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When you first have a baby, you’ve got to get used to a lot of new things. You’ve got a new bundle of joy in your life, but you’re also going to be stressed out here and there, and always worried about providing the best for your baby. Eventually you’ll be able to calm down and realize you’re a great parent, but it takes a little while to get there.
And nothing is more worrying than knowing you’ve got to introduce your baby to the big bad world outside. Taking your baby outside for the first time is a big step, and it’s one a lot of parents approach with trepidation. But just like getting into a sleeping and feeding routine, it’s something you can get used to, even if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing.
As such, here are our tips for taking your baby outside and making sure they love being out. It can be a hard adjustment, for both of you, but it has to be done. Babies love being in nature, and you need to show yourself that being out with your newborn isn’t as scary as it seems.
Picking Your Moment
Taking your baby outside is a personal decision, and you should only do so when you feel ready. Of course, your baby will need to see the outside at some point, but you can take a week or two if you feel like it. For now you could simply be happy being indoors with your little one, and they don’t know much different until you do take them out.
Indeed, a lot of new parents like to spend these initial stages inside to better bond and get used to each other, and only then does the idea of going outside start to come in. So pick your moment; it could be now, it could be at the end of the month. It’s up to you, and you should never feel rushed into going out there before you’re truly ready.
Pack Your Bag Well Ahead of Time
Once you do decide it’s time to head out, it’s best to pack your outdoors bag early. Get everything you need in there well ahead of time, to give you a chance to double check. We all know how easy it is to forget about things when you’ve got a fussy baby in front of you.
It’s best to get all your hygiene items in there now and keep them there – buy separate supplies for outings. You should also pack extra clothing and blankets in case the weather turns. If you’re breastfeeding, you might feel like taking a privacy cover out with you, but if not be sure to have plenty of water and dry formula all packed up too.
Dress Right
Dressing for heading out with a baby is fairly simple, but it can feel like a complicated decision. Above all else, you need to feel comfortable. You need to feel like you can walk a good way with the baby in front of you, which usually means putting on comfy jeans and well worn shoes that won’t leave you with blisters.
And the same goes for your baby! They need to be comfortable, but you also need to keep an eye on the temperature. Babies can’t quite regulate their own temperature in the first few months, so be sure to wrap up warm. Make sure the sun isn’t directly on them, and always have a rain cover ready to go just in case.
Make Sure Baby is Settled
Your baby is about to head out into the world for the first time, so they should be feeling comfortable and calm before being taken out the front door. As such, most parents wait until their baby has been fed before going out; it’s much easier to take a sleepy baby out than it is one who’s awake and alert and hungry.
You should still think about taking food out with you, but if your little one has recently had a meal, your trip should be calm and without worry. If they wake up it’ll be far less of a drama, and you can just whip them out and let them feed again if need be. They’ll soon take to being outside as a normal thing, and won’t fuss much even without that pre-walk feed.
Keep the Car to Pram Transition Easy
If you’re planning to go on a little journey, the easiest way to transport your baby is via the car. And that means you should get used to clipping your baby in and out of a car seat. Take your time to feel relaxed with getting your baby in and out, and making sure they’re strapped in safely.
However, you can still make this easier for yourself and buy a stroller that doubles up as a car seat. Indeed, more and more pushchairs of this variety are on the market, and you can check out the common car seat stroller features right here. If you can just lift the whole seat in and out, there’s nothing to worry about.
Start Short and Build Up
Start by going on short walks, and then slowly let them get longer and longer. You don’t want to rush yourself or your baby down a long winding road, only to be tired and feel like crying knowing you have to get back up it again. It won’t make you feel any more positive about going outside with your newborn, and your baby will pick up on these vibes and start to hate it too.
So take it slow, go at your own pace, and don’t let other parents who go on long adventures with their baby make you feel bad. It’s up to you to introduce your baby to the outside world, and you can take as much time as you like in doing so.
Get Some Professional Advice
If you’re really worried about going out and about with your baby for the first time, talk to your doctor. Get to know their opinion on your worries, and also how your baby’s health might fare. If a professional tells you it’ll all be fine, you can feel a lot stronger in your decision to pack them into the pram and set off.
Of course, it’s always a slight worry to be out where all kinds of infections could linger, but there’s still only a small chance anyone could catch something. If you go out early in the morning or early afternoon, you’re far less likely to run into crowds of any kind. Plan your trips around work rushes, lunch periods, and the school run, and you’ll find being out far more peaceful than you ever expected.
Taking Your Baby Out for the First Time is Special
Taking your baby outside for the first time is daunting, but it should also be an exciting time. This is your baby’s first step into the outside world, and getting used to being part of what’s going on. And as a parent, this is a lovely chance for you and your child to bond in a new way.
Exploring together, and being a safe base for your baby, both go a long way to building the love you’ve always wanted to experience! So keep the advice above in mind if you’re worried about the idea – it’ll happen one day, but you still don’t have to rush into it.
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