Managing the holidays with a baby
The holidays are always a joyful time… but with a baby, things can quickly get a little hectic. With a few reference points and two or three simple tips, you can get through the evening more peacefully and truly enjoy the moment.
Planning ahead
Making a realistic to-do list
Anticipation. This is truly the key word as the holidays approach, especially when you have a whole tribe to manage and in particular a baby. To avoid running around everywhere, rely on a simple but effective to-do list. Prioritise what matters most: buying gifts, packing baby's little bag for the evening, organising the meal… At a glance, you can see what's left to do and move forward calmly.
Delegating is a real superpower during the holidays. Friends, family, grandparents: everyone can pitch in and lighten your mental load. Your guests can, for example, take care of dessert, drinks or decorations. You'll see, it makes all the difference: less pressure and more time to enjoy yourself (and catch your breath).
Sharing tasks
Simplifying meals
If you're hosting at home, go for a simple menu, one you could make with your eyes closed and that everyone loves. No need to overdo it: the goal is to enjoy time with your loved ones, not to spend the evening in the kitchen. The caterer option can also be a wonderful idea: all you have to do is set out the plates and savour the moment.
Respecting baby's rhythm
The holidays can be a real marathon for baby: new faces, a lively atmosphere, sometimes a change of environment… To help them, keep as many of their little routines as possible: bottle times, nap time, bedtime. By maintaining their rituals, you'll have a calmer baby… and calmer parents too.
Protecting their routine
Create a corner for them
Whether you're at home or visiting, identify a quiet little nook when you arrive. A spot where baby can rest, be changed or fed away from the evening's hustle and bustle. This little space will help you manage more easily any tears, nappy changes or feeds without stress, and keep a calmer baby throughout the evening.
Slip a few toys, books or activities suited to their age into your bag to keep them entertained. Nothing complicated: just enough to pace their day or evening and offer them playful moments in a gentle way.
Planning activities
things your little ones say
« I don't want to be Father Christmas because then I'd be the only one without any presents » - Arthus, 5 years old
« Oh look, the Christmas tree is crying » (losing its needles) - Brune, 2 years old
« Can we take the tele-armchair? » (ski lift) - Ollie, 2 years old
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
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