Baby Outings

Page Updated on July 28, 2007

Baby carrier seat (1) If you have an infant car seat, chances are it converts into a baby carrier seat. This is a seat with a handle, but no matter how ergonomic the handle is supposed to be, carrying it around isn't very easy. However, those handles are perfect for transporting your baby from room to room (if your little one is sleeping in the seat while you're working around the house), from car to house or house to car, or from car to shopping cart or stroller (if yours will attach to a shopping cart or stroller) without disturbing your baby's sleep. When traveling they can also be used as a place for baby to relax without having to be placed on the floor or furniture in a room that isn't babyproofed, and they make a good place to keep your little one still while you try to feed him. In some cases they can even act as a travel bed for smaller babies. Try to get one that doubles as a car seat.

Sling / soft carrier (1-2) A sling or soft carrier can be a lifesaver, especially if your baby demands to be held all the time. They both let you have your hands free while still having your baby close to you. Don't expect your baby to love either of them immediately. First, try to start your baby in a carrier or sling as early as possible. Walk around immediately after you put your baby in it; it will calm her down enough to get used to it. After several times in the carrier or sling, you won't need to do this. You need to start out slowly, carrying junior for just a few minutes, and build up until she feel comfortable being in it for extended periods. It will really calm her down, so she can get used to it. I suggest starting off with a sling. The sling can actually hold your baby through toddler-hood, but it does have it's drawbacks. First, you have to practice with it. There are tons of positions you can use (e.g. laying, sitting, facing outward, facing inward, around the hip, etc.), but you need to practice putting your baby in each position. Some positions allow you to breastfeed without exposing yourself. You get the hang of it quickly, but it takes work. Sometimes you'll still need to keep one hand on baby, so it isn't always totally hands-free. It can also get too warm in the summer, so pay attention to your baby's body temperature. Soft carriers let your kid's feet dangle, which can be a good thing in the summer to keep her cool. They're also easier to use and don't require too much practice. They're best for going on walks or when you need to be completely hands-free most of the time. You can also reach and bend more easily with these, so they're good for doing things like grocery shopping. You can always decide to buy one or the other, or you can do what I did and purchase both. I use my sling around the house and when going out in cold temperature, and I use my soft carrier when I go shopping, on nature walks, etc.

My favorite slings are the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder® and the Dr. Sears Original Baby Sling®. They're both sturdy, comfortable, easy to adjust, and reasonably priced.

My favorite soft front carrier is the Snugli 3-Position Infant Carrier® because it's a comfortable, quality product that let's your baby sit in several positions and won't cost you an arm and a leg. Other products like Baby Bjorn® carriers are wonderful (even better than the Snugli products), but they're so expensive. If you're not able to afford mid-priced or expensive carriers, try that Snugli Companion Carrier®. It's the best low priced carrier out there.

Backpack carrier (1) A backpack carrier is usually designed for things like hiking. Your baby must be able to sit up unassisted to use one though. They usually have extra pouches to store things and allow baby to look out at the world. They're great for amusement parks, hiking, or any other activity that involves lots of walking and the desire to let your child enjoy the view. They're also a bit easier to get men to wear because they look sporty rather than "motherly". The only drawback is that the good ones are expensive. Make sure you go to a store that sells several types and brands to try them all out. Then look for a good deal on your favorite one online.
Stroller (1-2) When it comes to strollers there are those people who swear by the cheap umbrella strollers and those who insist on having a "can you believe all the stuff this thing can do" convertible travel systems. If you buy a convertible travel system, it will have an infant carrier seat / car seat that attaches to the top and acts like a carriage. Then, when baby gets older, the carrier / car seat detaches and it can be used to push around an older baby or toddler. These strollers also have lots of important things like cup holders, trays for mommy and daddy to put keys and snacks, trays for baby to use as an arm rest if leaning forward or a table when eating, toys that won't fall off (or places to attach toys that won't fall off), baskets to hold the diaper bag, canopies to block out the sun and rain, windows so you can see your baby while you have the canopy open, the ability to open and fold with the use of just one hand, the ability to be steered with just one hand, and tons of other stuff. Believe me, when you have any of these features you really appreciate them, but they come at a price. First of all, these strollers are more expensive than basic strollers. They're also bigger, which means that you need to find a way to shove them in your tiny trunk or drag them on the bus. For short, daily errands or commutes, I suggest using a smaller, lighter, cheaper stroller. For outings that will take a bit more time and involve more walking, I recommend using a fancier stroller, and for the sake of saving money I recommend buying a convertible travel system.
Car seat (1 that you can move from car to car or 1 per car) You absolutely must have a car seat. Most hospitals won't even let you take your baby out of the building without one. Don't bother buying an infant/toddler convertible seat, which faces backward for an infant then switches around for a toddler. Stick with an infant seat for the first year, which can also double as an infant carrier. Then purchase a forward facing seat when your child is old enough and big enough. Why? Infants don't fit as well in convertible seats as they do in infant seats. Plus, by the time your child is old enough to use it as a forward facing seat, safety standards may have changed, and you'll want to buy a new seat to meet these new standards. (This is also the reason why you don't want to buy a car seat too soon in advance. Wait until you're at least toward the end of your second trimester.)
Baby / diaper bag (1-2) You'll need something big with lots of pockets to keep with you in the car (even for short trips) because you never know when you'll get stuck in traffic, stranded with a car that just broke down, or faced with any other unexpected event. You can purchase an expensive diaper bag that comes with a changing pad and the works, or you can just get a good, sturdy hiking back pack (often for less than half the price) and buy your accessories separately. Even though it's a good idea to carry such a large bag in the car or to friend's houses, you don't need it for grocery shopping. You probably will have to go back out to your car to change diapers or clothes anyhow (since it's just not practical to do in a shopping cart), so you might at well leave those things in the car in the big bag. Instead, bring a small bag with just the essentials (e.g. bottle, blanket, burp cloth, pacifier, toy, etc.) to get you through your errand. You can use a gender neutral back pack (so daddy won't be embarrassed by carrying around a cute little bag covered with bunnies) or just shove it all in your purse.
Travel play-pen (1) This is only necessary if you're going to a place that isn't childproof. Make sure that it's certified by the JPMA because the last thing you want is a play-pen that does more harm to your child than a room that isn't babyproofed.