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Visiting friends and family with a baby can be a fine feat. There's the car seat, the pram, the port-a-cot (if you're intending to stay for more than a few hours), the diaper bag, toys, prepared food and milk... It can be quite a nightmare. The key is to keep it simple and plan ahead and this will ultimately keep it stress free.

Ideally, replenish your diaper bag with new diapers, wipes, clothes, diaper bags, etc when you come home from your last visit. This way, you are always ready to go. At the same time, you may have a few dirty diapers or soiled clothes in there, so it would definitely be a good time to take care of it then, rather than wait and find a few surprises next time you're going out. Make sure that you have at least a day's worth of diapers, 2 changes of clothes for baby, some spill-cloths (cloth diapers are always good), a change mat, a pack of wipes, a small toy to keep baby occupied when changing and a pacifier (or two).

Every mother who has nursed their child know that breast-feeding eliminates one part of the packing routine: food. If you aren't able to breast-feed, this is where planning is essential. Make sure that you have enough food with you for your baby (and maybe a little bit more) for the hours you plan to be away. Some visiting trips turn into a stay for dinner, so it is always a good idea to have a little more extra for baby. If you're nursing, the milk bar is always open.

Now, this is where you start to get clever. When you buy things, or ask for things at your baby shower, find baby items that are multi-purpose but practical. For instance, a pram that has a clip out baby capsule to put in the car. Here you can keep your sleeping baby in the same place without moving them. Why not see if you can find a baby seat that doubles as a baby rocker? How about the blow up seats to convert a normal chair into a high chair? There are so many innovative baby products out there that make you're life a lot easier with less items to lug around.

The best thing to remember is, bring what you need and leave most of it in the car until you need it. Don't walk into your friend's house with an army full of baby gear and your friends struggling to see where the baby is. Most the time, you'll only need a couple of things when you are visiting, but if you need extras, they are all sitting in the car waiting.

That's the 'what to bring with you' section. How about the socializing?

Don't be too precious with your baby. I know they are the love of

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