Mindfulness is defined as the state of being conscious of our feelings, thoughts, and surroundings from moment to moment.
It means being present.
Mindfulness is defined as the state of being conscious of our feelings, thoughts, and surroundings from moment to moment.
It means being present.
It means having an awareness of how good your newborn baby’s head smells, but also being aware of your heart beating faster when your kid won’t nap and you’re desperate for lunch.
Mindfulness allows us to be more fully present with our partner, our children, our boss, ourselves.
It requires not only awareness of what’s going on but acceptance of where we’re at - even if it’s not where we want to be.
It can be hard to stay mindful (let alone to sit and meditate!) when there’s laundry in every room of your house, not a clean nursing bra in sight, and you can’t remember the last time you took a bath by yourself.
Usually, when our life is the most chaotic is when we are most deeply in need of mindfulness.
Meditation is offering your genuine presence to yourself in every moment. – Thich Nhat Hanh
What does it mean to find acceptance of the chaos, take a deep breath, and “offer our geniune presence” to ourselves on a hot summer day full of cranky kids? It means taking one moment at a time.
I like to keep it simple. As nice as it sounds to be sitting in Big Sur listening to the waves and taking deep breaths under the full moon, it’s most helpful to find time in our everyday lives to be more mindful.
Here are some easy ways to achieve Mommmy/Daddy Mindfulness. You can use this list as gentle reminders for yourself on a day when you’re feeling depleted, or rather inspired to try something new.
1. Just Take One Breath…
One conscious breath in and out is a meditation. – Eckhart Tolle
There you go! Even the great Eckart Tolle will give you credit for taking one single breath. But make it a good one: breathe in slowly through your nose, and breathe out through your mouth.
2. Skin-to-Skin Touch
If you’re feeling disconnected from your baby or older children, try using the regulating technique of skin-to-skin contact. You likely know the benefits of skin-to-skin after birth, and have heard about (or used!) Kangaroo Care for preemies. It works for kids and grown-ups too! Take a bath with your child(ren), have a big family hug in the community pool, drop everything and rub your cheeks together or give Eskimo kisses. Be mindful of touch, and feel your heart rate go down.
3. Don’t Forget Self-Care
A hot salt bath with lavender essential oil, a midday nap, a coffee date with another parent…even a 30-minute window of time can help you press the reset button during your hectic day. It’s easy to fall victim to the mindset of “I’m too busy parenting/working/cooking to take care of myself,” but that’s a prescription for disaster. If you have a hard time finding time for yourself and childcare is not an option, consider bartering with another parent: they watch your kids for a bit today, you watch theirs for the same amount of time on another day. There’s even an app for that: Google “Time Banking.” DO NOT FEEL GUILTY FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF. Just don’t.
4. Join a Meditation Group or Class
Learn to meditate and make it part of your daily routine. If you have never meditated before, look for a meditation class in your local yoga studio, YMCA or community center. Do an internet search for “meditation class + [your zip code].” Set realistic expectations for yourself: start with 5 minutes per day of meditation and increase slowly from there.
5. There’s an App for That
Some excellent meditation apps can bring mindfulness into your daily life: Headspace and Insight Timer are both favorites and there are more options than we can count in the App store, check your smartphone. If you are struggling to clear your mind, apps with timed music or bells can be helpful. Many moms find it helpful to set up a meditation app at the start of a nursing session, while kids are playing on the floor, or on a break from work.
Happy mindfulness!
Emotional Benefits of Getting Outside
Spending time in nature with your baby can strengthen the bond between you. The simple act of holding your baby close, feeling their warmth, and sharing new experiences together can create strong emotional connections. It’s also a wonderful way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When my littles were extra fussy, I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. Even though I don't live in an area with trails and surrounded by nature, simply behind outside changed everything. A little vitamin D does wonders!
Cognitive Development
Nature is a sensory wonderland for babies. The different sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate your baby’s senses and promote cognitive development. Watching leaves rustle, hearing birds chirp, and feeling the texture of a tree bark can all contribute to their learning and development.
All About Baby Carriers for Nature Adventures
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier
When it comes to selecting the best baby carrier for summer adventures, there are several options to consider.
Types of Baby Carriers:
- Wraps: Perfect for newborns, providing a snug and secure fit.
- Slings: Ideal for quick and easy use, offering good ventilation.
- Soft Structured Carriers: Versatile and comfortable for both parent and baby, suitable for longer trips.
Factors to Consider:
- Baby’s Age and Weight: Ensure the carrier is appropriate for your baby’s size and weight. For example, Ergobaby’s Embrace Newborn Carrier is perfect for the fourth trimester where baby is small and you’re looking for an easy way to stay close. As they grow, you’ll want to upgrade to an all-position carrier that’s meant for growing babies.
- Parent’s Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for carriers with padded shoulder straps and lumbar support if you’re planning on longer outings.
- Ease of Use: Choose a carrier that is easy to put on and take off.
- Climate and Breathability: Opt for carriers made of breathable fabrics to keep you and your baby cool in hot weather.
Safety Tips:
- Proper Positioning: Ensure your baby is seated correctly, with their legs in an "M" position and their head should be close enough to kiss.
- Checking for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your carrier for any signs of damage.
- Ensuring Adequate Support: Make sure the carrier provides proper support for your baby’s head and neck.
Exploring Nature with a Baby Carrier
Ideal Spots for a Nature Walk with Baby
- Parks and Gardens: Great for leisurely walks and picnics.
- Nature Trails and Forests: Perfect for more adventurous outings.
- Beaches and Lakesides: Wonderful for enjoying the water and sand, with the right carrier.
Activity Ideas
- Hiking: Enjoy a scenic hike with a hiking baby carrier that offers support and storage.
- Bird Watching: Use your carrier to keep your baby close while you explore and observe wildlife.
- Picnics: A carrier can free up your hands, making it easier to carry picnic supplies.
Advantages of Using Strollers for Nature Adventures
While baby carriers are fantastic for mobility and closeness, depending on the adventure of choice you might want to be a stroller along too.
There are a LOT of baby stroller options on the market. So we understand how confusing it can be to choose the one that’s right for your family. Not only are there a variety of brands, but a variety of strollers that serve different purposes.
There are a few types of strollers on the market:
- Full-sized stroller: This is typically the stroller parents thing of buying for all its versatility.
- Lightweight or umbrella stroller:These compact strollers are perfect for on-the-go adventures.
- Jogging stroller: Designed for parents who want to combine fitness with outdoor adventures.
- Double stroller: Designed for parents with multiple kids, especially twins.
- Car seat carrier: These strollers connect to a specific car seat. We don't typically recommend these as they can be unsafe for baby and uncomfortable for parents who are pushing.
Learn more about the types of strollers and which one would be best for you.
Benefits of Bringing a Stroller
- Storage Space for Gear: Ample room for carrying all your essentials like a diaper bag, beach toys and more.
- Shade and Weather Protection: Built-in canopies to shield your baby from the sun when they are lounging.
- Options: If you have more than one kid, you can stroll with one and carry the other. Or, if you’re getting warm or your little one is getting fussy, you can switch up their position from stroller to carrier or vice versa.
Safety Tips for Strollers
- Ensure your stroller is in good working condition. Make sure buckles are still buckling and that there are no rips or holes that could compromise your baby’s safety.
- Use sunshades or bug nets to protect your little one’s skin.
- Securing the baby properly: always buckle up your baby for safety even if you think they are old enough to go without the buckle.
Combining Baby Carriers and Strollers
For the ultimate flexibility, consider using both a baby carrier and a stroller on your outings.
Combining both options allows you to adapt to different situations. Use the carrier for more rugged trails and switch to the stroller for smoother paths or when your baby needs a nap.
Transition Tips
- Smooth Transitions: Plan stops where you can easily switch from carrier to stroller.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials to make transitions easier.
Tips for a Successful Adventure
Planning Ahead
- Route Planning: Choose baby-friendly trails and parks. Check local mom groups or outdoor groups and get recommendations for the best outings for kids.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid extreme heat or unpredictable weather. Even with our most breathable carriers, when it’s hot, it’s hot. And having two bodies against each other in the heat will be naturally hot and sticky already.
- Packing Checklist: Include diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. These all-position carriers have storage pockets where you can fit some of the items easily!
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Pack healthy snacks to keep energy levels up and bring plenty of water for both you and baby.
Summer adventures with your baby are a wonderful way to create lasting memories and enjoy the beauty of nature together. From baby carriers to strollers, Ergobaby products are designed to provide comfort and ease for both you and your little one. So, gear up, get outside, and explore the world with your baby by your side.
Ready to embark on your own summer adventures? Check out Ergobaby’s range of baby carriers and strollers to find the perfect match for your family’s needs. Visit our website today and start planning your next outdoor excursion!