Out and about with your baby

Spend some time looking at what's available for getting around with your baby. Think about what will suit you best before you make a choice, and ask other mums what they've found useful.

Before buying a pushchair or a pram, check that:

• the brakes are in good working order
• the handles are at the right height for pushing
• the frame is strong enough

Baby carriers

Baby carriers – also called slings – are attached with straps and your baby is carried in front of you. Most babies like being carried like this because they're close to you and warm.

The back part of the carrier must be high enough to support your baby's head. Check that buckles and straps are secure.

Older babies who can hold up their heads and whose backs are stronger – at about four months – can be carried in carriers that go on your back. 

See the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) website for more advice on using baby carriers and slings safely