The holidays are just around the corner. Spending the first Christmas and New Year with your baby is super exciting and should be well planned. After all, you don't want to put too much pressure on your baby. We asked the expert and doula, Sophie-Marie Hugle, for her tips on how best to prepare for the holidays with a baby and what parents should definitely pay attention to. Enjoy reading!
Planning is everything
In order to have a relaxed celebration, you should think carefully about what is important to you. Should it be a big family celebration with all the relatives at Christmas or do you want to stay as a small family among yourselves? What errands do you need to run? Food, Christmas tree, presents? Divide the tasks well. Because at a time when you don't get much sleep, have to look after a baby and have lots of new experiences, it can get pretty stressful.
Tips for a relaxed celebration
Plan the time according to your needs and those of your baby. Do you already have a routine and put your child to bed at 7 p.m. every evening? Then it's best to plan the party so that you can maintain your routine. If that's not possible and you're celebrating with family, make sure you can take time out without all the hustle and bustle. A carrier or stroller can help shield your baby from all the stimuli and at the same time provide a nice place to sleep. It can also be helpful to take pajamas with you and put them on in the evening as soon as the baby is tired. That way, when you get home, you can - with a bit of luck - put the baby straight into bed while he or she is asleep.
Security
If your baby is already a little more mobile, you should pay special attention to safety. Tablecloths that can be pulled on or that have something hot on them, or the dishes, can quickly become a danger. I would also strongly recommend not decorating the Christmas tree with real candles. You should also make sure that cables, for example, are well secured when putting up Christmas decorations so that your baby cannot strangle itself on them. Then nothing will stand in the way of a safe Christmas.
Christmas market
If you don't want to miss out on visiting the Christmas market, it's best to go as early as possible so that it doesn't get too crowded and noisy. In addition, it can be difficult and tight to maneuver a stroller at many Christmas markets. It's a good idea to take your little darling in a carrier. Your baby will be warm and cozy there and you won't have to rush through the crowds with a stroller.
New Year's Eve
The smaller your baby is, the less they will generally notice New Year's Eve. Most babies are not put off by the loud noises outside. It's best to stay indoors with your baby, as it can be too loud outside and the danger of flying firecrackers or misfired rockets is avoided. Darken the windows if possible and make yourself comfortable inside. A little music or a story can be a good distraction. Or you can look at the colorful pictures in the sky together from the window. It's best to listen to yourself and your gut feeling, because what feels right will also be right for you. Look at yourself and your needs and don't let your mother-in-law or grandmother interfere.
We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a good start into the New Year!
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