One of the great things about young babies is how transportable they are and (initially) how flexible their schedule can be. It's hard to fully appreciate this concept until you've entered the toddler phase, where some children will only nap in a cot, (with full blackout, white noise machine, comforter and having been read exactly three stories).
Take the opportunity to get out and about doing things you want to do guilt free. Now is the time to enjoy meeting up at cafes, heading to baby cinema screenings and baby massage classes. You can also head to mum and baby yoga once you’ve had your health check.
Using a carrier or pram can be a lifesaver for parents helping their baby to sleep. Many young babies need movement to help them nap, so getting out and about with a pram or carrier (or both) can seamlessly integrate their needs into the day’s activities. Here are our tips for on the go naps:
1. Naps in a pram
Layering is your best friend! Layers allow you to easily adjust your baby’s clothing based on the temperature and (hopefully) avoid waking them. On top of your soft base layer and add a lightweight cardigan or jacket if needed. On cooler days you can consider a zipped pramsuit (great for easily taking off in cafes. Many prams have ‘cocoon’ or ‘footmuff’ accessories for cold days. You can also find universal versions, and ones which can be interchanged between pram, car seat and carrier. Some parents opt for a sheepskin liner in their prams, this helps regulate body temperature as well as providing a soft lining.
Pram shades are useful to protect your baby from the sun and cut out stimulation, however they can be a hazard in hot weather and can easily cause overheating. Park the pram out of the sun, use shades that allow ventilation and keep an eye on your baby for signs of overheating.
2. Naps in a carrier
Slings and carriers are a great way to provide the closeness and comfort babies often need for sleep, when they’re feeling under the weather or when you need your hands for other things (like siblings!) There are a variety of options to suit your family which can be tried out at a local Sling Library. Many parents find a soft stretchy wrap to be the best option for the first weeks, and may move on to something more structed when their baby is bigger.
Here’s our tips for dressing you little one for naps on the go:
When using a carrier or wrap, remember they will be sharing your body heat, plus the carrier itself acts as a layer.
Whatever the weather – take a hat and muslin. Weather can change quickly, keeping the sun, wind or rain off your baby’s face can make or break a successful nap.
In cooler months, hoods and booties are excellent accessories for babywearing – to protect the areas often outside the carrier. You can or wear an oversized or pregnancy coat in winter. There are also carrier covers now available - we’ve tried and tested some from Bundle Bean and were impressed with the versatility.
3. Think About Safety
Safety should always be a priority when dressing your baby for naps on the go. Avoid any loose blankets or items that could pose a suffocation risk in a car seat or pram. Always ensure that your baby’s clothing is snug but not restrictive. Remember the two hour rule for car seats – a baby should not be in a car seat for longer than two hours in a 24hr period. Avoid bulky snowsuits in car seats, as they can interfere with proper harnessing.
Final Thoughts
When you're getting your baby ready to nap on the go, simplicity is key. You don’t need to dress them in a full outfit for every outing. Choose practical and comfy pieces that are easy to put on and take off, like footed sleepsuits, or rompers. The goal is to make it easy for them to transition from awake and active to resting without causing any discomfort. With the right outfit and a little planning, your baby will be snoozing comfortably wherever your day takes you!
