Facing the holidays with a new baby can be a bit overwhelming. From baby’s point of view, there are so many new people, smells, and traditions, so the whole thing can feel really overwhelming. When you’re headed over the river and through the woods, here are some tips to survive the holidays.
Bring baby’s familiar things– pacis, blankets, stuffed animals, favorite books, or that special something which your little one really loves. Anything that will help your tot to not feel so homesick is good. Also, having a variety of things to keep baby entertained on long car rides or plane trips is important so that everyone doesn’t lose their minds. Have a rotation of interesting toys, so that she’s not getting bored with the same stuffed animal 20 minutes into the 4 hour trip.
Snacks are important too! If your babe is old enough, make sure you have snacks which can help keep him entertained. We don’t normally suggest feeding baby for entertainment, but if you’re going to be on a long flight, it just may help pass the time. Here’s a link to the TSA guidelines traveling with children (includes information about breast and bottle fed babies.)
The hustle and bustle of travel can leave everyone feeling a little unbalanced. We recommend tons of fresh air, it will help you and the kids to feel more settled. Even if you’re going to a frozen tundra, it’s still good to get outside for a few minutes. Babies can get overwhelmed so easily, and being out in nature can soothe their overstimulated brains. Speaking of stimulation, finding a quiet time every day is so important to you and your baby. Remember to bring your white noise machine because there are often unfamiliar sounds which can keep little ears alert. Even if your child is a little bit older, having a quiet time can really help recharge batteries.
Sometimes, when babies are really young, it may feel like you’re constantly feeding them. If you’re nursing, take a pretty pashmina which can double as a not only a scarf, but also a nursing shawl, so you don’t have to feel so exposed in front of Uncle Larry. Bring a fun relative, who you’d like to get to know more, into the room while you’re feeding the baby, it will give you some one on one time that you might not otherwise get, and also help you to feel less isolated.
And after you’ve survived holiday travel with your baby, hire a postpartum doula, we’ll help you get your life back on track. The holidays, but especially travel with the holidays, can leave everyone feeling in a funk when it’s all over. Chesapeake Birth and Baby will come to you, and help resume your baby’s old schedule, get your laundry unpacked and cleaned, and warm you with some homemade soup to help fight off any yucky germs you picked up on the plane.