The calendar says September, and we are slowly starting to approach autumn. This also means that the weather will become colder and more unstable. Oh dear!
But it actually also means that your stroller – in addition to regular items like diaper bags, baby monitors, stroller harnesses, etc. – needs other accessories and equipment that can make autumn walks more comfortable for the little one. And not least, more practical for you.
If you want to know what accessories we are talking about, you should read on now.
Enjoy
There is no bad weather…
…only bad clothing. The meaning of this very well-known saying can be debated, but at the very least, we cannot ignore the fact that Denmark is located somewhere on the globe where the weather is not always reliable. Especially in the autumn months, the weather is very changeable and characterized by a lot of rain. Therefore, the right clothing is important for both you and your child, but actually also for your stroller.
To make the trip as comfortable as possible for the little one, there are different types of accessories that will be good to get hold of.
When the rain is pouring down, you as a parent can easily put on rain gear. But a stroller is not waterproof, and it can easily rain and blow into it. A rain cover is therefore almost indispensable in such a situation. Not only because it will keep the baby warm and dry, but also because the stroller can look a bit unsightly – and in some cases even become damaged if it is not kept dry.
Although a rain cover is here described as a must, you should still be aware of its use – there are several reasons for this. One is that a rain cover is often not very breathable. When the little one is lying down in the stroller taking a nap, the rain cover will quickly make the inside of the stroller damp. This is neither good for the child nor the stroller – therefore it is recommended to only use the rain cover when you are out walking.
The second reason is safety. If you find yourself in a situation where the only thing that can keep the stroller dry is a rain cover, it is recommended that you do not leave the little one unattended. The reason for this is simply that the little one can actually pull the rain cover into the stroller, where in the worst case, there could be a risk of suffocation.
TIP: LOOK FOR A RAIN COVER WITH A STRONG AND DURABLE ELASTIC AT THE BOTTOM, SO IT DOESN'T BLOW OFF IN STRONG WINDS.
Annoying insects and shining sun
You know it! There is nothing more annoying than a pesky mosquito or fly buzzing around your head while you sleep. The same goes for your baby. The difference is that your child is not yet able to swat them Therefore, it is your duty as a parent to protect your child from these annoying insects and possible bites/stings, which you can easily do with a mosquito and insect net. In addition to preventing insects from getting in, such a net also prevents various cats from crawling into the stroller.
Be aware that the mosquito net, like the rain cover, must fit your stroller and that the elastic should be of good quality so it can stay securely in place.
Despite the fact that autumn is the season when it rains the most, we can sometimes be lucky to see the sun peek out on some days. And even though it's lovely to have sunlight and a bit of warmth, the sun can be a bit bothersome for your child's eyes. But you can easily prevent this with a sunshade, which can block the strong sunlight and make it more comfortable for the little one to keep their eyes open. At the same time, this sunshade is highly useful for shading from the blazing sun during the summer months.
Bags and cushions
A sleeping bag – but just for a stroller. That is essentially what a stroller sleeping bag is. It can be used all year round, both outdoors and indoors, and in all kinds of weather. There are both winter versions and slightly thinner “transitional versions,” so you can find exactly the one you are looking for.
But your child will especially appreciate a sleeping bag in the autumn months, as it is perfect for keeping warm when you are on the go. At the same time, the soft and plush material of the sleeping bag makes it very comfortable for your child to be wrapped in.
Another plus of a sleeping bag is that it can also be used in the stroller or in the car seat, which makes it wonderfully easy and provides a multitude of options.
Also read: Checklist – 10 important items in the diaper bag
To make the stroller ride even more comfortable for your child, a stroller cushion will surely be lovely to have. This cushion is a tailored cushion that provides support for both the back and sides. However, it is primarily intended for babies who can sit up by themselves, as it is important that their back and abdominal muscles are developed and strong enough for the sitting position. Additionally, there may be a risk that a lying baby could move down under the cushion.
But even if your child can sit up by themselves, their balance may still be weak, which means they can easily sway back and forth (perhaps even tip backward) if there is an unexpected movement. And that is exactly why the stroller cushion was invented! It is good for support when the baby gets a bit bigger and wants to follow what is happening in the world outside the stroller.
The right clothing and sleeping outdoors
In Denmark, babies are often put to sleep outside, which means that your child's clothing is often quite important. How much clothing children should wear when they take a nap in the stroller depends, of course, on the season. At the same time, body temperature can vary from child to child. Some children can be wrapped in many layers and still have cold feet when picked up, while others quickly get warm. BUT the main rule is that your baby must neither be too hot, where they are wet and damp with sweat, nor too cold, where the skin feels cold. If your child feels warm to the touch and not damp, the temperature is just right.
Wool keeps you warm and keeps your baby cozy and temperate. A fun old rule of thumb states that children should be dressed in wool during all the months that end with an 'r'. That is, September, October, November, December, Januar, and Februar. However, there is nothing wrong with using wool in the other months, as March and April, for example, can also be quite cold.
TIP: FEEL YOUR CHILD'S NECK AFTER A NAP IN THE STROLLER – THIS WAY YOU CAN FEEL IF THE TEMPERATURE IS RIGHT.
The good thing about babies sleeping outside is all the fresh air they get, but the good thing is also that most babies eeeelove it. The reason for this is the cool air, which for many feels calming and helps them sleep better and longer. Again – all children are different, which is why some children prefer to sleep indoors. But try it out and see what your child likes best
It would, however, be a good idea to follow the sleeping advice below if you put the little one outside:
- Do not let your child sleep outside if the temperature is below -10 degrees Celsius.
- The stroller should be sheltered from wind, rain, and dew.
- Your child should be dressed so that only the face is exposed.
- Only healthy children should sleep outside in cold weather – and ALWAYS under supervision.
Now you should be ready to upgrade your stroller with autumn gear!
/ Team Mammashop
