Out and about

Spend some time looking at what is available for getting your baby around and thinking about what will suit you best before making a choice. You could always ask other mothers what they have found useful.

• Baby carriers (also called slings) are attached with straps and your baby is carried in front of you. Most babies like being carried like this because they’re close to you and warm. The back part of the carrier must be high enough to support your baby’s head. Check that buckles and straps are secure. Older babies who can hold up their heads and whose backs are stronger (at about four months) can be carried in backpacks.
• Pushchairs are only suitable for young babies if they have fully reclining seats which let the baby lie flat. Wait until your baby can sit up before using any other type of pushchair. You should also consider the weight of the pushchair if you use public transport.  

• Prams give your baby a lot of space to sit and lie comfortably although they take up a lot of space and cannot be used on public transport. If you have a car look for a pram which can be dismantled easily. Buy a pram harness at the same time as you will soon need it.

• Carry cot on wheels – your baby can sleep in the carry cot for the first few months and the cot can be attached to the frame to go out. It can also be taken in a car with appropriate restraints.

• Three-in-one – this is a carry cot and transporter (set of wheels) that can be converted into a pushchair when your baby outgrows the carry cot.
• Shopping trays which fit under the pushchair or pram can be very useful when you’re out.