SURVIVING A BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS: 9 TIPS

Hey, everybody! I am Molly the Mom. Mother of three and going on number four, hopefully very soon - laugh out loud! Welcome to the blog, Bundle of Joy. Here, you'll find all the information you need about babies. So, if you are a first-time mom or dad, this is your go-to blog.

Today, I am sharing tips on how I survived Jadyn's first Christmas. Oh, by the way, Jadyn, is this little chap I'm carrying. He is such a handful - trust me! You don't want to miss how I pulled off our first Christmas. Read on.

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Having a newborn at Christmas is a game-changer, and survival is the name of the game. If you are in a pickle about how to handle the situation, let me lend you some helpful tips.

#1: TALK IT OVER WITH YOUR PARTNER

As parents of a newborn, you will have lots of plans with regards to how you're to going to spend your child's first holiday season. It's a time when you want to spend quality time bonding with this new member of your family. However, the festive season is a busy time for everyone. Things may get out of hand. Both of you should have a talk to discuss your shared goals for the season and to plan activities in detail, so you are both on the same page.

#2: SAVE YOUR MONEY

Don't break the bank buying lots of gifts for the little one. One or two is fine. Besides, your baby will be getting lots from family and friends. Save your money to buy something your baby may need later in the future.

#3: JUST SAY NO

Chances are family and friends will be dying to see your baby. Be tough to say no to such visits and get-togethers. Remember, this is your baby's first holiday, and it is supposed to be a time for only you and your nuclear family. Also, there is a pandemic, and so the lesser visits, the better. At best, let them connect by a video call or any of the video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype and Webex.

#4: CHANGE YOUR PARTY PLANS

This festive season, trade your tea party for fifty guests for a simple soiree with just the family. Again, social gatherings have to be put on hold because of the pandemic. This is safe for your newborn. Newborns are usually very susceptible to a lot of infection for the first few months of their lives. Moreover, it will be less exhausting for you to plan. You are already stressed out with taking care of a newborn and do not need anymore stress. You can have something as minimalist as a tree decorating party or dinner for the family. Read our post, 12 Great Party Ideas for Christmas, for more ideas.

#5: STAY HEALTHY

Colds and flu are usually rife at Christmas. And now, with the novel Coronavirus, families have to be extra cautious about the spread of infection. Take the necessary precautions to protect your newborn. Bundle your baby up in something warm. Dress him or her up in warm clothing and always have their heads covered. Also, make sure you are on top of your baby's feeding and sleeping routines. Do have enough rest too. Wash your hands regularly, mask up and sanitize your hands and objects around you like toys as often as possible. Lastly, make sure the house is kept warm at all times, especially the baby nursery.

#6: MAKE MEMORIES

Snap away as often as possible. Newborns don't stay that little for long, so capture as many memories of your baby's first holiday as you can.

#7: ASK FOR HELP

It's the holiday season, and I know you have a tall to-do list with items like cooking, decorating, gift wrapping, shopping, plus taking care of a newborn. Phew! You must be a superhero to be able to pull all that off. But at some point, it will be too exhausting for you no matter how hard you try. Share the load. It's okay to ask for help every now and then from your partner or even an older child. For instance, let your spouse watch your baby while you make dinner. After all, he also needs to bond with the baby and such moments are just perfect for that.

#8: DON'T OVEREXPOSE YOUR BABY

As I already mentioned, newborns are very vulnerable. So, try not to take yours out into public places too often. At best, keep him or her indoors till they are a little older. You can, however, take him or her out for a walk a few yards from home or out in the garden, if you have a big house. Some fresh air and change in the environment are healthy for newborns. But make sure he or she is in warm clothing.

#9: HAVE SOME ME-TIME

You will need to take good care of yourself, so you can take care of your baby. Having an hour of me-time every week to indulge in some pampering or entertainment can be energizing. So when your baby is napping, you can grab the opportunity to have a mani-pedi, read a book, do some yoga or meditate. Let your partner know when you are having a me-time, so he minds the baby.

Well, that's it from me. Hope you do survive the holidays with these tips. All in all, keep your expectations low. When there is a baby in the picture, anything out of the ordinary can happen. But make the most of every moment to connect with your newborn and other kids. And always remember that it's your newborn's first holiday. Don't get so caught up with all the hustle and bustle that you don't get to really enjoy it.

By Nana Ama Afoa Osae I Writer I GreatWonderful Team

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