Tips for Christmas with your newborn baby

Christmas is an exciting time of year and this one will be so precious now you have your new baby to share it with!  Here are a few tips for Christmas with your newborn baby.

Before Christmas Day

Lower your expectations – Don’t expect too much from yourself or your baby. Having a newborn is exhausting and although Christmas is a lovely time, you and your baby still need to be looked after and cared for.

Managing feelings – Even if you are surrounded by family and friends, this can be a lonely time. Having a baby can be isolating. If you have certain Christmas traditions, you may find you can’t join in due to caring for your baby. The answer to helping with this is, again, lower your expectations and try to enjoy the day as much as you can.

Don’t worry about decorations and presents – Your baby won’t remember this time! They don’t understand what is happening and they certainly won’t be as excited as you! Don’t put pressure on yourself to have the house decorated or to have lots of presents for your baby. Keep it simple. Your baby will love looking at sparkling and shiny things like lights and baubles.

You are the boss! – You should decide what to do, who will come to you or if you will travel. It needs to be all about you, your baby, your partner and if you have other children. There will be lots more Christmases!

Try to prepare in advance – If you are hosting Christmas Dinner, try to have as much done as possible before the day. The turkey can be cooked and veg prepped the night before to take the pressure of you both during the day.

On the Day

Your baby will still need to nap as usual. This may be harder with so much going on! Your baby will need a break from the loving relatives too! Retreat to a dimly lit room where you can have cuddles and feed in peace.

If you have recently given birth, you will need to look after yourself too. Listen to your body, if you need to rest, take some time out and go and rest.

Make sure your relatives wash their hands upon arrival to your home and that they don’t kiss your baby if they have cold/sniffles or cold sores. This is prevent your baby catching illnesses such as Herpes Simplex Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Try to plan to feed your baby before Christmas dinner is served so you can join in knowing that baby has been fed – this may or may not go to plan but don’t worry if it doesn’t. Your lives have changed now so adapting and changing plans will be your new norm.

If you also have toddler, don’t expect too much from them. Having lots of presents and family around can overwhelm toddlers. They may not be as excited about it all as you!! Take it gently with them.

Try to enjoy the day and the festive week. If things don’t go to plan on Christmas Day, there is always Boxing Day and the other days around this time where you can organise other activities and get-togethers. It is, after all, only one day!!

If you need any support over the festive period, I am available for postnatal support visits or to answer any questions. Please feel free to get in touch.