As Mum to a little one, October brings a harvest of sensory delights for you and your baby with the signs of Autumn that are all around. Russet and bronze colours and the misty mellowness of the season are a feast for you and your baby’s wellbeing. It’s a great time of year for getting out and about and getting the benefit of the joys of Autumn for you both. Whether you plan a quick frosty morning walk in the park or want to enjoy a longer day-trip or relaxing countryside weekend surrounded by crispy leaves and cinnamon spiced lattes, there’s plenty of Mum hacks that mean you and your baby can make the most of the season. Let’s take an autumn stroll through top tips for Autumn outdoors bliss for you both:
Baby Friendly Trips to National Trust Properties
No matter where you’re based in the UK, there’s likely to be a local National Trust site waiting for you and your baby to visit. The National Trust boasts over 500 places to visit, many of which include extensive parklands and natural vistas to stretch out in. National Trust properties take a family-friendly approach, making visiting with babies and children much more doable. Highchairs are available at food outlets, and most properties include baby changing facilities and the chance to borrow front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats.And there is another way for carrying baby: The Top Baby Carriers for Newborn to Toddler: Which One Should You Choose?
Many National Trust locations also have accessible baby-feeding rooms available, meaning you can breastfeed, pump, or bottle-feed in warmth and comfort. Alternatively, if you want to make the most of the daylight and fresh air, consider taking along a wearable breast pump to discreetly express milk as you relax in nature. The All-in-one M5 Wearable Breast Pump - is a great addition to pop into your daysack as you head out to your local National Trust property, allowing you to enjoy the Autumnal delights of the British countryside whilst comfortably ensuring you’re maintaining your milk supply for your little one.
If you’re looking for Autumnal ideas to get out-and about, head over to the National Trust’s website. Here you can search for baby and family friendly options and plan ahead to ensure your trip is fuss-free. Consider the majestic Lyme Park in Cheshire with its elegant stately home, surrounded by gardens, moorland, and deer park. Another baby friendly choice is Fountains Abbey in Ripon where the Autumnal colours of the parkland are the perfect backdrop to the atmospheric ruined abbey.
And, if you’re looking for something further South – a great day trip can be had at Kington Lacey, the lavish stately house located in the rural Dorset countryside. Kingston Lacey - like many of the National Trust locations throughout the UK – offers a range of family friendly activities to keep little ones amused – including a Cosy Creature and Apple harvesting in the Kitchen Garden. No matter where you opt to visit, most properties have a café on site, which means - after enjoying a stroll, you can take it easy by relaxing in the cafe to enjoy a seasonal treat and hot drink whilst you feed your little one, or chat through with your toddler what you’ve enjoyed about the trip out and about.
Photo by Dave Clubb on Unsplash
Pumpkin Picking with Your Baby:
Picking your own pumpkin is a great outdoorsy way to celebrate the arrival of Autumn. Pop your little one into a comfy wearable baby carrier and head out to a local pumpkin patch for a fun day out. Farms throughout the UK offer pumpkin picking experiences where you can combine an outdoor walk with a chance to soak in the orange delights of a pumpkin field. Many locations also provide photo opportunities for families. Is there anything cuter than a photo of your little one, wrapped up warm in cosy layers perched next to a ripened pumpkin?
Take your pick from a wide variety of farms and pumpkin picking patches throughout October. Options include Kenyon Hall in Cheshire where you can relax in the family-run café after you pick-your-own experience. At just £2.50 per person, with free entry for infants, Kenyon Hall is a great budget friendly option for families.
Rectory Farm, Oxfordshire, is another baby-friendly pick-your-own pumpkin choice. Featuring 45 acres of farmland, you and your little one can marvel at a wide range of seasonal fruit, vegetable, and flowers ripe for picking, as well as choosing your own pumpkin. The on-site café specializes in homegrown produce, meaning you have space to refuel and relax and tend to your baby’s needs.
Whichever pumpkin patch you opt for, ensure you wrap up warm with plenty of layers. It’s wise to wear loose and comfortable clothing so you can move freely along the pumpkin fields and feel at ease as you relax and interact with your baby throughout your pumpkin picking experience. Loose layers also allow you to feel comfortable as you feed your little one or pump on the go. The ultra-soft Omni Maternity Nursing Bra is a great choice for active nursing mummies who want to enjoy time outdoors as part of their breastfeeding journey.
Know more about nursing bra: Choosing Nursing Bra Over Regular Bra For Breastfeeding
Aim for Daily Mini Adventures:
An autumnal weekend away, or a leisurely full day out in the October crisp sunshine is fabulous. But don’t let less than perfect weather or a busy schedule rule out other, quicker options for time outside with your little one. Whilst longer trips out are great, ensure you’re not overlooking the benefits of taking short and regular bursts of time outside in your local area. You don’t need to go far to benefit from a quick power walk round the local park with your baby in the pram.
Think of it as a mini adventure and a daily chance to build Autumn memories together. Taking a mindful moment to step outside and notice the changing colours of the leaves and the shifting shapes of the clouds in the sky will benefit both you and your baby. And toddlers and older children will love heading outside to splash in October puddles. Be prepared with a waterproof coat ready for you and your little one, and wellies for yourself and others. That way, even with the inevitable drizzly October weather, you’ll still benefit from fresh air and time outdoors together.
So, whatever activities you opt for this October – don’t let being a Mummy hold you back. Choose family friendly options and make use of smart choices that make breastfeeding easier to ensure you make the most getting outdoors to enjoy the riches of the season.
