Our Top Tips for Surviving the Holidays as a New Parent
7 minute read
As a new parent, this holiday season will be different than most. But just because you have a little one in tow, doesn’t mean you have to be in survival mode until the New Year.
Here are a few tips to not only survive, but thrive during the holidays as a new parent. So that this holiday season can be a beautiful, magical time of the year — made extra special with your newborn, infant or toddler as part of the mix.
Tip #1: Keep Things Simple
There’s something about the holiday season that seems to put time on fast forward…. From the family feasts, holiday parties, and special holiday outings to see holiday lights… To the extra shopping and wrapping of gifts, cleaning the house to host family, and traveling to see loved ones… The holiday months can fly by in the blink of an eye!
But being a new parent has added a TON of new items to your to-do list…Changing your little one’s diaper 10x a day, rocking your baby to sleep, cleaning all the bottles, pacifiers, and bibs… Life is pretty busy — even when there aren’t holidays to celebrate!
That’s why it’s important to remember that it’s ok to not do all the things this year. It’s tempting (we know!) to want to do it all…but this can quickly lead to burn out and stressful arguments that zap the joy out of the holiday season.
So this year, try to keep it simple.
It can be hard to say “no” and set boundaries as a new family, but this is key to enjoying this special time together. Focus on the things that really matter and try to let the other things go for now (or delegate them to others in your village!).
Tip #2: Find Your Own Comfort Level
Whether it’s having your first nursing session away from home, venturing out to the grocery store with your baby for the first time, or leaving your little one with a babysitter for your “first date” post-baby…
So many “firsts” with your child can feel intimidating and down-right scary.
And if this is your first holiday season with a little one, you may be feeling worried or anxious about navigating the many invitations and commitments that come with the season.
Traveling on an airplane with your baby for the first time to see your folks… Trying one of your baby’s naps “on the go” so that you can attend a work holiday happy hour… Or letting your little one try some of the delicious Turkey day treats for the first time…
You may find that you’re up for the challenge and that things are easier — and more fun! — than you expected. Or you may decide that now is not the right time and the best option for you and your family is to say “no” or “not right now.” And that’s ok!
You don’t want to let anyone down, but at the end of the day, it’s so important to find your comfort level with each of these opportunities. Listen to your gut…and remember…that there’s always next year.
Tip #3: Skip the Travel
If you’re used to traveling home for the holidays, you may decide that it’s better for your family to stick closer to home this year. Flying with a baby can be pretty overwhelming at times. Especially if your plane gets delayed, unexpectedly extending your travel day. (And don’t get us started on having to adjust your little one to a new time zone if you travel across the country!)
Driving may be easier with an infant or toddler… But you’ll need to plan to make extra stops along the way to feed and change your child. And it may be challenging to keep your child entertained on a long road trip, especially if they have a hard time sleeping in the car.
Plus, no matter how you travel, there’s all the baby gear you’ll have to pack! From pack ‘n plays, and sound machines, to high chairs and tons of diapers… It may be easier to forgo travel this year and cozy up at home where you’ll have everything you need.
If you’re up for visitors, maybe this is the year to invite your baby’s grandparents to come visit for the holidays. That way you get the best of both worlds — time with loved ones and the comfort and ease of being at home.
Tip #4: Embrace New Traditions
Decorating your house from top to bottom…sending out holiday cards…hosting a big holiday soiree… Keeping up with all your family’s holiday traditions can be extra challenging with a new baby.
As a parent of a newborn or young child, this may be the year to put some traditions on pause to make more space for your growing family. This can take some of the pressure off and give you a bit more breathing room to focus on caring for your little one’s needs (which, let’s be honest, is a 24/7 job!).
But just because you give up a tradition or two this year, doesn’t mean that the holiday season can’t still be special.
Maybe instead of trekking out to a Christmas tree farm, you opt to play some holiday music and decorate a fun new artificial tree with special ornaments you find online. Or maybe instead of making a big holiday feast from scratch you host a potluck where everyone can contribute…
You may be surprised at how much fun you have when you get creative and are open to new ways of celebrating the holiday season…and you might even create some new traditions that last for years to come!
Tip #5: Be Flexible
We look forward to the holidays for weeks…The good times with good friends and family is such a special part of the year. But heading into the holiday season with a new baby or growing little one, may mean that this holiday season looks a little different.
You may need to leave early — or even decline — certain holiday functions that fall during your baby’s bedtime. Or you and your partner may want to take turns watching your little one so that you each get to eat some yummy Thanksgiving dinner and have quality conversations with other adults.
Try to make a plan as best you can with your partner or support team so that you know what to expect. But remember to be flexible! You may need to adapt your plans and adjust in the moment depending on what you and your little one needs.
Tip #6: Make a Plan for Feeding Your Child
Whether you’re hosting people in your home, staying with loved ones, or planning to attend a few holiday gatherings… It can help to think about how you’ll feed your little one during these busy times.
If you’re in a home — whether it’s yours or someone else’s — you may want to step away from the festivities to a quiet space to nurse or bottle feed your baby. Make sure to bring everything you would need for a typical feeding session — nursing pads, burp cloths, etc.
If you’re bottle feeding your baby — think about how many feeding sessions your little one will have during the holiday activity and make sure you have enough prepared bottles all ready to go. Keep chest/breastmilk or formula cold and fresh with an insulated bottle bag that you can easily toss in your diaper bag.
And if you’re in a public place — like a restaurant, venue, or park — pack a nursing cover to give you a little extra privacy.
For toddlers, pack some of their favorite snacks and puree pouches in a handy bento box for easy eating on the go.
Tip #7: Take Time For Yourself
But remember to take some time for yourself to unwind and care for your emotional, mental, and physical health.
Maybe it’s having a cup of your favorite postpartum tea or taking a warm sitz bath at the end of the day. Or carving out time to have happy hour with your girlfriends, go to a relaxing yoga class, or sink into the couch to watch an episode of your favorite TV show.
It may be harder to create this time and space for yourself when a little one needs you 24/7. Talk with your partner and think creatively about how you can support one another to make sure you’re both getting the time you need to take care of yourselves.
By filling your own cup, you’ll feel more energized and ready to give back to your family.
Final Thoughts on Surviving the Holidays as a New Parent
The holidays can be difficult to navigate…even without a new baby! Life has changed as you know it and it’s ok if the holiday season looks a little different this year.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself — no one is expecting you to give them the perfect gift, bake the perfect treat, or attend every single holiday function.
Try to let go of your expectations of what the holidays “usually” look like. That way you can be more flexible when plans need to change and create space for new fun traditions!
And remember… There is such magic even in the smallest moments… Taking a picture of your newborn dressed in their special holiday outfit…seeing your baby look with wonder at the holiday lights…watching your little one’s eyes light up as they taste a delicious holiday cookie.
We hope you can take time to soak in the magic of this holiday season and enjoy this special time with your growing family!
Need Help Preparing for the Holiday Season as a New Parent?
Photo of the Babies in Bloom Boutique Holiday Section
Whether it’s finding the perfect gift for your little one…a cute holiday outfit…special baby-and-me experience…or the perfect support group to help you navigate a stressful season…
We’re here to help!
Browse the boutique, drop in to our bi-weekly Breastfeeding Support Group, treat yourself to Baby and Me Yoga, or sign up for a class! We’d love to meet you and connect you with other mamas in the Vista area. We can’t wait to see you!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
