts' about going out with your baby. Sometimes even health concerns, especially in light of COVID-19, can deter parents from exposing their children to the outside, depriving them of well needed fresh air and sunlight.

So, when you decide to take your newborn out for the first time, there are some things you need to consider beforehand?

Lay Your Worries to Rest

If after speaking with those close to you, and you still have concerns, consult your baby’s pediatrician. It’s always a good idea to schedule a doctor’s visit to make sure your infant is not immunocompromised or does not have any other health concerns. The doctor may also require you to have on hand certain supplies or may suggest you wait longer.

Along with familiar advice and getting an all clear sign from your baby’s pediatrician, you will now be able to make an informative decision and lay your worries to rest.

Get Your Baby Bag Ready

Perhaps the most important step to preparing for a baby's day out is getting a bag ready. Think of all possibilities of what your baby might need. Carry extra diapers and wipes  because there is always a possibility of unexpected events and you want to be prepared  of some of the other trouble following you.

Gone are the days where you could grab your keys and wallet and rush out. You're going to have to become a meticulous planner for your baby's bag. Some people find organizing and preparing for it extremely exciting.

Some essentials that you will need are,

• Biodegradable diapers
• Natural baby wipes
• Disposable diaper changing pads
• Sippy cups
• Pacifiers
• Baby sunscreen and hat
• Change of clothing
• Sterile water
• Formula
• Masks and sanitizer

Try your best to use sustainably made products, that contain no harmful ingredients that could cause serious skin irritations like eczema. Keep your baby as safe as you possibly can!

Time Your Outing Perfectly 

Of course, you cannot avoid crowds altogether but choose a time of the day to go out when you know there is less traffic on the street, and you'll be able to catch some fresh air. Moreover, your baby will be less overwhelmed with the outside world if exposed ever so slowly to it.

Make sure that you schedule all outings around your baby’s feeding schedule. You do not want to have a hungry baby while you are out on your adventure. Make sure you have plenty of liquids for both you and your baby especially if you are doing a lot of walking.

Also, if you need to rest make sure you have mapped out the locations of baby-friendly venues.

To Conclude

Don't hesitate for too long when thinking about exposing your child to the outside. Chances are, he/she will be fascinated with seeing new places and faces. However, be ready to handle their tantrums because they're in a new space and will want to cling onto what is most familiar to them.

If you're looking for high-quality natural diapers and other baby products made responsibly from plant-based materials, then visit littletoes.com for more insightful information.

Author's Bio: Dr. Sharon Fried Buchalter Ph.D., is a distinguished clinical psychologist, life coach, and public speaker who has worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist and clinical social worker. She received the highest accreditation as a board-certified diplomate-fellow in advanced child and adolescent psychology. She has spent her lifetime educating, enlightening and empowering parents and children of all ages.

She has developed revolutionary tools to help couples, parents, and families achieve happiness and success. Her first book Children Are People Too, provides eight essential steps designed to strengthen families and empower parents to be their own child's life coach and mentor. Her second book New Parents Are People Too, provides relationship advice for couples entering parenthood for the first time.

She is also the founder and owner of Products On The Go. And Little Toes.