Baby’s First Outing

Getting a child out the door for the first time can be daunting, difficult and downright frightening. Even a simple trip to the grocery story requires exceptional planning and organisation to get right and ensure your little one is happy. As a parent you’ll want to be as ready as possible and prepared for your child’s needs, no matter the occasion.

When to go

There are no rules about when and where to take your baby for their first outing. The timing depends on a multitude of factors including the baby and the mother’s health. Some women take a lot longer to recover from natural birth or a c-section, some doctors will recommend taking it easy for the first few weeks. Easy strolls though, can be wonderful for the baby and mother.

The best time to go is when you feel good and ready. Physically, you need to be able to walk, lift your baby if they need some comfort and carry a nappy bag at times. You also may need to maneuver yourself and your baby while out, especially if you are breastfeeding and they get hungry. All of these factors need to be taken into account.

As for your baby, the timing also relates to their immunity. Remember, for the first few weeks, your baby’s immune system is still very weak and needs time to build. For this reason, many paediatricians recommend that a baby stays indoors for at least one or two weeks after birth. If there’s no way around taking your baby out, you can always use muslin wraps to cover the pram – just remember to ensure there are a couple of gaps for adequate air-flow.

Where to go

When deciding where to go for the first couple of outings, it’s always best to go somewhere you are comfortable and somewhere that isn’t too crowded.

In Singapore, there are delightful parks to take your baby to for their first excursion. Fresh air works wonders to settle a baby and keep them happy, so laying out a picnic blanket and having a play in the park, or even taking a stroll around will do you and your baby some good. Just bear in mind the humidity levels, and make sure your baby is dressed appropriately and has enough air in their pram. It also may be wise to bring a hood for the drape to keep the sun out and a rain cover in case the heavens open.

The local mall is also a wonderful place to take your baby. Not only is it air-conditioned to keep them cool but it’s also shady so they won’t be exposed to the sun too much. There’s also plenty of amenities for you, including restaurants to grab a bite to eat, parents’ rooms so you can nurse in private if you need, and plenty of shopping to keep you entertained, whether it be actual purchasing or simply window shopping. When choosing a mall to visit however, try to avoid the more crowded ones on Orchard Road. Rather, choose a mall that is local to your neighbourhood, that you know very well, and that you’re certain will be quieter during the day.

Another great place for your first outing is to a family member or friends home. It’s indoors, highly likely to be cooler than outside, there’s comfortable seating and there are plenty of snacks. Plus, it’s great company for you. There’s an added bonus if you have a friend who also has a little one. You can then debrief about everything that is going on in your life and get another parent’s perspective.

If you prefer to be out and about, your local café can be a wonderful destination. It’s a comfortable way to ease back into your old lifestyle in a familiar environment. The atmosphere is more casual than a restaurant and most people in the café will be used to seeing babies. Then there’s also the added bonus of much-needed rest as you can relax, eat and socialise.

What to pack

Babies may be little, but they come with a lot of stuff. And this is where the need for organisation is really at its peak.

The best thing to do is to always make sure your bag is packed. The moment you get home from any outing, restock the diapers and wipes and check to see what else needs to be updated. That way, if you need to rush out the door for whatever reason, you can just grab the bag and go.

So what are the must-haves in the diaper bag?

• Diapers – it’s always wise to have a minimum of four. You never know how many times you’ll have to change your baby while out and it’s best to be safe than sorry.
• Wipes
• Changing mat – there’s no need to buy a specific changing mat if you don’t want to, although these are available. You can always use a muslin wrap (that you don’t mind washing) or repurpose something like a shower curtain. The changing mat means you can change your baby anywhere in case you don’t have a parents’ room or bathroom nearby.
• Diaper bags – the small plastic bags, that are usually odour neutralisers, for those dirty diapers.
• Hand sanitiser, anti-bacterial wipes and moisturiser
• A burp cloth – again, this doesn’t need to be a burp cloth per se, a muslin wrap will do the trick.
• Snacks and water – for you – or formula and bottles for the baby.
• Spare outfits – you never know whether the baby is going to have an accident, throw up or simply dirty their clothes so it’s always handy to have a couple of spare in the bag.

Be confident

Perhaps the best way to prepare for taking your baby out is to take it slow and gradually build up your confidence. If you feel self-assured straight away, great. If not, don’t worry. It’s completely normal to be nervous your first time out of the house. Try to be as confident as you can be and remember, all parents struggle, no matter how experienced and confident they feel.

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