How much longer does it take to leave the house with your baby?

According to our research, almost half (49%) of UK parents admit it takes them at least 21 minutes longer to leave the house after having a baby. Getting feeding bottles and milk ready was the most commonly reported source of stress, cited by 30% of parents. Packing the changing bag was another common stress factor at 26%, whilst getting the pram set up (22%), and a baby who starts crying at the worst possible moment (30%) topped out the list of things derailing parents’ leaving routines. Of course, what you need to do before leaving depends on where you're going. A walk around the block needs much less preparation than a family day out, but there are ways to make getting ready a little smoother whatever you have planned.

What are parents most likely to forget when leaving the house?

You've got your baby ready, the changing bag packed, and you're finally heading out when you realise something is still sitting on the kitchen table. If that sounds familiar, you're in good company. More than six in ten parents (61%) told us they make at least one dash back inside because they've forgotten something, whilst almost one in five (19%) make the trip back three to five times before finally setting off. Interestingly, it's not always the baby's things that get left behind. Parents' own essentials were the most commonly forgotten items, at 27%, followed by wipes (25%) and nappies (20%). So, how can you make getting everyone ready a little less stressful?

4 ways to make leaving the house with your baby less stressful

We asked Sarah Murphy, International Maternity Nurse and Parenting Expert at The Happy Baby Expert, for her practical advice on getting out of the front door, as close to on time as possible:

1. Find a gentle rhythm

Finding a gentle rhythm often works better for new parents than trying to stick to a rigid schedule. If you’re due to leave close to a feed time, there’s nothing wrong with bringing that feed forward by 20–30 minutes so you can feed, change and go. And remember, plans may need to shift – building in a little flexibility can take some of the pressure off getting out on time. Make it easier: Take some of the time out of preparing a feed with the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine, which prepares a fresh formula bottle at the correct temperature in two minutes. For breastfeeding parents, the Momcozy M5 Wearable Electric Single Breast Pump offers a hands-free option for expressing while getting ready to head out.

2. Preparation is key

Every new parent learns the hard way that you really do need to take everything but the kitchen sink! Keep your changing bag stocked with the essentials and replenish anything you’ve used as soon as you get home. That way, when it’s time to leave again, it’s ready to grab rather than another job on the list. Make it easier: Keep nappies, wipes, bottles and spare clothes together and ready to go in the Baby Elegance Changing Bag. For feeds away from home, the Nuby RapidCool Baby Bottle Maker Kit can also be packed ahead of time, helping take some of the planning out of preparing formula when you’re out and about.

3. Start small

Your first outing doesn’t need to be a big day out. Start with a walk around your local area, a quick coffee or somewhere close to home. As your confidence grows, venture a little further. Getting out and about with a baby is something you get better at simply by doing it. Make it easier: For shorter trips where getting the pram out can feel like one job too many, the Momcozy PureHug 3-in-1 Baby Carrier provides a hands-free way to keep baby close while getting out and about.

4. Remember, your baby doesn’t care where you’re going

Most importantly, try not to stress. Your baby doesn’t know you have a lunch reservation or that you’re supposed to be somewhere at 11am. If they need a feed, a cuddle or an unexpected nappy change, deal with what your baby needs and then carry on. Giving yourself permission to be a little late can make those early trips out much less stressful.

What should you pack when going out with your baby?

Having a few everyday essentials ready can make trips out with your baby much easier, whether you're popping to the shops or heading out for the day. A well-stocked changing bag is a good place to start.

Before you leave, check you've packed:

• Nappies and wipes for changes while you're away from home

• A portable changing mat for changes on the go

• A spare outfit in case you need a change of clothes

• Muslins or bibs for feeds and clean-ups

• The feeding essentials you need for your baby

• A dummy or comfort item if your baby uses one

• A small toy to keep them entertained

• Weather essentials, such as an extra layer or sun hat

• Your own essentials, including your phone, keys and purse or wallet

For longer days out, you can add extra nappies, clothes, feeds and anything else you'll need for where you're going. Keeping the basics stocked in your changing bag means you only need to think about those trip-specific extras before you head out.

Make getting out and about with your baby easier

Whether you're heading to the shops, meeting friends or getting ready for a family day out, having the right baby essentials to hand can take some of the work out of getting ready.

At The Baby Room at Smyths Toys, you can find changing bags to keep everyday essentials organised, feeding products for when you're away from home, plus pushchairs and travel systems, pushchair accessories and other baby travel essentials to help you get out and enjoy more time together.