Surviving Christmas / Family Occasions with a small baby
Holidays and special events (such as Christmas, Weddings or family events) are such an exciting time but they can also bring anxiety with how you will balance everything with your new baby.
Here are some of my top tips to help you through.
Plan ahead.
Try your best to plan your day and/or trip around your baby current schedule (if they have a schedule that is) A hungry baby or a baby who misses a nap is not a happy baby and in turn this makes for some stressed out parents. A sling can be a great tool to allow baby to nap on the go, while still getting the comfort and reassurance of cuddles with a parent in unfamiliar surroundings.
Travelling
If you are heading out in the car to visit family try to time the car journey during babys nap. Hopefully you will get most of the trip with them oblivious to it all. Make sure to factor in time for stops if needed (a roadside feed or nappy change - or sometimes baby needs a break from the car seat for a while) Make sure to bring some of your babys familiar items like their favourite toy or blanket. Always have some spare outfits, extra nappies and wipes, and some extra bottles & milk if you bottle feed. If you are breastfeeding make sure to take time to feed to avoid getting overly full (this can easily happen when you are running around and blocked ducts are common during busy periods)
Online shopping
In the modern world we live in it is so easy to shop online. We have everything at our finger tips! Where possible do your shopping online to avoid stressful days in long queues with a tired and overstimulated baby. Plan your food/grocery shop to be delivered and you can buy your families special outfits online too! Gift vouchers are the perfect no fuss gift for loved ones and best of all, you don’t have to wrap them!
Lower your expectations
Take that pressure off your shoulders. Absolutely no one will expect you to do it all at a family event when you have a small baby. Your biggest critic is you. Yes you may usually bake a home made treat but for this year shop bought will be fine. You can’t do it all so for this year, allow yourself to prioritise your baby and yourself!
Keep it Simple
Of course everyone wants to spoil your new baby. It is natural. However, your gorgeous new baby won’t remember any of the gifts. Why not make some memories like a family photo or some baby hand and foot prints? Try to allow the chaos of holidays or big events to float on by as you take some time to be truly present and enjoy the experience with your new baby.
Take time out when needed
Everyone wants to be with the baby. It can be exhausting to be “switched on” all the time. If you need a break find a quiet room to sit or lay down with your baby. Have the time to breast or bottle feed them just you two. Reconnect and allow you both to relax. When you’re both ready you can venture back out to everyone.
Keep your baby close.
Newborns do not have the same immune system as an adult. They are more vulnerable to picking up bugs and infections. Don’t feel you have to let everyone have a hold of your baby. It’s ok to ask people to wash their hands first and not to kiss baby. This is especially important during winter months when RSV, flu, coughs and colds are widespread. You are not a neurotic parents, let them think what they think - your baby wellbeing is priority.
Try to Go with the Flow
It can be hard to stay on schedule with a new baby in tow. If you end up being late for an event or gathering or you have to leave for a while to settle baby - that is ok. It can be stressful at times, as you try to keep all the balls in the air. Remember take that pressure off yourself. You will get there when you get there. Babys have an unbelievable way of doing a massive poo or puking all over themselves and you just as you’re about to go out the door. Give yourself lots of time for these mishaps and if you are late everyone will understand
Hire a Postpartum Doula
Did you know our doulas can travel with you to events? We can help you to get ready, caring for baby while you shower and get dressed. We can bath baby, get them into their new outfit. We can help to get older siblings ready. Our doulas pack your bags, ensuring you and your family have everything you need. We prepare snacks to keep you all going so no one gets Hangry :) WE tidy up the house so when you return everything is in its place. We make sure that you remember to eat and drink throughout the day. We nurture you so you can really enjoy the experience and take all the stressing out.
Do get in touch if you would like to know more (email info@doulacare.ie)
Remember to enjoy the time. Whether it is your baby first Christmas, or a family event - the stuff like outfits and presents are all nice but they don’t make the memories. Take time to be truly part of the experience. Allow yourself to sit and be waited on. Cuddle your baby and let others run around.