Inexpensive trips out with 18 month old?

wannabe_sybil

I have an 18 month old little boy, and I am finding it very difficult to get out of the house. Getting my little bear on buses seems to me the most difficult thing in the world. I am on antidepressants and I am starting to get a little better. Two ladies from a local agency have just visited, they are going to take me and my little one on the bus to a park etc.

I really appreciate their help, and they have been very kind, but having browsed these boards a great deal I wondered if anyone here had any suggestions about how to get 'out and about' with a little one. I want to stick to a budget, and I need to watch the pennies. On the other hand I do want to get out with my little one to groups and such like as I worry about how much he is missing out.

Sorry for such a long post, but does anyone have any suggestions. Just tips on travelling would be marvellous. I can't drive.

soolin

Do you have a library you can walk to as very often they have story time and other activities that are free.

Also try your local NCT as they often have informal mums and baby/toddler groups, just a natter and a coffee while the children play.

jackomdj

Do you have anywhere walkable with a bit of grass - if so take some food & a blanket & a football & little one could happily spend the day.

My little ones love going to a petshop to look at the animals, I also take them to a local farm, which is relatively cheap to go to.

Do you have a friend that you could go places with, either in their car or on the bus? It won't seem so daunting if you do. Even if you go to a toddler group to get to know some people that you can then do things with.

I take my girls to swimming lessons & although it costs a bit it is an expense I can justify knowing they will end up confident in the water which will make them safe, they have made some friends & it is a great way to use an afternoon. Also it means when I take them myself they are happy to do lots of things in the water.

A lot of busses have the ramp that lifts up & down so you don't have to get your LO out of the pram. Start by going with the agency ladies then go on little trips by yourself.

Good luck & most importantly have fun with your little one.

Nicky
mum to Ellie 3 1/2 & Katie 16 months

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart

My 12 month old daughter loves picnics in this weather, especially if it's by water so we can feed the ducks! I pack her a change of clothes and dress her in old ones - so she can get good and muddy if she wants - and sit with a book or a magazine while she explores. She often finds other children to play with.

Instead of just going to a park, I stop by all the different trees/flowers/birds and talk to her about them (you can get guides free online, or from the library). It makes me feel like I've really 'done' something with her, if you see what I mean.

Libraries usually offer free story times etc, so have a look. They often stop over the summer holidays but will restart in September.

I find my sling invaluable for travelling by bus or train - far less hassle than a buggy. Have a look on ebay for an Ergo carrier or a Toddlerhawk - both very easy to put on by yourself and you can let them in and out of it as needed. I suffer with a bad back and have found as long as your sling is well-made, you shouldn't have any issues.

wannabe_sybil

Thank you very much for your suggestions.

The local library I can walk to is only open part time and does not do story time. It is around one and one half hours each way to walk to one that does, so I may wait until I am more confident on the bus

I do not have any close friends nearby, and my family are some distance and do not drive. My lovely husband works all day and I am not close to his family, all of whom also work. I am quite isolated, although my neighbours are lovely.

I cannot swim but perhaps when I get a little more confident I can address that with my little bear. The ladies from Wildfire suggested that, but the thought of it is extremely daunting to me at the moment.

I had not really thought about the park. Thank you so much for suggesting it. There is one quite near and it would be great to take him out, especially now the weather is more civilised.

I really appreciate all the suggestions.

wannabe_sybil

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart wrote: »

My 12 month old daughter loves picnics in this weather, especially if it's by water so we can feed the ducks! I pack her a change of clothes and dress her in old ones - so she can get good and muddy if she wants - and sit with a book or a magazine while she explores. She often finds other children to play with.

Instead of just going to a park, I stop by all the different trees/flowers/birds and talk to her about them (you can get guides free online, or from the library). It makes me feel like I've really 'done' something with her, if you see what I mean.

Libraries usually offer free story times etc, so have a look. They often stop over the summer holidays but will restart in September.

I find my sling invaluable for travelling by bus or train - far less hassle than a buggy. Have a look on ebay for an Ergo carrier or a Toddlerhawk - both very easy to put on by yourself and you can let them in and out of it as needed. I suffer with a bad back and have found as long as your sling is well-made, you shouldn't have any issues.

Thank you, I was typing my response when you posted your suggestions and it is really helpful. I shall look into the sling, as I am not strong enough to work the catches to get the buggy down I shall also look into getting some reins - he is such a lovely livewire. I think feeding the ducks is a great idea, as my little bear loves seeing animals. I shall see what I can find out.

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart

I am in the same position - my husband works long hours, we live away from my circle and I don't drive (yet!). I take advantage of his days off for lifts to soft play centres etc, and when he works I brave the train and go to the park.

Could you put a post on the https://www.netmums.com meet a mum board? You may find someone local to you. I've made a few friends round here this way

wannabe_sybil

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart wrote: »

I am in the same position - my husband works long hours, we live away from my circle and I don't drive (yet!). I take advantage of his days off for lifts to soft play centres etc, and when he works I brave the train and go to the park.

Could you put a post on the www.netmums.com meet a mum board? You may find someone local to you. I've made a few friends round here this way

I may try and get my courage up to do this, it makes a lot of sense. I live in a city, but I seem to be off the beaten track for absolutely everything and need to get the bus to do almost anything. My depression has been quite bad, though my little boy seems to be flourishing (the ladies from Wildfire said he seemed a very bright little button - so proud!) and I am struggling to deal with strangers, apart from on here. MSE has some lovely people, however, and it is very easy to post here. I really appreciate all the advice and suggestions. I am resolute that I will not let it go to waste.

Hell_Dans_Un_Handcart

This is also an excellent mum's forum - you'll find lots of ladies dealing with depression (post natal or otherwise) here too:

http://community.hitched.co.uk/forums/36.aspx

milliebear00001

Your local library should have a noticeboard (often in the children's section) with posters for local mum and toddler groups - sounds daunting but lovely for your LO and great for you - a bit of adult conversation with people who have children the same age can be wonderful, and your LO will make some little friends too! In addition to libraries, check your phone book to see if you have a Surestart centre near you. These are often a great source of coffee/mum and tot groups too. In addition (but not so cheap) the swimming thing is great for LO, and you might try something like Tumble Tots (google it) if it's in your area. Your local leisure centre may also have groups, and another good source of info is your local council's webpage.

For general chat with mum's of children the same ge as yours, try https://www.babycentre.co.uk, https://www.netmums.co.uk, https://www.mumsnet.co.uk, and for other playgroups try https://www.childcarelink.gov.uk

Good luck!

LizzyD

hello, just wanted to say keep going , it does get easier and it will be good to get used to getting out before the winter sets in. Agree with all other posters about looking for group lists at library, health visitors. we have come to rely on the local churches for toddler groups as also dont drive. we also have an allotment now which i think is good for the depression, gets you out as an extra to park/ducks. must go take care