Tiny Explorer Essentials: Packing Tips for Baby's First Day Out!

You’re about to embark on your first day trip outside with your new baby - congrats! This is a big milestone as a parent and the more you practice, the easier it gets. So you’re already on track by taking that first step outside. The fresh air and change of scenery will be a welcomed site for your whole family.

Some ideas for your first day trip: 

• Picnic in a park 

• Shop at a local farmers market 

• Meet up with friends at a brewery 

• Walk a local trail that’s stroller friendly 

• Catch up with a friend over coffee or lunch 

These may seem like small day trips when you compare them to your life before kids, but these are big milestones in the beginning with a newborn. You’re learning how to pack to leave the house and be social while your mind is constantly thinking all about the baby. Start with small trips and build into longer days or even overnights (shocking to think about when you’re starting out!).  Children are resilient and it’s wonderful to watch them grow by joining you for the things you love to do.

Here are some of my favorite and useful items to pack for a day trip with a newborn: 

• 5-6 Diapers (1 diaper for every 2 hours and a couple extra)

• Wipes 

• 2-3 Burp cloths

• 2 gallon ziplocks 

• Garbage bag or dog poop bags for dirty diapers if you can’t find a garbage

• 2 baby outfits (onesie (short sleeve, long sleeve), pants, hat, socks)

• 2 bottles 

• 1 water bottle 

• Formula / breast milk

• Ice pack to keep milk cold 

• Tommee Tippee portable thermos to warm milk

• 2 pacifiers (pacifier wipes are great if they fall in the dirt)

• Vaseline

• Changing pad 

• Hand sanitizer 

• Bibs 

• Blanket (these are our absolute favorites!) 

• Toys/rattles to hang on car seat 

• First aid kit 

• Snacks (for you and your partner as you deserve a snack!)

• Stroller

The weather can also change what you pack - if it’s sunny bring an umbrella for shade or a stroller fan (babies don’t wear sunscreen until 6 months), if it’s raining make sure you have rain gear for the stroller and if it’s cold bring a lot of layers. 

Continue to practice and you’ll figure out what’s most important for you and your baby. Remember you’re doing great and the more you take them outside, the more accumulated they will be to sounds and smells.