Getting Out and About on a Tight Schedule

 

Life with a new baby can be hectic at the best of times but when you work in a job outside of the home or otherwise need to be at a certain place at a certain time, it can be even more stressful. With a few handy tips it is possible to reduce the stress and help you keep to your schedule.

 

There are a number of things that can help you get to where you are going on time. First and foremost is being prepared. You should be aware of what you need to do in plenty of time. This may mean having a calendar on the wall that shows all of your appointments or a smart phone that sounds an alarm long before you have something to do.

 

Having an outings bag ready is invaluable. Pack a bag with everything that you might need, including diapers, wipes, pacifiers and new clothes and keeping it either in the car or near your stroller. Don't dip into it just because it is closer than your changing table-leave it packed and only use it when you are out. That way you can be sure that when you leave you need to simply grab your bag and go-no need to stop and take the time to pack a bag.

 

There is nothing worse than being almost ready to go and then realizing that you are missing a favorite toy, or your baby's pacifier, or another essential item that you can't go without. If you are lucky then you will find it fast, but if not you may be delayed significantly. Having spares of the essentials in the outings bag eliminates the risk.

 

Arranging naps to fit around your schedule isn't easy. You can never really be sure that your baby will want to sleep at a time that is convenient. If you are going to need to wake your baby to go out, make sure that you do it early enough that they will be able to wake up fully. A baby who is woken too early tends to be grumpy, and is likely to resist your efforts to get them ready or else will cry when messed with. A little more time will allow them time to recover, compared to being woken at the last minute and crying during the journey.

 

If nap time falls during your outing then this too should be ok. You can often encourage your baby to sleep whilst you are out by giving them their normal lovey, pacifier, or rocking them.

 

Don't expect a tiny baby or a young toddler to be able to rush to get ready faster. They won't have the same sense of urgency as you do, and so will take their own pace finishing their feed, or going to the potty-and they won't think twice about using their diaper two minutes before you are about to step out of the door.

 

This makes it essential that you leave some extra time, enough to fit in an extra change of clothes or to finish off a feed. Not only will it reduce your stress levels, it will make for a happier baby when they are able to finish up whatever they are doing. In fact-this advice follows for all children, none of whom will want to rush.

 

Make sure you know what you need to have and where you need to be and leave plenty of time to get there and you need never be stressed by your schedule again.