Written by: Mia,
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. However, for parents of newborns, it can also be a period of stress and disruption to their carefully established schedules.
Maintaining your newborn’s routine during the holidays is essential for their well-being and your peace of mind. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the busy holiday season while keeping your little one’s schedule intact.
10 TIPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR NEWBORN'S ROUTINE
1. Plan Ahead
Before the holiday rush begins, take some time to plan. Create a written list that includes your baby's feeding, napping and bedtime routines. Keep this schedule handy, and share it with your family and friends who will be part of your holiday celebrations. By having a plan in place, you can communicate your newborn’s needs effectively.
2. Be Open About Your Baby's Needs
Don’t hesitate to communicate your baby's needs to your loved ones. Let them know the importance of sticking to the routine for their health and happiness. Your friends and family will likely understand and be more than willing to accommodate your needs, especially if they have little ones themselves.
3. Limit Overstimulation
Overstimulation is especially common in newborns between two weeks and four months old, as they experience more stimuli than they’re used to. They can easily become overwhelmed by loud noises and bright lights. If you’re at a gathering where it’s particularly chaotic, take your baby to a quieter room occasionally for some downtime.
Limit their exposure to overstimulating environments to keep them calm and happy. If you’re attending gatherings at others’ homes, don’t hesitate to politely ask your hosts if there’s a quieter room where you can take your newborn when they need a break.
4. Bring All The Essentials
Pack a baby bag with all the essentials when heading to holiday gatherings or parties. These items may include extra diapers, wipes, bottles, breast pump, baby food, etc.
It’s better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Having these items on hand will help you maintain your baby’s schedule without interruptions.
5. Create a Portable Sleep Environment
Consider creating a portable sleep environment if your baby needs to nap during get-togethers. A travel crib or bassinet can help them get the rest they need while you enjoy the festivities. Ensure it’s set up in a quiet, dimly lit area to mimic their usual sleeping conditions. Baby-wearing can also be a great option if your little one prefers to stay close to you.
6. Maintain Consistent Bedtime Routines
One of the most critical aspects of maintaining your baby’s schedule is ensuring a consistent bedtime routine. Follow your usual pre-sleep rituals, like a warm bath, gentle lullabies and a dimly lit room. These tasks will signal your baby that it’s time for sleep, even during the holidays. Your newborn should spend between 14 and 17 hours each day sleeping, as this is one of the most vital periods for mental and physical development.
7. Share Responsibilities
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner, friends and family during the holidays. Enlist their support in caring for your baby so you can take short breaks to recharge and enjoy the celebrations. Sharing responsibilities will make it easier to stick to your newborn’s routine and take a bit of the load off your shoulders.
8. Stick to Regular Feeding Times
Most babies feed every two to four hours, but this can change depending on the time of day. Even during holiday gatherings, try to stick to your baby’s regular feeding times as closely as possible. If you’re breastfeeding, find a quiet place to nurse if necessary.
9. Establish a Pre-Holiday Routine
In the days leading up to the holiday events or travel, create a pre-holiday routine that mirrors your baby’s regular schedule as much as possible. Doing this can help ease the transition and make it easier for your baby to adapt to holiday disruptions.
10. Be Flexible Within Reason
While maintaining your baby’s routine is vital, be open to some flexibility. You might have to adjust the schedule slightly to accommodate family traditions or special holiday events. Just ensure these changes are temporary and won’t disrupt your little one’s routine.
PEACEFUL NIGHT'S AHEAD
With the right approach, coping with a newborn during the holiday season doesn’t have to be all that stressful. The key to a successful holiday season is balancing celebrating with your loved ones and providing the necessary care for yourself and your baby.
