First 12 Months

• Choose an infant car seat that’s specifically designed for your baby’s age and, most importantly, weight.
• Don’t buy a second hand infant car seat, in case it’s been damaged.
• Before buying a car seat for your baby, check it conforms to the latest European Safety Standards.
• Ideally, your baby’s car seat should be rear facing and securely fastened on either the back seat or the front passenger seat (but never place a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat if your car is fitted with an air bag).
• Practice fitting your car seat well before the baby’s first journey home.
• Always take your baby out of the car seat when you get home, even if she is asleep when you leave the car (to prevent her from getting too hot).

Walking is great for you and for your baby – you get fresh air and exercise, she gets new surroundings to look at and fresh air, which should help her sleep (another bonus for you!).

When you are out and about, if it’s cold, wrap your baby up well but remember to take off the extra layers when you get home or go somewhere warm – you don’t want her to get overheated.