Baby’s First Autumn –  5 Practical Tips

The weather seems to have suddenly changed over the last couple of weeks. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it hard to adjust. My shorts have been packed away and the hoodies have crept back into my wardrobe – although I keep finding myself hot one minute and cold the next! 

With this in mind, I thought I’d pop down my top 5 practical tips for navigating this change in season with your little one. These are the things I’ve learnt along the way that I wish someone had told me…

1. Choose easy, adjustable layers
   Choose layers that are easy to add or remove as the temperature changes, especially when heading indoors. I used to keep my girls in their summer rompers but team them with tights and a cardigan. It meant we could get a little more wear out of their outfits and adjust throughout the day.

2. Refresh the changing bag
   This completely threw me every time the weather changed. It would be freezing, I’d be out, I’d need to change one of the girls… and I’d find a summer dress in my changing bag!
   
   So this is your cue to check that spare outfit. Swap it for something suitable for cooler days, check that it still fits, and pop in extra socks and a waterproof bag for damp or muddy clothes.

3. Prepare for wetter walks
   Before heading out, check the forecast and make sure you’ve got suitable weather protection for your pushchair and a waterproof layer for yourself!
   
   Having a shorter route in mind, with somewhere to stop if the weather turns, can make getting out feel more manageable. An autumn walk doesn’t have to be a big expedition – I used to enjoy walking to a cafe or a pub and back again!

4. Keep seasonal play simple
   If you’re the type of parent who likes to match their home accessories to the season, you can bring a little of that into your baby’s play too!
   
   Think autumn colours, baby-safe wooden toys, age-appropriate rainmakers and rainy-day songs. You can also watch the leaves moving or listen to the rain together. Just remember to keep small natural objects, such as acorns and conkers, out of your baby’s reach.

5. Have an easy rainy-day backup
   It’s okay to look outside on an autumnal day and not want to leave the house. A few board books, songs and some floor play can make a quiet afternoon at home just as enjoyable.
   
   And if your little one still regularly naps, you might even get a chance to settle down with something you’ve been meaning to watch. No promises about finishing an episode, though!

And finally, just remember that this change in the weather might bring cosy evenings, snuggles under the blanket and hot chocolate, but the change in weather can also make you feel less like venturing out. And sometimes, that can feel lonely.

I needed the reminder that true friends don’t care if your house is untidy or you’re still in your pyjamas. Keeping in touch matters during these ‘ber months – even if that means a cuppa at home, babies on the floor and the washing waiting until later!

I’m Danielle, founder of The Mama Spring and mum to three little girls.

My own experience of motherhood inspired me to create a welcoming space where parents can feel supported as they find their feet. Through calm, relaxed baby classes, I offer time to connect with your baby, meet other parents and come just as you are.

If you enjoyed this, then you might enjoy:

Why I Built My Baby Classes the Way I Did – The story behind why I created baby classes that feel calm, supportive, and judgement-free for parents as well as babies.

Why Won’t My Baby Nap Unless I’m Holding Them? – A reassuring, practical journal about what’s actually going on when they just want to be held.