Tips for Taking Your Baby Outside

Want to take your baby outside, but have no idea what to take or how to do it in the least stressful manner possible? Having a baby changes everything about the way you do things. Simple trips to the grocery store now require more planning and thought. And- gasp!- you now have to take not just a purse or wallet, but a diaper bag too!

Parenthood requires complete preparation for just about any situation. Regardless of the activities planned, all it takes is a little preparation and a few safety precautions, and you can take baby with you anywhere.

The first important thing about taking baby outside is to make sure you have a diaper bag specifically for outside. In your "outside" diaper bag, you'll need sunscreen, infant-safe insect repellent spray or wipes, some sort of large blanket or towel to spread on the ground for baby to play on, plenty of toys for baby (so he/she doesn't try to eat dirt, grass or bugs!), and plenty of water for baby to stay hydrated.

If your baby takes formula, then it's a good idea to put formula in it's own separate container and have a bottle of water to mix formula with. I suggest taking formula in powdered form, it's not as heat/cold sensitive, and won't spoil like ready to eat or concentrated liquid formula will. If you must take already mixed, ready to eat, or concentrated liquid formula- put it in a small cooler with plenty of ice in it, to keep it cold and keep it from spoiling.

Always take at least two extra clean outfits for your baby- just in case. And it's a great idea to take a jacket or sweater along for baby, just in case it gets cool while you're out and about. If you are going to be near water, swimming or on a boat, make sure you have a life-jacket for baby as well, and make sure he/she is wearing it at all times near the water.

A stroller is a wonderful companion when taking baby outside. Depending on where you are going and what kind of activities you are doing- you may need either a small, light-weight "umbrella" stroller or you may need a heavy-duty, all-terrain "jogging" stroller. A stroller with storage space underneath or behind baby's seat can really help take a load off of your back and shoulders. Make sure you have a canopy or umbrella on the stroller to protect baby from sunlight, or put a hat on him/her.

Other things to include in your "outside" diaper bag are; small disposable bags to seal dirty diapers in, hand sanitizer, and a first-aid kit that contains bandages, antibiotic ointment, insect-bite relief spray or ointment, Tylenol for fever or pain, and infant allergy medication. It's better to be prepared than be sorry!

Make sure, no matter what time of year you take baby outside- that baby is properly dressed for the weather and protected from the elements. Avoid exposing your baby to direct sunlight for too long, low temperatures for extended periods of time, and avoid taking your baby outside if he/she has severe allergies, is sick, or has recently been sick.

All precautions aside, taking your baby outside and doing outside activities with him/her provides a great bonding experience for you both. You'll both benefit from fresh air and outdoor activities. If you start some good hobbies and experiences now, you'll enjoy them for many years to come as your baby gets older.