I’m one of those mamas that likes to be out and about with baby whenever I can. I was a busy, on-the-go kind of person before baby and I really wanted to incorporate my new little into my routine as much as possible. It’s easier to take a kiddo out for the day than you’d think – you just have to be sure you’ve got the right gear. I’ve got a collection of items that I never leave home without!
Here is my list of must-haves for going out and about with baby:
The Right Stroller
The right stroller is key here. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be a “stroller person” but when you find the right one, you see how wonderful a stroller can be and how much easier it makes your life. I “test drove” a number of strollers to see how they “roll”, fold up for travel and general storage, their necessary add-ons and accessories and so much more.
We chose the UPPAbaby CRUZ stroller for a whole list of reasons. It’s lightweight, stylish and rolls really well. It’s great for taking a leisurely stroll or even jogging (if that’s your thing). I wanted something that looked sleek and modern but still had all the functionality that I required. It seems like a big ask, but UPPAbaby had the answers.
Again, if you keep up with my purchasing style, you know that I always look for products with multiple uses and a ton of longevity. I didn’t want to have to buy more than one stroller – I wanted this to be a one and done purchase. We were able to attach our car seat to the stroller with just one click making life easy for being on the go with an infant. We were also able to snap in our bassinet!
A stroller with a telescoping handle was also important for me as my husband is 9″ taller than I am – this way, it’s comfortable for both of us to push. It also came with a rain shield, retractable awning with sun shade and a reversible seat so baby can face you or face the direction you’re going. For more, check out this video.
There are so many accessories for the UPPAbaby CRUZ so you can deck it out to fit your needs. I opted for the Cup Holder, Carry-All Organizer, Seat Liner (a washable-must have) and Snack Tray. We also picked up the Travel Bag for when we fly with baby!
What’s In My Diaper Bag
When it came time to choose a diaper bag, I decided on a backpack over a traditional “diaper bag”. This unisex heathered grey pack is perfect for me or hubby to carry and once it’s done being a diaper bag it’s a stylish backpack for day trips. And when I fill the stroller basket with who knows what, I can carry this on my back – hands free!
Shown: Herschel Supply Co. ‘Nova Sprout’ Backpack.
My diaper bag is yet another opportunity for me to use packing cubes to stay organized. I hate having to pull everything out of a bag just to find one thing, so packing cubes are key for me here! I don’t go crazy with the cubes, but I do use them to store extra pjs/outfits, bibs, cloths and baby linens.
As much as I wanted to breastfeed, it just wasn’t in the cards for me for very long. This definitely poses a convenience issue for feeding baby on the go, but I’ve found a few ways around this! I keep warmed water in a S’well bottle because it holds the temperature for a number of hours. I also use Dr.Brown’s bottles which have caps that you can use for shaking to mix instant formula. I also keep spoon attachments for food pouches in a container for eating on the go, too!
Here’s a little of what’s in my diaper bag:
Changing Station | Sunscreen | Hand Sanitizer | Wipes | Receiving Blanket |
Burp Cloth | Burpy Bib | Tissues | Lip Balm | S’well Bottle
Bibs | Wash Cloths | PJs | Hat | Bunny
Bottle | Bottle Cap | Spoons | Food Pouch | Stroller Blanket
Note: This list is for going out and about with baby for the day in the city. For my tips for road tripping with baby or taking a day trip, check out my next post!
