The first big adventure once your little one is born is a trip to the shops – which most mums are desperate to do after a few days or weeks – to feel like they have finally escaped the house for a few hours and possibly to treat themselves to a new outfit as a well done to yourself for the little of bundle of joy you have created!!!

However many first time mums can find the first trip out the front door to the local shopping centre a little bit daunting so here are a few tips which should make the process a little easier and help with those things which can easily be forgotten in the rush to get out the door!!!

Pram/Buggy – however small your little one is, it is not wise to think you can carry them around the shops for any great length of time without losing all feeling in your arms!  A buggy is essential to ensure you have your hands free (to try on all those lovely new clothes!!), to carry the changing bag and any other items you have brought out with you and also so the baby is happy and relaxed watching the world go by from the comfort of the pram!

Blankets – some shops have very strong air conditioning so even in the summer it is wise to always have a blanket kept under the pram so if you do walk into a chilly shop you can keep baby warm. Under the Nile Blanket

Toys/books – as soon as your child will interact with toys/books it is worth packing up a little set of bits for your child to play with in the pram.  It will keep them happy and quiet to allow you to get your shopping done in peace. Alternate what you take on each trip out so it remains interesting for them. Under the Nile Toys

Food – Once your child is a little older a selection of nibbles is always a good way to keep them happy when out and about. Things that are easy for them to eat alone are best so you can keep on the move rather than having to stop and feed them if you have little time to get your shopping done. Things like raisins, cut up grapes, dried apricots, fruit flakes, baby crisps, and cheese sticks are all fairly mess free and easy to eat ideas. The Snack Ball from Boob is a brilliant idea as is the Boon Squirt a wonderful way to carry your baby’s food ready prepared and easy to feed

You can buy non-spill pots for little food items, which are a worthwhile purchase.

Timing – choose the time you head out the door wisely.  If your child has a morning sleep and will happily dose off in the pram try to get into the shops around the time when your child is tired so after a few minutes wheeling around he/she will fall asleep (hopefully!!). Try to keep outside the shops while you are getting them off to sleep so that there is no loud music, people pushing past the pram, staff crashing around on the shop floor, bright lights etc!!

Lunch break – when your child is a little older it is nice to spend lunchtime together in a café if you have the time. Use the time to sit feeding your little one lunch, having a little chat and giving him a bit of time out the pram in a highchair for a change of scenery. It is often a chance to end up chatting to other mums out shopping too! Most cafés will heat jars/milk or when they are older do sell nice toddler meals such as sandwiches/yoghurts/fruit juice etc which is a treat for your little one on a day out.

Winter shopping – in the depths of English winter any outdoor shopping trip can be a trial.  If you have a large/modern shopping centre nearby it is probably worth using them a little more during the colder months.  They will also be a good for those first few trips as you will have all the facilities you need under one roof such as baby changing areas, cafés, free parking, and some even have play areas/crèches for when they are older and on the move!!  If not make sure you have lots of layers ready to keep your little one warm, a footmuff on the pram and a raincover for those unexpected showers.

Dressing – it is best to layer when out shopping as the temperature in shops can vary hugely.  It is better to dress with lighter outfits and then add a coat/jumper/blanket as needed.  Overheating in a small baby can be very dangerous and you can sometimes be unaware how hot a child is getting tucked up in the pram inside a hot shop. Another good item in terms of dressing for being out and about are SOCK ONS which are a genius invention to keep baby socks on – it will save you a fortune in lost socks over the years and they are very easy to put on!!! Quiksilver Hoodies are lovely and great for that quick and easy little bit of warmth

Essential items – always remember all those bits you need on a daily basis for your little one and make sure you have them with you when you leave the house. Of course the basics will be nappies, wipes, nappy bags, water, milk, bib, dummies if required, and a change of clothing for those problem nappies/sick!!!  However don’t panic, as you will usually have a shop somewhere out and about that will sell any item you may have forgotten!! Dribble Ons are an easy way to help with those messy bits and the dribble!

Enjoy – taking your little one out and about is a lovely experience.  It gets you both out of the house, lets you meet other people to chat with, gives your child lots to look at and people to interact with. With a little bit of preparation you will have all you need to make your shopping trip a relaxed, fun and pleasant experience.  You will learn what works for you along the way and adjust your trips out to suit your babies routine and needs.

Have fun and happy shopping!!!