My running buggy (the Thule Chariot Cross) has the fantastic feature that the child and any other contents are entirely zipped inside. Unlike a regular pushchair, it is simply not possible to lose anything over the edge. Genius really. Your running buggy may not be like this. If that is the case then you’re going to need a load of little cords and carabiners so you can attach everything on. The last thing you want is to be tripped up by a flying teddy.
That sorted, bring along a few of these:
6-9 months : something noisy with a handle that your baby can grab and shake. Bells like this are ideal. The jangling around will let other path users (especially the spread-out-across-the-whole-width-and-dawdle kind) know you’re coming.
9-12 months : a cuddly stuffed toy animal (not your baby’s favourite can’t-get-to-sleep-without-it one, obvs), plus a few interactive toys with textured patches, squeakers, mirrors and the like. We had a couple of fab ones from Lamaze, which were colourful and robust.
12-18 months : electronic toys with buttons, the noisier the better. A board book with buttons, or an imitation mobile phone or remote control is ideal. We’ve got this one from Early Learning Centre, which still gets played with years later. Plus, if it is super irritating, it’ll make you run faster.
18-24 months : one or two board books (not the sort with flaps!), plus a small bag packed with different characters for imaginary play… a selection of chunky farm animals, for example, or whatever they recognise from the TV.
2-3 years : your little one can help you choose what to bring along. DD usually picked some hyper-plastic tat and a cuddly animal from her enormous collection (not her fault, I have a huge weakness for Jellycat!), but her other favourite was and still is her mini disco light. Great in tunnels and underpasses.
3+ years : grab a small bag and look around your house for a few things with novelty value… some under-appreciated toys from the bottom of the box, or perhaps a (safe) kitchen utensil or a whistle or torch. Playmobil or Lego characters borrowed from an older sibling’s collection will go down well. Sunglasses, gloves, hats and other things DD can put on and off also keep her entertained for ages!
On no account should you give your child a SCREEN or your PHONE. Trust me on this. Later in the day when you are in desperate need of a cup of tea and some peace, you will turn on the TV, grinning, knowing little Wilfred has already played wholesomely, with just old-fashioned toys and his own imagination, in the fresh air. Win-win-win!
