A New Baby,the Perfect Present…Holiday Celebrations Made Easier

It’s 2007, the holidays are upon us and you have a new baby, Congratulations! What could be more wonderful!! While it’s great to share all the joy and welcome a new baby, the holidays can be a little un-nerving for any new Mommy and Daddy. What do you do when all the relatives want to meet and greet your new little bundle? They pass her around like a football and kiss her little face? What do you do when it’s time for that holiday dinner and your little sweetie thinks it’s time for a cry? So many questions, but where are the answers?

Here are some tips to make the holidays full of happiness and good cheer:

• If you are traveling on a plane, feed your baby while the plane is taking off and landing. This keeps the Eustachian tubes open so her ears won’t hurt. Remember to take a change of clothes for yourself on the plane. There is nothing worse than meeting the family wearing strained carrots even if orange is your color!
• If you are staying in a hotel, bring along the lullaby CD that you for your baby at home. Most hotels have CD players or you can request one. There is nothing more comforting than the sounds of home.
• Call ahead and see how many people are going to be at the gathering. If it is not going to be comfortable for you and your baby, you can make the choice not to go.
• Before you leave home for that visit to a relative’s house, set a time limit for your stay with your husband. Have a signal between the two of you when it is time to make a graceful exit
• If you are going to be at the gathering for any length of time, make sure your baby is dressed in a comfortable outfit. While those frilly dresses with matching headbands and miniature Doc Martens look adorable, after awhile, they can get hot and itchy.
• If your baby is on a napping schedule, plan the visit for after naptime. There is nothing worse than Aunt Fannie trying to hold and play with a tired, cranky baby!
• Try to feed your baby before arriving for a holiday visit. A full tummy makes a happy baby!
• If you are having the holiday celebration at your home, hire a caregiver to help you with the baby. Or hire a caterer to help you with the food and festivities. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is okay if you can’t do it all.
• If you don’t want your baby passed around, put her in the bouncy seat or stroller.
• If your baby starts to cry while Aunt Judy is holding her, gently take her. Try not to get upset or the baby will sense your tension and continue to cry.
• If you arrive at the celebration and your baby starts crying, immediately take her outside to calm her down. Even though well-meaning relatives think they know how to do it better, there is nothing more comforting than mommy or daddy’s arms.

The holidays are a time for sharing. The above tips will help you and your new family have wonderful celebrations full of smiles, laughter and Happy Holidays!

© Blythe Lipman 2007