The Ultimate Guide To Prep Baby for The Holiday Season

If it’s your first holiday season with baby, you’re going to soon find out that much of prepping baby for the holiday season means also prepping for Mom and Dad, too.

While baby will need plenty of love and care, new parents should practice the same with each other as well. Whether you’re traveling or staying home like many Americans will be this year, we know the holidays can be stressful but, in this guide, we’re going to prove that they don’t have to be!

Practice Boundaries

One of the first things you’ll have to learn as new parents around the holiday season is the necessity of setting clear boundaries with your friends and family. Trust us, there will be plenty of pressure to bring your new baby on a long car ride or plane trip to grandma and grandpa’s house. But, if you don’t feel 100% comfortable with it, don’t do it. Be clear and forthright with your friends and family and set those boundaries. Don’t worry, they’ll understand!

Stay Flexible

Likewise, stay flexible. Remember that your friends and family are just excited to see your new addition so find ways to satisfy them without compromising your own wishes. If you don’t make the trip out to the in-law’s house, stay connected via Zoom or Skype. Sure, we’re all tired of virtual hangouts, but it does make things a little more special.

Get Your Shopping Done Early (Especially this Year)

Whether you’re traveling or not, a good idea is trying to get all your holiday shopping done early. And we mean early—like the day after Halloween! First, with inflation and higher interest rates, the price of goods are going up so they may be cheaper today than they will be tomorrow. Second, and most importantly, the fewer things you have on your to-do list, the less stress you’ll have once it comes time to deck the halls. In fact, we’ve got a 2022 holiday shopping gift guide for just that!

Remember Not All Homes are Fit for Baby

Importantly, if you’re bringing baby to homes where the children are grown or no longer around, remember that not all homes are prepped for your little one. In cases like these, take extra special care to keep a good eye on baby while you’re having your holiday cheer.

Have Plenty of Snuggly Clothes On-Hand

If you’re hitting the road or just hunkering down at home this holiday season, you’ll want to make sure baby has plenty of soft clothes to snuggle up in. We’ve got plenty of footies, PJs and comfy caps in our 2022 Holiday Collection to keep your little extra cozy this winter.

And, hey, we’ve even got some extra cuddly stuff for Mom and Dad, too!

Give Your Baby a Taste of the Holiday Seasonings

During the holidays, there’s plenty of delicious solid foods passed around the dinner table. Just watch your baby’s eyes light up as a turkey leg, ham hock or latke is served. But, you might be asking yourself, when is it an appropriate time to give baby solid foods? Don’t fret, we are here to help!

The CDC recommends giving your baby solid foods around six months so if they’re just about there, go ahead and give them a taste of auntie’s stuffing or little nibble of pumpkin pie!

Do Some Holiday Arts and Crafts

Just like the best gifts, the most special ornaments aren’t ordered online, instead, consider creating both a keepsake and a memory by making ornaments as a family.

Sure, you might be doing much of the scissor or glue work with your baby but put a crayon in their hand and let them scribble!

If arts and crafts aren’t quite your thing, check out our Top Tips for a Magical and Memorable Holiday Season with Baby for more ideas!

Begin a New Holiday Tradition

At the end of the day (or, maybe the year) the holidays are all about your family. With your new addition, it might be time to start making your own holiday traditions. Whether this is arts and crafts gift-making, a family picture for a holiday card, or something totally unique, make this holiday season your own.

Or, maybe your new holiday traditions are just like the old ones your parents had—dragging your children all across the country to visit your in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles. Hey, tradition is tradition, right?

Conclusion

Prepping your baby for the holidays is half the battle. The other half is prepping yourself! Just remember to set clear boundaries and think ahead in more ways in one and this holiday season should be the best one ever!