How to Host Christmas with a Newborn

Christmas is a wonderful time to reunite with family and friends after a busy year, however, when a new baby is introduced into the mix, it can feel overwhelming to plan and organise you day, especially if you are the host!

It’s essential to create a new balance that allows you to enjoy the celebration while fulfilling all your baby’s needs. In this blog, we will explore some practical, stress-free tips for hosting Christmas with a newborn, ensuring everyone enjoys the holiday as well as yourself.

Prioritising Rest and Your Baby’s Routine

Your baby’s routine needs to be at the forefront of your planning, remaining consist with their sleeping and feeding patterns amongst the chaos of the day will ensure your baby doesn’t become fussy or overstimulated. Here are some points to bare in mind:

• Sticking to their routine: Maintain your baby’s regular feeding and nap times. You can always communicate the schedule with your guests so they are aware of times you may need a break to disappear and do anything for the baby.
• Create a quiet space: This might be in the baby’s room or your room which allows the baby to nap without being disturbed. This also creates a space for you to withdraw in case you need some time away from your guests.
• Limit overstimulation: While everyone will be excited to see your new bundle of joy, too much noise, light, or handling can cause your newborn some stress. We recommend limiting these when it comes to the baby’s nap times. If you know everyone will want to carry and play with your baby, consider planning your guest’s arrival time around the times your baby is most alert and calm, sometimes this can be after feeding.

Delegating Responsibilities

Managing everything that comes with planning Christmas while also caring for a newborn can be unrealistic. This is the perfect time to manage your expectations and lean on your friends and family for support.

• Assign everyone tasks: You can ask family and friends to bring a dish to help you manage food planning or assign tasks for when people arrive such as helping set the table or setting up small decorations on the day or even something as simple as taking care of the music playlist. This opens time for you to focus on yourself and the baby.

Think about all the tasks you typically do on the day, note them down and delegate to your loved ones.

Managing the Guest List

Hosting many people at your home with a newborn can sometimes add extra stress. This year, it is perfectly fine and acceptable to scale down.

It is completely understandable if you would prefer opting for a small Christmas gathering. A smaller group gives you more space to manage your baby’s feeding routine, nap routine and anything else that comes with the baby’s needs.

Sending a heartfelt message in advance to loved ones will help them understand you decision and most will appreciate that you need this time to settle down and figure out you and your baby’s routine.

Baby-Friendly Zone

Consider setting up a small baby area that is completely baby-proofed and safe for your little one to play and relax in. This way your baby can stay nearby during the evening without having to continuously be on your lap. A cosy corner with some blankets, soft toys, and baby equipment like a high chair or baby bouncer can make for the perfect distraction to keep your baby entertained.

Simplify Gift-Giving

There is no need to go overboard with your shopping with a baby in your arms. Look at completing most of your shopping online, giving yourself plenty of time to wrap presents without rushing last minute.

Many people wonder if they should buy a newborn presents, you can always ask for practical presents such as things you need for your baby; gift cards is a great present idea. This way you can choose what to buy so it adds value to your life or your baby’s life. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Christmas, suggest Secret Santa to your family, this can be done online and keeps the gift-giving process simple and affordable.

There are many new traditions you can try for your baby’s first Christmas, but remember hosting while having your baby by your side can be a heart-warming and wonderful experience. Keep things simple and focus on what really matters, family time! By prioritising your baby’s routine, delegating, managing the guest list, setting up a baby zone and simplifying presents, you can enjoy the holiday season without being overwhelmed. This Christmas might be slightly different, but equally as memorable.

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