All parents face and have to manage solo childcare at times (erm hello maternity leave, oh and lockdown 1 ,2 and 3…) but when, 10 months into motherhood, I lost my husband and unexpectedly became a solo parent I realised some things were going to require a bit more thought with just one pair of hands.
I still wanted to hold onto elements of my pre-motherhood life that I’d previously enjoyed – in fact, those things have been vital – but they were also logistically difficult. These are some things (beyond wine, Hey Duggee and willing babysitters) that I’ve used that have made a difference.
The best pieces of kit to help you survive as a solo parent
1 of 4Women's Fairview 70L Rucksack
A travel backpack
Holidays with a baby or toddler for company, rather than an adult, aren't QUITE the same but it was still really important to me that I continue to travel with my daughter. However, the travelling part is tricky. Though you can check in big pieces of luggage you have to have your hands free to push a pram/ hold a baby – and even getting to the check-in stage can be a struggle (plus airports and crying babies are STRESSFUL). I invested in a traveller backpack which reassured me that I could have all my luggage on me, it wasn't too heavy and I had my hands free to push the buggy/ hold my daughter. I'd say it's an absolute necessity if you want to travel abroad and you don't have help at either end of the journey. Even better if it's got a daypack that attaches – you can whip that off at the last minute and take it on the flight with you.
2 of 4Joie Pact Pushchair
A one-handed collapsible buggy
I duly bought my beautiful Bugaboo pram in anticipation of our daughter's arrival but I don't think I once managed to collapse it without my husband's help. For any non-local journey that involves public transport/steps, an easily collapsible buggy is ESSENTIAL. This one is great because you can hold a baby, collapse it with your other hand and carry it over your shoulder. For comfort, I still prefer using the Bugaboo, to be honest, but this is great for days out.
3 of 4LittleLife Adventurer S2 Child Carrier
A back baby carrierOnce your little one starts walking, it's a game changer, but it comes with its downsides. My daughter is much less keen on the pram now. She wants to walk and then 10 minutes later she wants to be carried. But she weighs a lot and there's only so long I can manage that. I want to move properly and briskly for my own health benefits. The back baby carrier has really helped – she likes going in it/ being up high and next to me and I can ACTUALLY exercise. Win-win!
£130.00
4 of 4Thule Glide 2 Jet Stroller, Black
A running buggy
Once you're at the stage, post-birth, that you can face exercise again the next issue is being able to find a slot to manage it – because generally, where you are, baby is too. If you're lucky to have the support and help from family and friends, that's a huge benefit but sometimes you want to pop out for a run without requiring a logistical operation/ asking for favours (because your life has already become about asking favours). The running buggy gives you so much more freedom to fit it in – which in turn, I found, makes you happier.