In only six months I have consistently done more new, fun, and interesting things than any other time in my life. My little guy loves to go out, see the sights, people watch, and most recently- try new foods! (Exciting times for us as parents who love food and travel.) He was just meant to be a city baby.
This post features the basics of what I consider the essentials for getting out and about from about 2-6. At this point we go out for up to 5-7 hours at a time. That means there are bottles, naps, and diaper changes all happening on-the-go. At first I was so overwhelmed to even take him out for a short while, and then I worried about going out by ourselves, and then my concern was juggling going out with friends and a baby...and whew, now it feels totally natural to just step out the door quickly and easily, without any worries!
Or taking five million things!
Find yourself a diaper backpack that does it all, but especially one that wipes clean, has a changing pad, and an easily accessible pocket for your wallet and keys. There are always: wipes, 3 diapers, 1 outfit, infant tylenol, a headlamp, hand sanitizer, a pen, 1 sippy cup, formula, a spare metro card with money on it, and 1-2 bottles with just water inside (which I do before we head out so it's fresh), 1-3 small toys (see below).
That may sound like a lot listed out but it is barely anything. At least to me!
A teething toy is really a must. Even if baby is not teething, it is something to hold and play with. I carry one book and one small animal toy as well. Typically there's enough interesting things going on around us that the scenery gives us all the entertainment we need.
A nice, soft, lightweight blanket for stroller naps, a stroller that is comfy enough for baby to fall asleep in also equipped with a giant sunshade. In DC summer heat, there was a handful of days I had a clip on fan attached the stroller as well. In fact, most of our time outside was spent at the very end of winter, then spring through summer. Now that it has been more rainy I always have the stroller rain guard and a small umbrella in the stroller, ready to go.
So, those are my essentials things! Besides the stuff, I check the weather and make sure I know the area where I am going that day. Can we go inside if needed? Is there food around? When does everything open? Is there parking? Is the metro elevator working where I am headed?
Having these essentials means we get out the door extremely fast and with a light load. I just live it up with Miles. I let myself relax, have fun, and be excited about things. It helps that Miles has a great attitude and enjoys doing new things. It is amazes me to think about how much he has opened my eyes to so much. I feel like I am discovering the city all over again. We try coffee shops, visit exhibits, and also do fun baby things like go to storytime at the library.
I have really been enjoying finding nice things for us to do as a family. When I think about the future my heart skips a beat because I just can't wait to see what he likes and what he becomes interested in. The day I took him to see pandas at the zoo was seriously thrilling. I love that I can do these things for him here in DC. And right now, I am very grateful to have so much to explore, together.
