Taking baby out for the first time guide
Taking baby out for the first time can be daunting. This checklist should help make it easy for all your baby friendly days out. Whether it’s a walk in the park, or somewhere more adventurous.
- Packing your diaper bag for diaper changes and feeding baby is your first task.
- Pack quite a few diapers and a package of baby wipes, for diaper changes.
- Pack some burping cloths for after feeding.
- Pack one or two extra outfits for baby in case of accidents.
- Pack a change of top for you, just in case of surprise spit-ups or leakage.
- Pack some hand sanitizer or wet wipes for yourself.
- Pack a nursing cover, if you feel more comfortable. It takes practice to breastfeed when you are out and about.
- Pack a water bottle for yourself, and remember to stay hydrated.
- Pack sterile bottles and nipples if you’re bottle-feeding. Most infant formulas are available in ready-to-feed nursers, which can be helpful while you are practicing spending time out of your home.
- Pack a couple of pacifiers if your baby uses them.
- Remember to pack a baby blanket or swaddle.
- Wear a nursing top and nursing bra with easy access if you’re breastfeeding.
- Dress baby in weather-appropriate clothes. Layers are a good idea, in case the weather takes a turn.
- Bring your baby stroller or a baby carrier in case you decide to go for a walk or you need a cozy place for baby to nap.
- Remember the rain cover for the baby stroller or an umbrella for you and baby if you’re using a baby carrier.
- Try to keep baby out of the sun. Delicate skin is extra sensitive. Sunblock and sunhats can help, but shade is most important. Many baby strollers come with a sun canopy. Muslin swaddles are light and also work well to shade from sun.
- Pack a bright stroller toy or try hanging rattles or toys from the sling or baby carrier on a soother clip.
- Leave extra time for getting all your baby gear ready before leaving the house.
- Try to set off shortly after a feed so baby is happy to rest or look around.
- If you’re feeling lonely or isolated as a new mom, check out our ideas for things to do with baby that give something back to you.
Related articles
Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have a birth plan prepared to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read
How to cope with first trimester anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
C-section recovery: Things to think about
As with any surgery, C-section recovery takes time and self-care. Here are some things to have in mind to help you heal, from C-section recovery time to cleaning C-section incisions.
3 mins to read
Your hospital bag checklist
Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We have put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your first prenatal appointment
Your first prenatal appointment is here! With so much going on, it helps to have a list of pregnancy questions on hand to ask your healthcare provider.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding essentials
Planning to breastfeed but not sure what you’ll need? Here is a list of our first-time breastfeeding tips to help you prepare.
2 mins to read
Your checklist of prenatal testing questions
Baby health checks start before they’re even born. Here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider about prenatal testing.
1 min to read
Getting baby’s nursery ready
New parents may not know that safest place for baby to sleep for the first six months is in their bedroom and in a crib, cradle or bassinet that meets current Canadian safety regulations.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week ultrasound
Finally, your 12-week ultrasound is here! This pregnancy ultrasound is an important one and is the most accurate way to estimate your baby’s due date.
2 mins to read
Am I ready to give birth? Signs of labour checklist
You probably think it’ll be obvious when you go into labour, but every mom’s labour is different and it usually doesn’t happen like you’ve seen in movies.
2 mins to read
Your Maternity Leave and Parental Leave checklist
It might seem a while away, but ahead of the arrival of the new addition to your family, it’s a good idea to begin preparations towards your leave and to find out what you are entitled to.
2 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party.
2 mins to read
Baby names help
Need inspiration for baby names? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favourite name, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet baby face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to deal with morning sickness at the start of pregnancy
Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night, especially at the start of pregnancy.
2 mins to read
How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
As your body changes, pregnancy pains and discomfort can occur, especially in your back, legs and feet. The good news is, there are ways to ease your pregnancy aches and pains.
2 mins to read
First trimester pregnancy
You’re expecting—what an exciting time!
3 mins to read
27-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
Your baby still has some growing to do but as of today, they’re over 30 cm long, big enough laying down to fit on your forearm between your hand and your elbow.
3 mins to read
9 month of pregnancy : Your baby is almost here
Your pregnancy: weeks 36 – 39. It’s the final countdown to your baby’s grand entrance!
3 mins to read
8-weeks pregnant: baby development and diet tips
About the size of a robin’s egg, your little one measures about 30 mm long. Learn more about this week.
2 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
