Leaving the House with a Baby
Car seats, strollers, baby carriers and more.
What to Consider
Your first journey out of the house with baby will likely be to the pediatrician or to walk around the neighborhood for some fresh air–but it won’t be long before you’re ready for bigger outings like a visit to grandparents or your first family vacation. Having the right gear is essential when it comes to navigating life with a baby. You’ll want to think about your specific lifestyle to ensure that you have the best setup for your family.
Car Seats
Choosing the right car seat is one of the most important decisions you'll make when preparing for baby’s arrival. It’s the first piece of gear that you’ll need to bring baby home from the hospital. With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin–but we’ve broken down the different types of car seats and the key features to consider to help you pick the best option for your family.
Infant Car Seat
Lightweight, portable, and rear-facing.
Convertible Car Seat
Grows with your child over time.
For newborns and babies up to 35 lbs
For newborns to children up to 100lbs
Why Parents Love It
Convenience
It can be snapped in and out of the installed car seat base in your car to seamlessly transfer your baby without having to disturb them.
Versatility
It can be installed rear-facing and then later turned forward-facing–meaning that it can last for years and you won’t need to purchase another car seat as baby grows.
Cost Savings for Multiple Caregivers
This feature also allows parents to purchase a single car seat with additional bases that can be placed in other vehicles–making it easy for multiple caregivers to transport baby.
Cost savings in the Long Run
If you plan to have your baby only ride in one car, this car seat can save money longer term as it will last until they graduate to a booster seat which happens around age 4 or 40lbs.
Keep In Mind
Your baby will outgrow this car seat after about a year and you will need to purchase a convertible car seat.
These car seats are large, heavy and not meant to be taken out of the car. This means you may wake a sleeping baby when getting in and out of the car.
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What to Consider
When buying a car seat, the most important thing to take into account is making sure to select a product that fits your child properly. Every car seat has specific height, weight, and sometimes age requirements–it’s important to adhere to these to ensure the safety of your little one.
Most car seats and vehicles manufactured after 2002 are required to use the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system–often called LATCH. LATCH works by clipping tethers attached to either your base or car seat directly to the frame of your car. LATCH works with the part of your car seat that is meant to stay in the car so you generally only need to set it up once. If you do not wish to use the LATCH system, most car seats can also be installed using the seat belt. Depending on the car seat, you may have to secure the seat belt each time you get into the car.
If you have a smaller vehicle or need to fit multiple car seats in a row, make sure to check the seat’s dimensions. Some car seats are designed to be a bit narrower (to accommodate three seats in a row), shorter (to accommodate a smaller vehicle) or taller (allowing your child to use the car seat for longer–particularly if they have tall genes).
Accessories
Why? If you are driving solo you’ll want to be able to see your rear-facing baby while driving.
Why? It protects baby from the sun, wind, rain and even germs. You can also use these lightweight covers as nursing covers when you’re out and about.
Why? It is unsafe for your baby to wear a coat while traveling in a car seat but winter gets cold. Bunting bags are thicker, sleeping-bag-like cocoons that keep baby warm and are designed to fit around car seats and strollers.
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Strollers
A stroller doesn’t just get you from point A to point B. It’s the item that makes leaving the house easy and enjoyable. You’ll need a main daily stroller (which may be a double if you have more than one kid) that can do it all–plus you might want to consider having additional specialized strollers for different activities.
Types of Strollers
Standard stroller
This is your everyday stroller. It has all of the qualities that you'd want in a stroller-but doesn't include some of the bonus features that you might find in a specialized stroller or travel system.
Double stroller
A must with multiple kids. There are a few different types of double strollers to consider.
Jogger stroller
Supports an active lifestyle. Outfitted with three heavy-duty air-filled wheels and a suspension system to absorb shocks, it will provide a smooth ride for your little one while you're out for a run-or on uneven terrain.
Umbrella stroller
Lightweight & easy to fold. It's a great secondary stroller for quick trips and one-handed folding but it doesn't usually have any bonus features.
Wagon stroller
Great for hauling kids & gear. Featuring all-terrain wheels that are easy to push or pull and often a removable sunshade, this is the perfect option for trips to the zoo or amusement parks. Not suitable for children under 2.
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What to Consider
Accessories
Why? Newborns need to lie flat or in a deep recline. If you plan to go for longer walks with your littlest baby this attachment will keep them safe and comfortable.
Why? To help with carrying your diaper bag or shopping bags while you're out running errands.
Why? Keep all of your on-the-go essentials organized and within an arm's reach.
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Travel Systems
What is a travel system?
If you choose to use an infant car seat, travel systems make life a lot easier. They typically include an infant car seat, a car seat base and a stroller frame.
How it works?
Most car seat bases will attach to the steel frame of your vehicle using the LATCH system. The car seat can then easily and efficiently snap into the base. This is important because it means you can take the entire carrier out of the car (without disturbing your baby!) just by pushing a button. And then you can put them back in the car with a simple snap. The travel system also means that you can use the same mechanics to snap and detach the car seat with a stroller frame–allowing for seamless transitions from driving to walking.
Why Parents Love It
Create Your Own Travel System
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Baby Carriers
Babywearing can help with bonding, breastfeeding, and also soothing by maintaining closeness and connection. Carriers are also must-haves for parents of multiples or parents who want to multitask. For example, you can prepare dinner or clean up the house while your baby naps on you–this is very important if your baby prefers contact naps. You might also have a different carrier preference than your partner–meaning you may want to consider each having your own. As babies grow, your carrier preference might also change.
Types of Carriers
Wrap
This style of carrier secures your newborn by wrapping around your shoulders and torso.
Sling
Works well with newborns-featuring a piece of fabric fitted with two rings that you secure over your shoulder.
Convertible carriers
This style of carrier includes padded straps that go over your shoulders and waist for more support. Keep in mind that many structured carriers require additional inserts for newborns to support their heads.
Frame carrier
This is a great backpack-like carrier with a rigid frame for hiking or long walks with your little one when they're a bit older.
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Diaper Bags
Your mission control when out and about–a diaper bag stores everything your baby (and you) need. They come in a variety of styles: backpacks, crossbody totes, purses and more. Select a style that both you (and your partner) feel comfortable carrying around. Consider both style and comfort–particularly if you plan to be out and about a fair amount. Key features to look for when selecting a diaper bag include multiple compartments, easy-to-clean materials, and convenient magnetic closures.
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What to Pack
Additional accessories like packing cubes and bag clips make it easy to organize a diaper bag and attach it to your stroller.
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Overnight Trips
Planning an overnight trip with a baby requires a bit of extra preparation to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Having the right gear on hand can make all the difference in keeping your little one safe, comfortable and happy while you're away from home.
Items to Consider
Why? Allows your baby to safely sleep away from home. These tend to fold up–making transporting or storing them easy.
Why? Once baby starts sitting up, these portable chairs allow them to join at the table when you’re dining out. Look for one that folds up to stash in your stroller basket.
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