Travel and Outings
Time spent planning your outing or travel schedule is never time wasted. The younger your baby, the more you will have to plan. In the first few months, your baby’s feeding schedule won’t necessarily be very predictable, so you’ll need at least one spare bottle if you’re not breastfeeding and, of course, whatever changing equipment you normally use. Lightweight baby bags containing a portable changing mat are widely available. Plan your route so that you know where you can stop, where you can change your baby, and where you can feed him without embarrassment or inconvenience. If you’re planning to shop, it is even worth calling up stores to find out if they have a mother-and-baby changing room and avoiding those that don’t.
With a very young baby, it’s simply not worth undertaking a very busy outing where you will have to walk a great deal, carry heavy loads, or make lots of changes of transport. Be easy on yourself. Try to take a friend or your partner with you if you can, so there is always an extra pair of hands and someone to help you should a problem come up. Your baby can go with you anywhere so long as you’re well enough prepared and have something in which to carry him - a sling, stroller, or car seat.
Using a Stroller
If you do not want to carry your baby in a sling, a collapsible stroller is ideal for a small baby, who will fit comfortably and snugly into its shape. Babies are interested in their surroundings from an early age, so as soon as your baby can sit up, angle the stroller so he can see what is going on around him.
You must become adept at collapsing and opening the stroller within a few seconds without any problems, so practice at home before your first outing. If you cannot fold up the stroller efficiently, you will find people jostling to get in front of you when you are in a line, which will only add to your frustration. At the very least, you should be able to open it with only one hand, kick it shut with your feet, and know how to operate the brakes - and don’t forget you will have to do all these things while holding your baby. Here are a few safety tips:
- When you open your stroller, always make sure it is in the fully extended position with the brakes fully locked.
- Never put your baby in the stroller without a safety harness.
- Never, ever, leave your baby in a stroller unattended.
- Should your baby fall asleep in the stroller, adjust it to the lie back position so he can sleep comfortably.
- Don’t put shopping bags on the handles of the stroller; they can tip the stroller and your baby may be injured.
- When you stop, always put on the brakes because you could inadvertently take your hands off the stroller and it could roll away.
- Check your stroller regularly to make sure the brakes and catches work well and the wheels are in good condition.
Public Transportation
Using public transportation can really be a trial, as neither buses nor trains are equipped or serviced for mothers and young children. Picture yourself with a stroller, a heavy and wriggling baby, the baby bag, your handbag, a coat, and possibly a toddler in tow - public transportation is the last thing you want to face.
Of course, you can make things easier by never traveling in the rush hour or, with a young baby, carrying him around in a sling. For an older baby, a backpack makes you much more independent, and you can manage everything more easily with your hands free. Always prepare yourself well ahead of time. I simply would not leave home with my children without some distracting toys, a favorite book, and a favorite snack. All your belongings, including the stroller, should be gathered together prior to leaving and in good enough time so you can check them over to make sure you have not forgotten anything. The same goes for when you are getting off a bus or train; be ready to get off in plenty of time for your stop. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from fellow passengers.
Special Outings
Your baby is never too young for an outing; indeed, with a young baby you can go just about anywhere and, provided he can look around him, he will enjoy C. the change of scene even if he doesn’t understand much of what’s going on. When planning an outing for an older child, always try to consider what your child’s personality can cope with best. If you have a quiet child who has a long concentration span, you can take him to a flower show or museum, and point out the things around him. If, on the other hand, he’s very active, he’ll need more space to run around in and a trip to the zoo, a playground, or an outdoor event may be more appropriate. Wherever you go, be prepared to make endless stops to look at whatever catches your child’s attention. Always take enough drinks and snacks to keep your child happy for the full duration of the trip. Don’t take on a trip of any kind if you or your child are feeling out of sorts; the day is bound to be a disaster, so don’t feel guilty about canceling the outing altogether.
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