Top Tips To Transition To Spring And Summer With Your Baby
Spring is a lovely time of year when you have little ones, as you share their journey of discovery and joy at the wonders of nature. Getting outdoors among the budding leaves and tree blossom in the warmer air is a welcome change. However, as a new parent, you might be wondering how best to prepare for the changing season.
Here are some tips to help you and your little ones enjoy the great outdoors in safety, comfort, and style this spring!
Invest in a lightweight stroller
Spring means getting out and about more often, so it’s a great idea to invest in a lightweight stroller that can easily be folded up and stored in the boot of your car, or taken on public transportation. These can be a good alternative to a traditional pram for children up to four years old, because they are lighter and easier to handle.
When choosing a stroller, consider how you will mainly be using it, such as for rough terrain; urban environments; taking on trips abroad or public transport, or for occasional use on local trips out. If you have a new-born, look for a model with a lie-flat recline and plenty of storage space for all those spare nappies, toys, bottles, and so on.
Check how compact the stroller is when folded if you want to transport it in your car boot, to ensure that it fits in easily. Is the folding mechanism quick and easy to operate, or do you need to use both hands and take your attention away from your toddler or baby while you get it into position?
If you want to use it on rougher surfaces and steeper terrain, look for a good combination between stability and lightness and ease of manoeuvrability. Swivel wheels that have a locking option are ideal to provide a smooth and stable ride on uneven surfaces. It should also have effective brakes and a secure harness to keep the infant in place.
Look for good quality materials that will be durable and easy to clean, and also provide a comfortable ride for your baby. A canopy for sun protection is an important feature for the summer, and can also be useful for keeping out the wind and rain.
Adjustable handlebars are a useful feature if more than one person will be operating the stroller. Finally, make sure the buggy is marked to show it complies with the British Safety Standards, particularly if buying second-hand.
Baby wardrobe must-haves for spring and summer
The spring can still be a little chilly, so if you are taking a newborn outdoors, play it by ear and adjust their clothing to include removable layers. This way you can always add or remove items should the sun suddenly burst forth! Pop a vest under a bodysuit, or layer a long-sleeved T-shirt with a lighter cardigan or jacket.
Always carry a hat, mittens, and a spare blanket with you, in case the weather turns out to be unpredictable (not unusual for the UK, especially at this time of year). If you are unsure whether your baby is too hot or too cold, feel the skin on the back of their neck. If it feels very warm and clammy, remove a layer or two.
Staying safe in the sun
We may not be in the hottest part of the year just yet, but it’s as well to start considering summer safety. Baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and delicate, and can easily be damaged by sun exposure. Make sure that they are protected from direct sunlight with sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and protect their eyes with specially designed infant sunglasses.
Ideally, you should avoid spending too much time outdoors on very sunny days between the peak hours of 11am to 3pm. If you do want to spend time outdoors, pick a shady spot under a tree or attach a sunshade to their buggy or pram.
Give your baby extra fluids to avoid the risk of dehydration, and check them regularly for signs of overheating, such as fretfulness or drowsiness, clammy skin, flushed cheeks, and rapid breathing. Dress them in lightweight and loose-fitting breathable fabrics that cover up most of their body, such as cotton or bamboo.
Babies find it harder to regulate their body temperature because they don’t sweat as much as adults, so it’s important to be vigilant in hot weather.
