Welcoming a newborn during the holiday season is both exciting and challenging. Between the festive spirit, the colder weather, and the influx of visitors eager to meet your little one, it can be overwhelming navigating this special time. Never fear! We’ve created a handy survival guide to help you handle the holiday season with a newborn—including setting boundaries, managing visitors, and finding moments of joy with your new family!
Set Clear Boundaries Early
Setting boundaries with family and friends during the holiday season can be a challenge, but it’s essential for protecting your baby’s health, your family’s comfort, and your peace of mind.
Before the holidays begin, have a conversation with loved ones about your boundaries.
- Limitations on Visits: Decide in advance who you’re comfortable having over and how often, especially if you want to avoid large gatherings. Let friends and family know about specific visiting times, and consider limiting the duration of visits so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Health First: Politely request that anyone who is feeling under the weather postpone their visit. It’s okay to be cautious about your newborn’s health, especially during flu season! Additionally, you can gently remind visitors to wash their hands and avoid kissing your baby to keep everyone healthy.
Setting these boundaries can feel difficult, but remember—friends and family will understand that you’re focused on creating a safe and calm environment for your little one.
Manage Expectations Around Celebrations
It’s natural to want to participate in holiday traditions, but with a newborn, it’s also important to be realistic. Give yourself permission to step back from big events if needed and take things at a pace that feels right for you and your family.
- Prioritize Quiet Moments: The holiday season is full of sensory stimulation, from bright lights to holiday music. Keep celebrations simple by prioritizing small, quiet moments. A cozy night at home, looking at the Christmas tree lights, or reading a holiday story, can be a beautiful, calm way to enjoy the season with your newborn.
- Create New Traditions: Having a newborn during the holidays is a unique opportunity to start traditions that will grow with your family! Whether it’s a first ornament, a holiday keepsake, or reading a seasonal book together, these little traditions will add joy to your celebrations without the stress of big gatherings.
Embrace a Slower Schedule
With a newborn, everything takes a bit more time and energy. Be kind to yourself and embrace a slower pace this holiday season. Let go of any pressure to create a “perfect” holiday and focus on what feels manageable.
- Plan Around Your Baby’s Schedule: Instead of trying to do everything, prioritize a few key activities and plan them around your baby’s feeding and nap schedule. Short, low-key outings like a stroll to see neighborhood lights or a quick family photo are memorable but manageable ways to celebrate.
- Give Yourself Grace: Newborns have their own rhythms, and some days are harder than others. If things don’t go exactly as planned, remember that flexibility is key. Allow yourself to enjoy the season’s small moments without the pressure of doing it all! Remember, there is no “right” way to enjoy the season!
Limit and Plan Visitors Thoughtfully
The holiday season often brings an influx of well-meaning friends and family eager to meet your baby, but it’s okay to limit visits to what you feel comfortable with.
- Organize Visits Ahead of Time: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, try to stagger visits so you’re not hosting too many people at once. Spacing visits out will help everyone get quality time without overwhelming you or your baby.
- Accept Help When Offered: Loved ones who visit are often happy to lend a hand. Don’t be shy about accepting help with small chores, like holding your baby while you eat or even helping with dishes. Accepting these gestures of support can make a world of difference during this busy time.
Focus on Self-Care and Baby Care
It’s easy to forget about self-care during the holidays, but it’s essential for maintaining your energy and well-being as a new parent.
- Get Outside When Possible: If weather permits, bundle up your baby and take short walks. A bit of fresh air and sunlight can help with winter blues and offer a refreshing change of scenery.
- Prioritize Rest: Between holiday activities and nighttime feeds, rest can be hard to come by. Rest when your baby sleeps, and don’t hesitate to ask your partner or family members to step in so you can recharge.
Find Joy in the Season’s Simplicity
The holidays with a newborn are truly magical, even if celebrated in a simpler way. Taking the time to pause and appreciate these small, quiet moments can help you find joy amid the winter bustle.
- Capture Special Moments: Snap a few photos or journal about these early holiday experiences with your newborn. These memories will become priceless keepsakes in the years to come.
- Celebrate the Season at Home: Remember, the heart of the holidays is family, and there’s no better time to enjoy that closeness than with your newborn. Cherish your quiet family time, even if it means turning down a few invitations or skipping the big holiday gatherings.
Navigating Winter Holidays with a Newborn: Embrace the Journey
Experiencing the holiday season with a newborn is unique. It can be both joyful and challenging! With some mindful planning and gentle boundaries, you can create a holiday experience that feels comfortable, relaxed, and meaningful. Allow yourself to prioritize your baby, your health, and your well-being, and savor these first precious holiday moments together as a new family.
Caring for a newborn during the holidays can be both magical and overwhelming. If you have questions or need support, our team at Genesis Pediatrics is here to help! Schedule your baby’s next check-up or call us today for personalized advice and care. Call us today at (585) 426-4100.
Sources:
https://breastpumps.byramhealthcare.com/blog/2023/11/17/how-to-handle-holidays-with-newborns
https://www.whattoexpect.com/family/celebrations/ultimate-holiday-survival-guide