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There is no doubt about it, eating out with your baby is a totally different ball game when you are a mum or dad to when you were single or just a couple, so here’s a few suggestions to help you with your big adventure:
- Choose somewhere informal and baby-friendly! (We are currently building our list of recommended cafes, eateries etc in the area, so if you know of any good ones you would recommend, then please let us know !!)
- Choose a café with a car park or that is in easy walking distance of one, so you don’t have to trek miles with a car seat or pram!
- Choose places that have enough room for you to position your pram or car seat next to your table, ideally!
- Avoid going at busy times, you’ll be more relaxed and the staff will be less rushed off their feet.
- Choose a table that is not in the busy thoroughfare of the waitresses etc.
- Before you go, feed and change your baby’s nappy so they will hopefully be a little bit calmer when out and about.
- Make sure your baby is dressed for the environment so they are neither to hot nor too cold (as they will let you know otherwise!!)
- Take a change of clothing just in case you have a “nappy accident”(don’t get caught out, it’s scary!!)_
- If breastfeeding use one handed “easy release” feeding bras as they allow for easy access. Feeding tops are very handy too, as they allow you to feed without displaying your entire midriff to the world! Alternatively T- shirt and tops are also much more discreet than having to unbutton an entire dress!
- Pack a muslin or shawl as it great for draping over your shoulder and covering up whilst feeding. (Also brilliant for mopping up spills!)
- Look out for designated areas for feeding your baby, as many shops and public places now have these to make you feel more private e.g. John Lewis dept stores etc
- For really easy bottle feeding use ready-mixed cartons of milk or buy a milk-powder dispenser which allows you to pre-measure amounts before you go out ready to mix with your cooled boiled water when out and about. You can also buy sterilised disposable bottles if you want.
- Cafes aren’t required to warm up milk or baby food, though many may happily oblige. If they refuse, just ask for hot water!
- When your baby starts moving on to solids you don’t have to just use food out of a jar but can take your own warmed home-cooked food in a food flask (available from lots of baby shops incl online).
- Always take some toys, books and teething toys!!
- When they are a little older, snacks can be very handy as well e.g. baby rice cakes, baby cheese puffs etc.
- Keep a going-out kit in a bag by the door with wipes, nappy sacks, spare vest and sleepsuit, hat, tissues and muslins and refill it as soon as you get home so you don’t forget.
- And make a list which you can refer to every time you need to go out so you don’t forget anything e.g. going-out kit, keys, purse, mobile phone, feeding things etc etc!!
- Try to relax and remember the more you do it, the more used to going out and about you baby will get!!!
- Have fun and enjoy!!!!
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