Do you sometimes feel like it is just impossible to run a few errands with your baby?  It can be overwhelming at first to simply go to the grocery store or even out to eat like you used to.  Here are a few tips to help you with your outtings with your little one. 

Let’s start with the grocery store, the quick in and out runs you made before you had a baby are long gone, but this doesn’t mean you have to make it an errand to dread.  Everyone has to do go to the grocery store and you can still do this with your baby.  Start small, instead of hauling the baby to the store for hour long, $150 shopping event, take her to pick up milk, bread, and what you need for dinner.  Your confidence will rise and your baby will get used to the routine.  As time goes on, start your trips by grabbing the essentials first in case you don’t make it through every aisle.  Timing is also important, try going on the weekday mornings if possible, when your baby is well rested and fed.  If you work, try for the same early hour on the weekends.  Try parking near the carts corral and not the store, so you can get loaded up and settled without feeling rushed.  Try to remember an extra layer for your baby, it can be extremely cold in grocery stores even when it is 90 degrees outside.  And lastly, don’t even think about the self checkout lanes.  Take advantages of the store’s services, bagging your groceries, pushing the cart to your car, and putting the bags in your trunk.

Want to go out to lunch with a former co-worker or a friend?  This is great for you do and motherhood is no reason to stop you from going.  Just try and brief your pals, letting childless friends know what to expect, frequent interruptions and diaper changing breaks.  If the timing when you are out to eat is a normal feeding time for you baby, just let you friend know ahead of time that you are going to feed your baby at noon so they have a heads up.  This will help relax you as well.  Choose the restaurant wisely.  Obviously the five star white tablecloth is not the best choice.  Think about somewhere that isn’t as busy as other places and has large booths where you put her tables side or even next to you if she is still in a carrier.  This will make your meal much more relaxing. 

You don’t have to give up your spiritual life when you become a mom either, even if your house of worship doesn’t have a nursery or playroom.  Arrive fashionable late, this is one time you don’t want to arrive early, you’ll just stress out trying to keep your baby quiet.  Get there right as the service begins and you’ll drastically reduce your chance of a meltdown.  Try to pick a seat near another mom and you’ll find strength in numbers.  Babies are fascinated by big kids and vice versa and they can play endless games of peek-a-boo.  You can also try sitting near the back next to an aisle so you can leave quickly if you need to.  Try to grow a thick skin.  Yes, you want to be considerate of other worshippers, but don’t freak out if someone gives you the evil eye either.  There’s always one person in church who believes babies shouldn’t be there, your sweet infant might just prove them wrong!

Be confident about bringing your baby with you on your errands and day to day functions.  There are ways to entertain your baby and still make them and you comfortable.  Don’t let having a little one discourage you from going places or you might find yourself frustrated.  Most people are very respectful to moms and their babies when you are out and they are willing to help if they can.