Getting out and about with a small child is a completely new and challenging experience, totally unlike what you've been used to as a single person / couple. Here are some ideas and experiences of other parents who have gone before!

"The most valuable piece of advice I got was to 'lower my expectations of what I could achieve in a day and double the length of time it will take to go anywhere'. Taking a child with you can make what appears like the simplest of tasks unbelievably difficult, like popping to the bank or nipping out for some milk! Just getting out the house can be an amazing feat, well you've got to negotiate shoes and coats, nappy bags, prams, waterproof covers etc etc."

"We'd always spent lots of our spare time in the outdoors. When Thomas arrived we didn't just want to hang up our walking boots in the garage 'for when he gets older'; we wanted to still find ways of getting out into the hills! One of the things that really helped was that we bought a good quality child carrier. Thomas loved being on my husband's back, the best views without all the walking"

"Eating out! - this is a nice idea and can work well…it can also be a nightmare. My own 'mixed' experience allows me to make the following observations:

• I would recommend noisy establishments, so that the generally high level of noise will drown your child out. 'Family' pubs could become a favourite!
• be wary of restaurants with wine lists - a good rule of thumb is that they are unlikely be understanding about your child running about or making lots of noise;
• always check that the establishment has a highchair and preferably nappy changing facilities. Changing a nappy on a hard toilet floor is not a nice experience!
• I always took ready prepared food for my baby/toddler as I could never to sure that we'd be able to get something suitable from the restaurant;
• Finally, never set out when your child is already hungry. Either give them a snack before you go or take snacks to give them when you arrive and while you are waiting for food to arrive.

Good Luck"

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