As a stay-at-home mom of two young children, I try to leave the house daily. I remember when I was on my first maternity leave with my daughter Emersyn, and I needed ways to practice getting out of the house. Gathering everything we “needed”, getting us both somewhat dressed and ready, and buckling her into her car seat seemed to all take an hour or more. But you know what? It got easier every single time.
I would argue that in the early days, getting out and about is mostly about your mental well-being, and building confidence as a parent. It is also good for babies to learn flexibility and experience new environments, even practice being in a car seat or stroller. Later on, in to toddlerhood, leaving the house becomes more about wearing out your toddler, teaching them how to behave in public, and helping them grow.
So, how do you start leaving the house more? You practice. When I had my son, Everett, I had to learn how to leave the house with two kids. There were more of us to get ready, more supplies, and two, sweet kiddos to get buckled in.
Here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way for leaving the house with babies and toddlers:
Tip #1: Leave with full bellies
If you have a baby specifically, I recommend leaving the house right after a feeding. Nurse or bottle-feed your baby, burp them very well, change their diaper and then get them buckled up. By doing this, you are setting yourself up to have a couple of hours out without having to stop for a feeding. This can also help with the nerves of nursing in public (which is another thing that just takes practice, and does eventually get easier).
You can also give your toddler a snack at this time, or pack a few to go with you. Don’t forget a snack and water for yourself. I love to grab a coffee or food while I’m out, but I try not to do that every time for cost reasons.
Tip #2: Start small
If you’re leaving every day, or several times a week, not every outing needs to be a big deal. In the newborn days, one of my favorite ways to leave the house was to go through the drive-thru at Starbucks and then the drive-thru car wash. Just simply leaving the house did wonders for me. Other small outings could be:
- Target, Walmart, a thrift store or the mall to wander around
- Grocery shopping, or grocery pick-up if it’s daunting to do the shopping with your baby
- A walk, if weather allows
- Go to a friend or family member’s house
- The library
Tip #3: Pack a baby carrier
When I had one baby, I preferred a stroller. But with a toddler and a baby, the carrier was a saving grace. For example, taking an outing to the park or library to let the toddler play felt easier when I had both hands free and the baby attached to me. That way I could easily help Emersyn get up the playground equipment, push her on the swing, etc. A stroller also works, but depending on where you are, it’s not as safe to leave the baby alone while you’re helping the toddler.
Some babies do better snuggled up closely to you. If your baby doesn’t seem to like a ride in the stroller, try the carrier.
Eventually, I did get a double stroller that holds both kids side-by-side. It’s amazing! I do think this is the best now that Everett is 9-months-old. Both of them enjoy sitting next to each other. I recommend a stroller for bigger outings with two, such as the mall, children’s museum, etc. Somewhere your toddler may get tired of walking. Also, you know your kids best. Emmy has always been a stroller-lover, so I knew a double was a good investment for our family. Some toddlers outgrow it quicker.
Tip #4: Brave the weather
This one is tough for me. As I type it’s currently negative 3 degrees in Colorado. However, it’s not usually that cold. I get out a less in the winter because it is harder to keep everyone warm, and the outings are more limited. BUT, it’s worth it to brave the weather and get out. With a baby, make sure you dress them properly.
Yesterday, I got Emersyn and I dressed and took her out to play in the snow. Thankfully, it was the weekend so my husband could stay inside with the baby. It took probably 15 minutes to get us bundled up and we stayed out for probably the same amount of time, but it was so fun. She was so happy to make snow angels, and both of us felt great after getting outside.
Tip #5: Face your fears
Getting out with a baby or even older kids can cause anxiety. One of the best ways to improve that anxiety is to get out more often. I experienced not wanting to leave the house right after I had Everett. It felt too overwhelming and I just felt safer, and happier at home. However, that begins to take a toll. Although it’s scary, getting out will likely make you feel less anxious.
Tip #6: Keep your diaper bag packed
I love a good diaper bag checklist! However, you don’t have to have everything you could ever think of for every outing. What I must absolutely have every time is diapers, wipes, changing pad hand sanitizer, and a change of underwear and pants for my toddler. This all fits in one smaller bag, that I reload all the time to make sure it’s full. The rest I like to get ready when I have a calm moment, not right before we have to leave. I like to add water bottles, snacks, a bottle + formula if I need it, and always double check that I have my keys and wallet.
Tip #7: Expect good and bad days
I believe if you start getting out of the house, you will really come to enjoy the freedom and adventure. However, some days I end up wishing I never left the house. That’s because kids are kids and moms are humans – we have good and bad days. I get embarrassed when my kids act out, I get exhausted loading the car and buckling everyone in, and so on. BUT, I’ve had some of the best times when I decide to get out and make a memory.
You can do this, Mama!
