Simple Ways to Make Everyday Outings Easier with the Right Baby Gear | NV Kids

Hello There! Let's talk a little bit about those adorable little jaunts around the block with your beautiful bundle of joy. Whether you're heading to the market, going for a walk around the park or heading to the parent-in-laws, these little jaunts will soon become a staple in your life. So the big question is "How do you take these jaunts with ease and style?" The answer? By bringing the right baby stroller with you! Think of a stroller that folds in a second, a bassinet you can assemble with one hand or the travel gear to have everything you need close to hand! Here are a few simple tips to make your jaunts easier and more enjoyable.

First, avoid the stress – one of the simplest things you can do when loading/unloading the stroller is to keep your items light. If the diaper bag is always zipped and stashed in the stroller basket at the bottom and the stroller parked by the door, you have nothing to stress over. And at the end of the day, just toss the spare clothes, wipes and muslin in the bottom of the stroller basket, don't overdo it. No shame in leaving your baby stroller light!

Comfort is everything on a day out where everyone has to be happy – especially your precious little person. A recline seat that you can fold out at the end of a nap means you don't have to make that long journey home straight away. Sun and wind protection should be top notch for those hot Auckland days. On a cold day, a footmuff or blanket that can be put over your mini for winter walks – and then stay there – is a godsend. There is nothing that a stroller description ever says about how lovely it is to be able to access the stroller basket when you're still walking along. Being able to grab that snack or a toy or your phone while still on the move is fantastic – and having a cup holder to put your coffee in is just the best for those long walks.

A stroller that clicks your car seat directly into it. Just clip your car seat onto the stroller using the click-in attachment. How about clipping an easy holder to the handlebar of your stroller? You can very conveniently keep all those essentials such as keys, phone, wipes etc., in a handy holder without cluttering the depths of your diaper bag. It is often a relief to know that you can easily put it on and take it off a car seat if you have your car nearby.

Where your baby sleeps - at home or away - impacts your outings. Bringing your little one to grandma's for an overnight or even just spending a night away from home? A lightweight nap setup or small, portable bassinet makes it easier. Bonus: providing your baby with a place to sleep away from home encourages you to take those impromptu trips in the first place! Same goes for the day-to-day: if the stroller seat fully reclines, and your little one falls asleep in the stroller, then your walks are now 'nap time' instead of 'time to squeeze this trip in.'

Maintenance will prolong the life of your gear - so show it a little TLC. Simply brush off the mud from the park bench, or wipe away gummy remnants, for seconds. Keep up on your brakes and wheels so you catch small issues before they become big issues. No high-maintenance fabrics here-just ones that need no special maintenance in between wears.

Consider other folks who may have to use your equipment. Grandparents, in-laws, your partner, your babysitter or that dude from work who occasionally watches the baby all will appreciate gear that's as easy as a snap or twist. Or all you need is a light and strong car seat that anybody can install. Sometimes fewer bells and whistles mean more people willing to carry the load.

What's local weather and nature is going to be instructive about what's sensible for you. If you are in Auckland, with its windy and wet climate, plus lots of solar, rugged terrain, gear with that get some protection to set a little bit out of your approach, with tyre treads that can deal with any terrain. You will not use it all the time, however it's good to have a lighter rain protect and solar shades available for any time you want them.

Someday you will realize the most handy trips are the one in which they all come together. You stroll right down the road in your stroller, you reach supplies quickly, your kid is sleepy enough to sleep, and your loading time is shorter than the walk. Small pleasures can be a wonderful thing. That 'hard' walk will become one you will do more often, and you won't have to think about your shopping list in your head.

You don't have to have high-tech fancy equipment or buy new things to make your life easier-just a good, reliable buggy, a cozy place for your little to snooze, and some basic, small things that become part of your life. Whether you're out and about, doing your daily walk, or letting other people help you, if your equipment is making life easier-not more difficult-then it'll be making life at home easier too. Whatever works, you'll want to leave out and use, not hide away in the closet.

Well, after you're comfortable with the basics-super-quick folds, folding extra storage, supporting a comfortable seat, and cleaning up easily-you'll find day trips are no big deal.