I vividly remember dreading the first time I had to leave the house with my daughter. It felt like such a huge ordeal. It was like stepping into a whole new world where everything seemed too loud, too fast, and far too risky for someone so tiny and fragile. The idea of navigating it all was totally overwhelming.
But with a bit of planning (and a few good deep breaths), it turned out to be far more manageable than I’d feared. Once you get through those first few scary times, each outing gets a little easier.
Here are a few tips that helped me take those first steps and might help you too:
- Take Backup
I was lucky as my husband was able to take paternity leave, and we made a point of getting out together during those early days. Having someone by my side, both emotionally and physically, made a world of difference. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a family member, having an extra pair of hands (and some moral support) can turn a daunting outing into a pleasant one.
- Don’t worry about tears and tantrums
That includes your own! Let’s be honest—babies cry. Yours will too and that’s completely normal. Whether it happens in the car, the café, or halfway through a walk, try not to panic. People get it and most have been there and if they don’t – well frankly that’s on them. Take a breath, comfort your baby as best you can, and remind yourself that it’s okay if things don’t go “perfectly”.
- Keep it small
Your first few outings don’t need to be big adventures. A short walk around the block, a quick visit to a friend or family member, or even a drive just to get out of the house can make a big difference. Think of it as practice for both of you. Like everything in parenting, leaving the house is a learning curve. There’s no rush. Go at your own pace, and build confidence one step at a time.
- Make a packing list
It might feel a bit over-the-top at first, but having a packing list can be a total lifesaver, especially for those first few outings when your sleep deprived brain is foggy and everything feels new. It takes the guesswork out of leaving the house and helps you feel more prepared.
Here’s what I usually keep in my changing bag:
- Nappies
- Wipes and cotton wool pads
- Nappy bags
- Sudocrem (or your go-to nappy cream)
- Two spare outfits
- Muslins and bibs
- Breast pads (for me)
- Spare socks (for her)
As I’m breastfeeding, I don’t need to take anything for feeding but myself! ….but if you’re formula feeding, be sure to pack whatever you’ll need like bottles and formula.
I also take a small handbag with my phone, keys and cards etc in. It’s just easier to have that to hand if the big bag is under the pushchair. Trust me, once you’ve got your essentials sorted, it makes going out feel a lot less stressful.
5.Timing is key
There will be times in the future when you need to be on time for something and it might not suit your baby, but for the first few trips out, try and schedule it so that baby is fed and changed and ready for a nap. That way everything is just so much calmer!
6.Embrace the chaos
Prepare yourself for the fact that your baby might cry, there may be a nappy explosion or things just might not go entirely to plan. Accepting that things may get a bit messy (sometimes literally!) takes the pressure off. It doesn’t mean the outing was a failure, it just means you’re a parent, doing your best. And that’s more than enough.