The Out & About Edit

There's no hard medical rule, and for healthy full-term babies, fresh air and gentle outings are generally encouraged from early on. In the early weeks it's sensible to avoid crowded indoor spaces during cold and flu season, and to limit contact with people who are unwell. Gentle walks and low-key outings are often wonderful for both baby and parent.

A baby wrap like the Boba Wrap is a long stretch of fabric you tie around your body to create a snug, customisable carry position, and it's particularly popular for newborns. Structured carriers have buckles and waistbands and tend to suit slightly older babies and longer outings. Many parents start with a wrap in the newborn stage and transition to a structured carrier later.

For a side by side look at both styles and when each one suits your baby, see Stretchy Wraps vs Baby Carriers.

There's no set time limit, but it's important to check on your baby frequently. Their airway should always be visible, their chin should be off their chest, and they should be in an M-position with knees higher than their bottom. Always follow the TICKS checklist for safe babywearing.

For a full breakdown of what each letter stands for, read The TICKS Guide to Safe Babywearing.

The basics are nappies, more than you think you'll need, wipes, a change of clothes for baby, a nappy change clutch mat, and whatever you need for feeding. A portable white noise machine is worth throwing in if your baby needs it to settle in unfamiliar environments. Keep the bag stocked and ready so you can leave the house without repacking from scratch every time.

A nappy change clutch mat is a compact, portable changing mat that folds up small enough to fit in most nappy bags or even a large handbag. It means you always have a clean, comfortable surface for changes whether you're at a cafe, a friend's house, or a park. It's a small thing that makes public outings significantly less stressful.

Movement, a familiar smell like a muslin swaddle wrap they've slept with, and white noise are the holy trinity for many babies on the go. A portable white noise machine clipped to the pram can make a real difference if your baby is sensitive to environmental noise. A pram bag caddy also keeps your essentials organised and within easy reach.

You want something that attaches securely to most pram handlebars, has enough compartments for your phone, keys, snacks, and a drink, and is easy to wipe clean. A pram bag caddy that can also double as a shoulder bag is especially useful for quick trips where you don't want to carry the full nappy bag. Durability matters as it'll get a lot of daily use.