Guide to outing gears

Ultimate buying guide for baby gears for outings for first time moms

Congratulations on your baby!

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Babies are adorable and having them is a gift.

However, staying alone with a baby in the house can sometimes be boring.

You will want to go out and get fresh air for yourself and the baby.

You will want to take the baby to the mall, the cinema, take a walk, etc.

To do this, you need to prepare some essentials for yourself and the baby.

You need baby gears for outings.

Below is a compilation of baby gears for outings.

Let’s get started.

1.  Baby gears for outings: A Car seat that fits a newborn

Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat | 1 Layer Impact Protection - Rear & Forward Facing - 5 to 65 Pounds, Verve

A car seat is an important baby gear for outings if you are going far away from home. It’s dangerous to keep a baby in the front seat of the car. The following questions and answers will help you know more about car seats.

What to consider when buying a baby car seat?

There are five things you need to consider when buying a car seat for your baby. They are:

  1.    Buy a baby car seat that is compatible with your vehicle
  2.    Choose the right one for your budget
  3.    Pick the right one for your lifestyle
  4.    Know the size of your child
  5.    Learn how to install a baby car seat.

Why is the baby car seat important?

Having a car seat for your baby is important to ensure the safety of your infant. It prevents them from getting hurt in case of an accident. It restrains them from moving around in the car when you are going out, so it keeps them safe.

When to buy a car seat during pregnancy?

You need to get your baby car seat before your baby arrives. Purchase the car seat from 30 weeks of pregnancy. This is to ensure you have it ready before you go into labor.

When to install a baby car seat?

You can install your baby car seat when you get to 34 – 37 weeks of pregnancy. 

What is the weight limit for an infant car seat?

The infant baby car seat has a weight limit of 22 pounds or more. It is written on the side of the information label of the car seat. Check it out to know you are buying the right one for your baby.

Toddler Infant car seat placement

Infant and toddler babies up to 3 years old can have their car seat placed at the car seat at the center rear seat. This is because it is much safer than placing it at the car seat behind the driver or passenger.

Why does a baby car seat face backward?

Backward facing car seats provide the best support for your baby’s head, neck, and spine to save them from being injured in case of an accident. Most convertible car seats come with a weight of about 35-40 pounds, so your baby can use the car for about 2 years.

Why does a baby car seat expire?

There are several reasons a baby car seat expires. The first is that the materials used in making car seats break down with use. Most of the car seats are made up of plastics and it degrades. Second, technology is advancing, so is car seat manufacturers. They upgrade the seat and add more safety measures. Last, if the car seat has been produced for a long time, the parts may not be available for replacement again. Typically, you can use most baby car seats for about six years from the date of manufacture. Therefore, it is not advisable to buy or rent a used car seat for your infant.

How to tell if a baby car seat has expired?

Typically, car seats expire after six years from the date of manufacture. So, check for the date of manufacture on the car seat and calculate it. If you can’t find it, put a call through to the manufacturer to find out.

When to upgrade from an infant car seat?

An infant can stay in an infant car seat for at least 2 years old or up to 22 to 40 pounds in weight. The baby should be at the center backseat. So, after two years, you will need to get a new car seat for your toddler.

When can baby face forward in a car seat?

Babies can face forward in a car seat when they get to 2 years of age and reach the top weight and height recommended by the car seat manufacturer is typically around 30 pounds and 36 inches.

How to choose an infant car seat

Below is a chart showing how to choose an infant car seat from newborn to 13+.

Baby gears for outing

Check our different car seat for your infant here.

2.   Baby gears for outings: Stroller for a newborn

Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat

When you are tired of staying at home and want to go outside with your baby, you need a stroller. It is also one of the most important baby gear for outings, especially if you want to take a walk with the baby. There are different types depending on the terrain.

Why is baby stroller important?

A stroller makes it easy to be with your baby on the go. However, if you prefer to use a baby carrier, you may not need a stroller.

What is the best time to buy a stroller?

Buy a baby stroller whenever you are ready. At least as from 16 weeks up. Buy the big baby items first, so you can settle down to plan for the smaller ones.

What to look for when buying a stroller?

1.         The stroller must have harnesses. It is a restraint system and a must in any good stroller. The best strollers have 5 point harnesses. One around the waist, between the legs, and over the shoulders. Make sure the buckle is easy to unhook and secure for the baby.

2.         The stroller must be adjustable. Newborn babies cannot hold their heads yet, so the seat must be able to recline to an almost flat position until the baby can sit up – which is around 6 months of age. Older babies can also use the reclining position for sleeping.

3.         The stroller must be safe. The frame must firmly lock into position to prevent it from collapsing while the baby is in it. Above all, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) must certify the stroller to ensure that it meets safety regulations.

When is your baby too big for a stroller?

There is no age to stop your baby from using a stroller. However, the ideal age should be 3 years.

When can baby sit in a stroller?

A baby can sit in a stroller when they are 8 weeks old. But you must provide support for the head and neck to make it safe for them. You need to buy a stroller that can absorb bounces and avoid jostling. It must be easy to recline so your baby can lie on his back.

When to put a baby in a stroller without a car seat?

As recommended by BOB, your baby should be at least 8 weeks old before putting them in a stroller or an infant car seat. However, you must provide an additional head and neck support for your baby to ride safely and comfortably, especially when they are a few weeks old.

How long do strollers last?

Strollers, unlike car seats, have no expiry date. However, you should be looking towards three years old to transition your baby from the stroller.

What is the best baby stroller to buy?

There are different baby strollers for different people, places and purposes. Check them out here.

3.  Baby gears for outings: Diaper bags for baby’s essentials

Diaper Bag Backpack, RUVALINO Neutral All-in-One Baby Bags for Boy Girl, Multifunction Large Travel Backpack with Portable Changing Pad, Stroller Straps, Pacifier Case and Insulated Pockets, Dark Gray

Going out? You need a diaper bag to keep some baby’s essentials such as the diapers, wipes, feeding bottles, outfits, etc. This is the third baby gears for outings.

What are diaper bags?

Diaper bags are bags you can use to store baby things. It has many pockets that can carry all you need to take care of your baby.

What is so special about diaper bags?

Diaper bags are designed differently from other bags. They have compartments that help you organize your baby’s things accordingly. You wouldn’t like to spend minutes searching for your baby’s dress in a multipurpose bag. They are stylish, easy to clean and versatile.

What to look for in diaper bags?

  1. Ensure the diaper bag you are buying is rooming. It should have enough space to contain all your baby stuff.
  2. Ensure the diaper bag is easy to clean because there will be lots of spills.
  3. Choose the one you can share with your partner or caregiver
  4. Choose a diaper bag easy to carry when it is full.

Why are diaper bags so big?

They are big because of the purpose they are made for – to carry baby things such as feeding bottles, clothing, wipes, diaper, etc.

What to put in diaper bags?

What you put in diaper bags depends on where you are going. Below are some scenarios and what you can carry in it.

Diaper bag essentials for hospital

The first place you will be to deliver is in the hospital. You will want to know what to pack in a diaper for the hospital. Below is the list:

Baby essentials Numbers needed
Vaseline 1
Disposable baby wipes 1 pack
Newborn-sized dummy  
Newborn Pyjamas if colder weather 3 pieces
Booties 2
Going-home outfit 1
Formula and sterilizing equipment if you don’t plan to bottle-feed 1
Baby bottles and teats 2
Baby blankets 2
Bum cream 1
Light blankets or muslin wraps 2
Baby’s face cloths 2
Newborn bodysuits 2
Socks 2 pairs
Cotton hat 2
Baby oil (great for cleaning up baby’s bottom after meconium nappies) 1
Wet wipes 1 pack
Baby powder 1

Diaper bag essentials for outing with newborn/toddler

These are the essentials thing you need in the diaper bag when you are going out with your newborn.

Below is the table showing the list:

Baby essential Numbers needed
A portable changing pad 1
Diapers 1 to 2 for every hour you plan to be out
Pack of disposable diaper wipes 1 Pack
Plastic bags to wrap up dirty diapers or hold wet clothes 1
Diaper rash ointment 1
Cloths for burping or for covering boys during changes 2
Small bottle of hand sanitizer 1
Change of clothes for baby 2
Hat for sunny or cold weather 1
Baby blanket 1
Clean bottles and formula (if you’re bottle-feeding) 2
Baby toys or rattle 1
Pacifier 1
A portable baby pouch 1
Sunscreen (for babies over 6 months) 1
Camera 1

Diaper bag essentials for dad

Sometimes you leave your husband to help you take care of your baby or take a stroll with them. Below is the list you can consider adding to daddy’s diaper bag:

Baby essentials Numbers needed
A backpack 1
Disposable changing pad 1
Toy 2
Diapers 1 or 2 for every hour you plan to stay out
Wipes 1 pack
Hand sanitizer 1
Diaper cream 1
Plastic bags/wet bags 1
change of clothes 3
Snacks   As required
A book 1
A pen and a small notebook 1
First aid kit 1 kit
Bottles of warm milk (breast milk or formula milk) 2

Diaper bag essentials for flying

Take a short trip by flight to see your family to reduce the boredom. Below are the diaper bag essentials you need for flying.

Baby essentials Numbers needed
Diapers Packs
Diaper cream 1
Changing pad 1
Baby wipes 1 pack
Plastic bags for dirty clothes and diapers 2
Bibs 4
Change of clothes for you As required
Two changes of clothes for baby As required
Burp cloths 5
Sanitizing wipes 1 pack
Nursing cover 1
Pacifiers 2
Breast milk or formula As required
Passport As required
Bottles As required
Snacks As required
First aid kit 1 kit
Travel insurance documents As required
Infant medications As required
Soothers 2
Nasal aspirator and saline solution As required

 Check out trendy diaper bags for moms here.

4.    Baby gears for outings: Baby carrier / sling

Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier with Lumbar Support and Cool Air Mesh (12-45 Pounds), Carbon Grey

A baby carrier /sling is a wearable piece of cloth that supports an infant or small baby from a career’s body. Using a baby carrier is called baby wearing, because the baby is on you just like you wear cloth. It is also an essential baby gear for outings.

What is an ergonomic baby carrier?

An ergonomic baby carrier helps to share your baby’s weight evenly and comfortably for you while also supporting your baby. With it, you can carry your baby for longer periods, even until they become toddlers. It also helps to develop your hip. Below is an example of an ergonomic baby carrier.

SUNVENO Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier Soft Cotton 6 in 1 Safety Infant Newborn Hip Seat for Home, Outdoor, Travel, 6-36 Months Babies Girls and Boys, Grey

What to wear the baby in a baby carrier?

Dress the baby in their normal outfit with a cardigan, a hat, thick socks or bootie with an elastic rope around the ankles.

Why use a baby carrier?

Baby wearing is important. It is good for the health of the baby. When you carry the baby in a carrier, it helps to massage their baby’s abdomen which helps to increase digestion and prevent physical health issues that are associated with babies that are left lying on their back all day. Wearing a baby carrier will make your baby cry less because they are close to you. It also promotes healthy mental and emotional development for the baby. It makes it easy for you to parent your child and increase the attachment between you and the baby.

When do you need a baby carrier?

You need a baby carrier for your newborn. You can start using it a week after they are born. There are baby carriers specifically designed for newborn babies – they are small and encircles the young baby’s body. Do check the baby carrier you are buying to make sure your baby meets the minimum weight requirement.

How long can you carry a baby in a carrier?

You can carry your baby in a carrier for as long as you are willing and the baby is content staying there.

When to stop using a baby carrier?

You can stop using a baby career when your baby is up to 2-3 years old.

How to choose a baby carrier

  1. Choose a baby carrier that allows your baby to face you.
  2. Choose a baby carrier that is easy to adjust to you and the baby’s needs.
  3. Choose a baby carrier that will grow with your baby and not the one that your baby will outgrow.
  4. Choose a carrier that supports your two shoulders with wide straps to prevent backache.
  5. Choose a carrier made of non-toxic dyes and materials that were not treated with textile chemicals because your baby will chew the fabric
  6. Choose a carrier that will allow your baby’s leg to be pulled up to a 90-degree angle and supported behind the leg.

Check out adorable baby carriers here.

Baby gears for outings

The truth is, you will need to go out with your baby for fresh air or to pick up something from the mall. You will need to have the baby gears for outings mentioned above ready so you and the baby can enjoy the trip.

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