Baby’s First Christmas. Baby’s First Chanukah. Baby’s First Kwanzaa. Whatever it is you’re celebrating this year, it’s so exciting to be doing it all with your new baby!
Or is it?
Celebrating the holidays with a new baby can be a little stressful.
Actually…let’s be honest. The holidays in general can be a little stressful. Add to that a small tiny boss who seems to dictate when you can go places, what you do when you get there and things can seem a little complicated.
So, let’s talk: surviving the holidays with your new baby.
TIP #1- Don’t Overdo It.
The holidays can bring a lot of expectations. From family members, friends, co-workers, etc. Decide what events are most important and baby friendly and then attend those. Maybe you just pop in for a quick toast instead of attending the whole annual friend’s cocktail party. Perhaps driving to 3 different places on Christmas Day doesn’t sound like fun with a baby who screams in a car seat. Prioritize, don’t people please.
TIP #2- Be Prepared to Be Flexible.
So maybe your plan to avoid certain events didn’t work out and now you’re expected to be at Auntie Sue’s house during your baby’s afternoon nap. Try not to stress! Maybe you arrive a bit late and sit outside in the car to extend a nap or you leave early when baby starts to meltdown. Always bring PJs in case baby falls asleep on the way home, it makes for a quicker transfer to the crib. You may have a great routine with your baby that works wonderfully, but once or twice a year it goes down the drain. You will recover from this and your baby will be okay. Worst case, there’s always Baileys.
TIP #3- Bottoms Up!
Depending on your comfort level, having a drink may be just what you need. Some experts say that consuming small amounts of alcohol even if you’re breastfeeding is not as terrible as we may have thought. Now- if you’re planning to go all out like it’s 1999 on New Year’s Eve, you’re not fit to parent anyway- so forget the breast at that point and let baby hit the bottle…of pre-pumped breastmilk or formula.
TIP #4- Wear that Baby.
Babywearing can pretty much solve most holiday issues. Tired, cranky baby up past their bedtime? Stick them in a carrier and let them drift off so you can eat your butter tart in peace. Worried about grubby cousins and sick people getting your new bundle covered in germs? Wrap that baby to your body and nobody can get close without it being weird. Nobody wants to hold your baby while you eat? Clip baby into the Ergo, cover their head with the hood to avoid food droppings and you’re good to go.
TIP #5- Wait it Out.
Luckily, if the holidays are rough for you and your new baby, they’ll be over soon enough! And when they are, you’ll probably miss having relatives fawning over your sweet babe, unlimited sweets to eat and being surrounded by baby holders, making great memories.
Have a wonderful holiday season and make sure to take lots of photos of all your baby’s Firsts!
