Being a parent is like the best of both worlds: on the one hand, you’re happy that you have a bundle of joy in your arms; on the other, you’re constantly worried about how to take care of them. Unfortunately, there’s no cure to the constant worrying, but it does get easier over time. Until then, here are five things that you’re going to need when you’re on the move:
Portable Carrier or Car Seat
When you’re traveling by car, your baby must have their car seat because they’ll be secured to the seat in case of a sudden stop or accidental crash. You may think that carrying your baby in your arms will be much safer, but that will only put both of you in a more dangerous position.
You can also use a portable carrier when you’re walking in the street or at the park. This way, you won’t have to hold your baby all the time and risk them slipping from your grasp. A carrier is an excellent way to travel with your baby without the hassle of pushing a stroller all day or carrying the car seat, even if it’s portable.
Easy-to-wear Clothing
Dressing a baby after changing their diaper can be a nightmare, especially if you’re baby is fussy and annoyed. That’s why you have to make things easier for you by having easy-to-wear clothing for your baby. For instance, you can invest in stretchy knotted gowns for babies that you can use when you’re traveling to make diaper changes much easier.
You can also find baby clothes with snaps and garters but are still comfortable enough for your baby. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of time fumbling over buttons and zippers, which can be safety or choking hazards, too, if they become loose because your baby might put them in their mouth.
Nursing Cover
Breastfeeding is crucial to the growth and development of babies because a mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for them. But unlike adults, babies don’t have a specific time for eating. Since they listen to their bodies, they’ll simply cry out for milk whenever their hunger strikes.
That’s why you always have to be prepared for such occasions. Whether you’re in the park, at work, or traveling, having a portable nursing cover can be a good way to preempt such situations. Not only can your nursing cover protect you or your partner’s privacy during breastfeeding, but it can also shield your baby away from the brightness of the sun when you’re outdoors.
Fully Packed Baby Bag
There’s no telling what the future holds when it comes to taking care of babies. That’s why you must always be prepared for the worst—by packing a good baby bag. Always make sure that you’re not out of supplies because there’s nothing worse than running out of baby wipes when you’re in the middle of a diaper change.
In your baby bag, you’ll need spare changes of clothes, extra diapers, a changing pad, baby wipes, and powder to keep the diaper rashes away. You might also need disinfectants, snacks, beanies, socks, or whatnot. It’s better to pack more than you need instead of not having enough, so choose to pack wisely.
Lightweight Swaddle Blanket
Lastly, swaddle blankets are the one thing you should never be without. A good swaddle blanket can double as a playing mat for your baby or a nursing cover if you forgot yours at home. It can also be an additional source of warmth on cold nights, especially when you’re outdoors or in the open air.
Of course, the swaddle blanket is perfect for its original purpose, which is to swaddle your baby while they sleep. So, make sure to invest in a comfortable swaddle blanket because it can be a life-saver for more occasions than one when you’re traveling. Plus, because it’s lightweight, you won’t have to worry about lugging around heavy luggage.
There’s no such thing as a manual on how to become a perfect parent, so most people just learn about it as they go. But there’s also no reason to aim for perfection, mainly because perfection is overrated. You can study all the parenting books in the world, and it still won’t prepare you for what’s to come.
So, rather than strive to be the perfect parent, the better goal would be to become someone that your kid will look up to despite your flaws and imperfections. Your baby won’t see your efforts because they’re still too young to remember but do it anyway. Besides, all your hard work will pay off once you’ve managed to raise a beautiful and kind child.
