Smart (And Worthwhile) Spending On Newborn Out And About Essentials

*This post on newborn out and about essentials features some gifts products denoted by an asterix*

Last week I started the first in a mini series about our spending on newborn essentials. It kicked off with bathing and hygiene products, and today I’ve got some out and about essentials.

The caveat to this post as well is I’m a first time mum and haven’t yet used these products, so forgive me if there are any essentials I’ve missed. And if I have please let me know!

Here are some of the on-the-go essentials that we’ve picked up so far.

On-the-go buggy kit

The one thing I’ve heard from everyone is how many things you need to take with you when you leave the house with your baby. For something so small, they sure need a lot of things. And the on-the-go gift set* from Ubbi is a great place to start.

The set comes with a bag dispenser, a wipes dispenser and a changing mat and bag. You can put the items in your changing bag, but they can also hang on your buggy. For me the idea that I can clip nappy bags and wipes to the buggy for easy reach sounds great. And the silicone strap keeps everything together.

Out and about essentials when visiting family

While we won’t be taking baby girl out too much initially we do want to be able to go and visit family or friends. But during the earlier stages she’s going to be sleeping a lot. And while she can sleep in people’s arms or in her stroller, I wanted something a bit more practical, especially for longer stays.

The Graco contour bassinet and travel cot* covers all the bases for when we’re out and about. Firstly for a travel cot system it’s really lightweight and folds down really small, so it should easily fit in the car alongside her buggy when we’re heading out and about.

You can use the set up as a bassinet for the first few months, and then it switches to a full size travel cot for up to three years. So it’s going to grow and last with your baby. But it’s more than just a simple cot, it has a night light, music and vibration all controlled by a detachable box to keep baby comforted. It even has a removable changing able which slots over the top, and for me this is a game changer. If we stay over at my parents for example it’s one less thing we need to take with us as when we need to change her we can simply add the table to the top for ultimate ease.

Graco first introduced the Pack n’ Play in 1987 and have been innovating on the first travel cot every since.

The cutest baby comforters

As soon as I spotted these little comforters I fell in love, They’re made from super-soft fabric and will be great for snuggles and soothing, especially when we’re out.

We have Bonnie bunny baby comforter* and Lammy lamb baby comforter*. The knotted ends are great for tiny fingers to explore and there two food-grade silicone teethers attached so really great for when her teeth start to come through.

If she ever gets a bit fussy when out, or just wants a little play I think these comforters are going to be great.

Out and about essentials for the sunshine

Our little one is due in late June so the height of summer time. And even if we’re only out for little bits she’s going to need something to protect her little head.

We have this cotton muslin baby sun hat* which is super lightweight and made from 100% breathable cotton muslin. It should keep her cool and comfortable if we are outside, while providing essential sun protection.

It has a tie which you can secure the fit, and it’s machine washable because we all know what babies are like.

Stimulation for her buggy

Until I started looking into things I had no idea babies only saw black and white for a while. Although I did know how important sensory and cognitive development was in the early days.

Medical research shows that simple, bold patterns can provide the right level of visual and sensory stimulation. And the Eyas Black and White gallery* aims to provide just that.

The award-winning Montessori black and white images are designed to be attached to the hood of the buggy so they’re positioned in the newborn’s field of vision.

Out and about essentials for me

It isn’t just baby that’s going to need things when out and about, I will too.

I have very much enjoyed not having my time of the month and it’s something I’m not looking forward to after baby gets here. So maternity pads* are going to be essential to take with me everywhere I go.

These ones from Organyc are 100% organic cotton inside and out, and they feel really soft. They’re winged to keep the pads in place as I’m going to be up and about all the time when babies here.

Comfort for me

Out of everything on this list, this is the only item I’ve been able to fully use and I barely take them off. I’ve tried to put off buying too many items of maternity clothing, but there are a few essentials that I’ve needed for my own comfort.

I love Lovall leggings anyway and their maternity winter everyday leggings* have been a game changer. I had no idea how much difference it would make having proper maternity leggings that sit above the bump. And these have a supportive high-rise band so there’s nothing pressing on baby.

And these ones in particular have a brushed interior so they are super cosy. This has been great for the wintery months which don’t seem to be easing up.

What other out and about essentials would you suggest?