Congratulations on bringing home your baby! After being home for a day or two, it may be time to go out with baby already, most of the time to go visit the pediatrician. Getting ready to leave your home with your baby can present quite a challenge! Follow this guide to set yourself up for success!
Give yourself extra time to get yourself and baby ready.
First and most importantly, plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get ready to leave. If you need 30 minutes, give yourself an hour, and set aside time to get baby ready to go as well! Changing their diaper, getting them dressed, fed, and in their carseat may take longer than we anticipate.
Plan your commute.
If you are going somewhere like the pediatrician, it can be good to scope out the land ahead of time. Find where you have to go and how to get there before the baby is here so you don’t get lost at the last minute before an appointment! This takes some prenatal planning, but can really pay off!
Feed right before you leave.
To give yourself the widest window before the next feed as you can, try to feed as the last thing you do before you leave! Timing feeds can be really challenging, but it is better to feed sooner rather than later.
Pack the night before.
Pack the diaper bag and car the night before! Having everything ready to go will make the process go smoothly and will help you avoid forgetting anything last minute!
Speaking of packing the diaper bag, what should you pack?
Diapers, wipes, cream (if needed)
A couple simple spare baby outfits
Hand sanitizer
Waterproof bag for dirty diapers/clothes
Burp/receiving cloth
Feeding supplies for long trips
Pacifier (if using)
Ultimately, just give yourself some extra time. Be gentle and go easy on yourself as well as baby. These things get easier as you go.