Holiday Survival Guide for New Parents

So it’s “the most wonderful time of the year” as the song goes. I am sure every parent is thinking, “Yeah, right!” Ha Ha! This can be a very busy and stressful time of the year so I am here to share some helpful hints to help make your time easier and more enjoyable.

1. HOLIDAY DECISIONS- decide how you want to spend your time. Family is often anxious to see the baby but your sanity is also important. What time is the gathering and is this conducive to when the baby is awake or napping? When are his/her fussy periods? Talk to your partner about what you both want and work as a team. Have a code word when it is time to depart. Have each other’s back, take turns with the baby and check on each other to make sure you are both staying hydrated and able to have a plate of food. No one says you have to stay the entire time. Come up with some options such as showing up for desserts or presents only. Talk to the host ahead of time about all this so they can possibly accommodate.  

2. EXTRA TRAVEL TIME-babies require lots of stuff and extra stops. Build-in extra time to your travel plan to give yourself extra time for diaper changes and feeding and holding. Make sure the car is serviced and ready for travel. When flying this is especially important. It is very helpful to know the TSA regulations for breast milk. For the comfort of the baby’s ears, it is also very helpful to nurse or feed the baby on the take-off and landing. 

3. BE ORGANIZED-organization and having all the necessary things for travel are essential. Prepare your travel bag with all the needed items for you and baby. Pack extra diapers, wipes, burp cloths, bibs, changing pad, baby blanket, nursing cover, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, baby outfits, an extra outfit for yourself and partner, your pump, breast milk storage bags, cooler with blue ice, bottles, nipples, pacifiers, breastmilk or formula, rattles, baby books or toys to keep baby entertained. 

4. CROWD CONTROL-everyone wants to hold and touch the baby. Good handwashing and sanitizing with hand gel is a MUST. No one who has been sick should be near the baby. Period. Babywearing is a good solution for this. Some babies (moms or dads too) get very overstimulated and fussy with all the chaos at large family gatherings. Some babies simply fall asleep with all the passing from family member to family member. Don’t be surprised if your baby is up all night then as a response. 

5. BABY HIDEAWAY SPOT- talk to the host ahead of time to see where a good comfy peaceful and quiet spot is should you and/or your baby need a break. Perhaps there is a quiet bedroom, porch, or an extra room. Going out the car works too. Have everything you need packed in your travel bag and be sure to have it with you. 

6. COMFORTABLE NURSING/PUMPING SPOT-all moms feel differently about whether they are going to nurse/pump in front of Grandma Jane or Uncle Bob. Figure out what is comfortable for you. Some moms will use a blanket or nursing cover or not. Other moms are more comfortable nursing/pumping in a more private space. A helpful hint is to think about what clothing you are going to wear. Layers or something that is a print or dark in color works best. A nursing cami works great under clothes so that your torso is covered as well. Be sure not to skip feedings or pumpings. With all the distractions, be sure to set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself. Be sure you are staying hydrated as well. If you choose to drink alcohol, nurse or pump first. As long as you are feeling “buzzy”, the alcohol can potentially transfer into your milk. A good general rule is that it takes ~2 hours for the alcohol in your bloodstream to dissipate and get absorbed so do not feed/pump during that time. 

7. HANDLING UNSOLICITED FAMILY ADVICE-have you noticed that everyone wants to share their opinions on how and what you should be doing once you have a baby. Some good. Some really bad. Be assured that Auntie Carol will voice her opinion at your family gathering. So what are some good tips to handle this? Figure out a good way to handle this with your partner and act as each other’s wingman. Always okay to use the pediatrician excuse. “Thank you. I understand what you are saying, but my pediatrician said….” “Hmm, I can ask my pediatrician about that. “ If what they are saying is absolutely ridiculous and not worth your oxygen responding, then always okay to just smile, say nothing, and look like you are agreeing. Remember, you and your partner are the experts when it comes to your baby. Period. 

At the end of the day remember this is just one family gathering. Sharing the day and being together is what is most important. As the saying goes, don’t sweat the small stuff. Offer yourself a little grace and be flexible. 

I am wishing you and your family a peaceful, happy and healthy holiday season! 

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With love & gratitude,

Stacy