To The Mom Navigating The Holidays With A Newborn,
As the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” But if you’re entering the holidays with a brand new baby, this merry season can feel a little more complicated. My son’s due date was November 21st, and I remember thinking to myself that surely he was going to come on time! Wasn’t he just as excited to meet us as we were to meet him?
But much to our surprise, my son decided to join us nearly two weeks past his due date, leaving me very pregnant for Thanksgiving and very postpartum for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
While I was extremely excited to spend the holidays with my newborn baby, navigating holiday gatherings with extended family members, physically healing from birth, and learning how to breastfeed and function on *very*little sleep quickly became overwhelming. Oh how I wish I had someone to guide me through such a vulnerable time!
Our sweet little December baby soundly sleeping on his first Christmas :’)
If your due date falls right around the holidays, I would love to be that guide for you. Pour yourself some hot cocoa and snuggle up with this post–I’m here to help you feel prepared! I’ve gathered some of the best advice from real moms to help make your holidays a little more merry and bright!
First, let’s chat about baby products. Add them to your holiday wish list!
Santa has his bag of toys, and moms need their own bag of essentials, too.
Mom of two, Olivia R. suggests splurging on something with plenty of room!
“You need a big diaper bag for all the essentials you’ll need to survive a day of holiday party-hopping.”
One of the reasons we love the Original Diaper Bagby Fawn Design is because of the various compartments it has – 12 to be exact. While this item could be considered a “splurge”, it’s an accessory that is sure to be put to good use for years to come. This diaper bag can be worn as a backpack or messenger style depending on your preferences, and has various color options to choose from!
One of my all-time favorite newborn baby products is my Solly Baby Wrap, and I was especially glad to have it during the holidays. Regardless of what was happening around us, whenever my newborn was in this carrier, all was calm, and all was right! I could easily strap it on and sit at the table amongst family and friends, and feel as though I was participating in the holiday festivities while meeting the needs of my newborn.
In addition (and full transparency, here), my postpartum anxiety was heightened after having our son, and the thought of him being passed around amongst a crowd made me very uneasy. This wrap was a fantastic way to keep my nerves at bay while getting some extra snuggles with my baby.
While we love sharing gifts during the holidays, one of the things we don’t love to share is germs. That’s why seasoned moms recommend the Multi-use Car Seat Cover. This stretchy cover can double as a “do not disturb” sign when placed over your infant’s car seat, keeping unwanted germs away and putting a stop to curious family members disturbing your little one during those oh-so-precious moments of sleep. You can even use it as nursing cover, creating the perfect private spot to breastfeed during holiday parties!
Before I began my motherhood journey I was skeptical about sound machines. Did I really need one? The answer is “yes!” A portable sound machine is perfect for drowning out the excess noise at your family gatherings, helping your little one stay on a nap schedule even while out and about!
Image courtesy of Rachel Greene Baby Jax showing his portable sound machine some extra love!
Real Mom Rachel G. says:
“This is the best baby item for on the go! My son can sleep in the car, in the middle of a party, on an airplane, or in the stroller. It’s an essential item that I encourage every mom to register for!”
And if your sound machine isn’t available, here’s a pro tip from mom of two, Madison C.:
“For the days when you forget to charge the sound machine or accidentally leave it at home, your iPhone comes with a white noise setting!”
Another “top of the list” baby product moms love is the Snuggle Me Organic Lounger! With this cute and comfy lounger, your baby has a calming and comforting place to relax. The cover is organic, breathable, and machine-washable, making it perfect for on-the-go!
Soon to be mom of two Nicoleta N. shares:
“The lounger is the perfect baby item especially in those beginning weeks! Whether you’re in your own home for holidays or traveling to a family member’s, I could not recommend it enough!”
Words of Wisdom
We have all heard the saying “it takes a village” when it comes to raising children, and I would emphasize that finding your village is extremely crucial during those hazy newborn days.
So mom, consider this article your village! From the more humorous advice such as, “Don’t bother buying your newborn Christmas gifts! Save your money!” (thank you for that, Cheryl B.), to the noteworthy, “Baby’s first Christmas doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect” (thank you for that reminder, Bethany S.), we have all the advice you need when it comes to navigating the holiday season with your little one!
Image courtesy of Carly Willacey
Leah pictured with her “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree” that gets decorated and placed in her room every Christmas!
Embrace the Moment
Mother of two and grandmother to five, Treasha D. encourages new mom’s to embrace the moment and prioritize baby’s needs above all. She shares:
“Throw out whatever your image of perfection may be and go with whatever the new baby’s needs are! And do not feel guilty about declining an invite to family gatherings!”
Mother of two, Carly W. shares that the holidays might look a little different this year, and that’s ok:
“The Christmas right after our daughter turned 1, we weren’t surrounded by extended family; it was just my husband, our daughter and me. I kept thinking, ‘What should we be doing?’ and I drove myself nuts with the pressure. It wasn’t until I realized that you just have to do what works: carry on old traditions, create new ones, and go with the flow most of all. Through the years your kids will remember the things that meant most to them.”
Set Boundaries
After our son was born, I quickly had to learn how to set boundaries and clearly communicate those boundaries with those around me. I had to be cautious not to overextend myself for the sake of “making memories.” Those first few weeks post birth are a very vulnerable time for a new mom, and I am a big believer that taking care of yourself first will in turn make taking care of your little one more enjoyable!
This holiday season might look a little different. You may have to say, “no,” to certain invitations, and travel may not be possible. But you’ll be creating new memories with your family that you’ll treasure for years to come.
When it comes to boundaries, real mom Emilie M. says:
“Our son was born on Christmas Eve which means we spent Christmas Day in the hospital, and New Year’s Eve at home in the foggy time of figuring everything out. To anyone giving birth over the holidays, I would say have low expectations, know things will look different, and be confident in knowing that you have the best excuse to be a hermit for the holidays! Enjoy this time as a new family!”
Image courtesy of Taylor Cruz Our first family Christmas card photoshoot!
Mother of two and now grandmother of two Susan H. shares:
“I wish I practiced what I am preaching, but as a young mom, I always tried to make everything perfect. I never really took time to enjoy the season with my children when they were young. Relax and lean into your family, and have fun whatever that looks like to you! And above all, no comparisons with others and what they do. That just creates unneeded strife amongst a family.”
If I could leave you with one thing to carry you through this season of navigating the holidays with a newborn it would be to take a deep breath and relax. Soak in all the smiles, all the excitement and all the joy that being a child during the holiday season brings. This is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and a present, relaxed, joyful mom, is the best present you can give your family this holiday season!
Written by Emilee Viner who believes that if she can make it through the holidays with a newborn then so can you!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The ideas are ours, but we may be compensated if you make a purchase by clicking on one of the links. Thanks for your support!
