Essential checklist for leaving the house with a baby

Combine one small baby with the need to ‘pop’ out and you’ll probably find yourself filling up the entire car, all for just a ten-minute journey and one-hour outing. Then having to unload it all again upon your return.

Sound familiar? Add baby brain into the mix and it’s easy to forget at least one essential thing, so here’s a handy checklist to save any likeminded, poor exhausted brains from having to remember absolutely everything.

Feel free to shout if I’ve left anything off:

• Pram with sun shade/umbrella/cover

• Car seat rain cover

• Boobs or bottles

• Ready-made formula cartons and/or powder and/or snacks and/or water

• Thermos with freshly boiled water

• Muslins

• Blanket

• Nappies, wipes, nappy bags, cream, changing mat

• Dummy (if applicable)

• Change of clothes (for everyone)

• Sun/winter hat/gloves

• Sun cream

• Red baby book for doctors appointments

• Toys and lovey

• Water for everyone

• Purse, keys, phone, sunglasses, coat, umbrella, change for car park. Check got fully dressed

• The baby