Spending time outdoors can significantly improve your mental health. Nature has been shown to enhance mood, promote calmness, reduce stress and anxiety, and even alleviate depression. That means it’s a good idea to start making trips outdoors with your new baby as soon as you feel able. While the post-birth “one week in bed, one week on the sofa” guideline is essential for recovery, gentle walks, once you feel ready, can benefit both your body and mind. Walking improves sleep quality, lifts mood, tones muscles, and boosts energy levels.
Remember, your body has gone through significant changes during pregnancy. Abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and joint ligaments have all been under pressure. Start gently and listen to your body’s cues. No one expects you to train like a Marvel movie actor; ease into it.
Venturing out with your newborn can be daunting, but it’s entirely possible to enjoy outdoor adventures just as you did before. Here’s a guide to help you and your baby get outside and enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.
Preparation is Key
Whether it’s a shopping trip, a walk in a park, or visiting relatives, preparation makes everything easier. Create a packing list tailored to your outing, and consider keeping a pre-packed “outing bag” with essentials.
Plan your route: Look for shelter options in case of rain, facilities like toilets or cafes, and consider the terrain. Decide whether a carrier or a buggy best suits your needs. Carriers offer agility on rougher terrain, while buggies can handle transporting additional gear.
No Pressure
Choose a familiar location for your first solo outing with your baby. This way, the only new element is your little one. It’s a good idea to schedule a day and time but allow yourself to cancel if necessary. If the weather turns bad, or you face a nappy emergency, or simply don’t feel up to it, it’s okay to stay in.
Consider going out with a friend or joining a local parent and baby walking group for extra support and companionship.
Choose the right clothes
Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Appropriate clothing can make or break your outdoor experience. Layers are crucial for both you and your baby. If you’re babywearing, remember that your body heat and the carrier add warmth, so avoid bulky clothing like snowsuits – these are a risk for overheating and preventing the sling from being snug against their body thus providing the correct support. Choose lightweight options that you can layer, like Grow Wild’s merino wool baby onesie.
Walking and carrying will also warm you up – expect to sweat! Wear a base layer top made from quick-drying fabric underneath the sling, such as bamboo maternity and nursing tops, and layer up over the top with zip up fleeces/jackets – this will give you more flexibility for temperature changes without having to remove baby from the sling.
There are various choices for staying dry when babywearing, from waterproof babywearing coats to sling covers. Babywearing coats are a fantastic way of keeping your little one warm, dry and snuggled in against you without having to worry too much about baby’s clothing layers. The best ones are versatile enough to see you through pregnancy, different stages of babywearing and leave you with a good coat even after your little one is running ahead alone.
If you’re using a buggy, remember the general rule: dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing. For cold weather, don’t forget hats, mittens, and booties. And on sunny days, use sunscreen and UV-protective clothing. Long sleeves, high necklines, and lightweight fabrics are ideal, paired with a hat (if you can keep it on your baby’s head!).
Feeding and changing
If you’re formula feeding, bring the required amount of formula powder in a sterile container, plus a vacuum flask of hot water. Ready-to-feed cartons or pre-made bottles are also options.
If breastfeeding, consider wearing clothing that allows for easy, discreet feeding. Bamboo breastfeeding tops are a practical choice, providing comfort and easy access.
You’ll need to change your baby’s nappy at some point. A waterproof mat to kneel on can be handy. Lightweight, portable changing mats that clip onto your bag or sling are ideal, and they often come with storage for wet wipes, nappy bags, and nappies.
It’s worth making the effort
It’s easy to feel like you’ve lost your sense of self in early motherhood. Getting back to activities you love can help you reclaim your identity. It might be different, require more support, and take more effort, but you can still do what you love. If you’re nervous, start slowly and consider bringing a friend or family member for moral support and extra hands.
Enjoy your time outdoors with your baby, and embrace the adventure, no matter how small you start.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Clare Winton is founder of Grow Wild clothing, inspired by Clare’s love of outdoor adventures. Grow Wild clothes are specifically designed for pregnancy, breastfeeding and babywearing in the great outdoors. Each item has been precisely designed with features for mums from pregnancy onwards, to facilitate their active lifestyle, because Clare believes that high quality, technical outdoor clothing shouldn’t be too much for active mothers to ask for. Grow Wild uses short supply chains, supports local UK businesses and has small production runs with minimal wastage, in order to provide products for outdoors-loving women as they enter their adventure into motherhood.
