Stranger Danger

 

I remember parents telling me that a simple trip to the shopping center would never be the same again. I made the mistake of assuming that this was because of the million new items you now have to pack, and unpack, pack and then unpack (you know the routine).  At the beginning when traveling with baby is still a novelty, Mom makes sure she has absolutely EVERYTHING.  You can spot a new mom from a mile away… the over-packed diaper bag, the 3 containers of formula, towels, blankets etc. She resembles a Kilimanjaro porter who carries a weeks-worth of survival gear for the hikers.  I mean obviously you need absolutely everything for a ‘just-in-case’ moment.

A more seasoned mom has learnt how to travel light, only carrying the bare essentials. She may find herself wondering “Do we really need to take that diaper?” or “We don’t really need an extra change of clothes, we can just turn these ones inside out”.  These moms can be easily spotted too, they are usually carrying their babies on their hip, and have mastered the one-hand for everything technique.  Meanwhile the new mom has a complicated travel system, Yes, a travel system for baby.

So here is me imagining that the ‘it will- never be the same again’ warning was because of the added logistics around having a child. Well I was wrong. While you do need to add an extra 10mins to your travel time, what parents have not taken into account is the element of what I am now calling Stranger Danger. A trip to the store would not be complete without every single grandmother stopping you to have a look and chat about your baby.

So a tip from me new parents, and parents-to-be… Add at least an extra 20mins when stepping out with your little one. You will be strategically cornered by these old ladies, and you will need to listen to all their family stories and advise they are so willing to share. And to all you reading this blog… please call your grannies and let them know you love them, shame man! They are wondering around shops and hanging out at the Mug ‘n Bean just to get a small dose of some baby-love, even old ladies can get broody.