Feeling anxious about the upcoming holiday season with your baby? While infant and toddler well-child checkups provide great opportunities to get personalized advice from your Cumming pediatrician, we’ve also gathered some practical tips to help you during this busy period. Fortunately, creating a calm, stress-free holiday experience for your newborn is simpler than you might think.
How to Keep Your Baby Calm and Content Through the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to create lasting memories with your children. Here are some practical ways to enjoy the excitement of the season without causing any distress to your newborn.
Keep Activities Baby-Friendly
In the enthusiasm for holiday fun, people sometimes expect kids to enjoy things that they’re really too young for. Don’t be disappointed if your baby sleeps in his car seat during your trip to see the Christmas lights or is cranky about being outside in the cold while you’re shopping for a Christmas tree.
Lower Expectations for Yourself
People tend to push themselves during the holidays. Even if you have been Martha Stewart-like in your approach to holidays past, you will need to readjust your thinking with a baby in the house. Will the world really fall apart if you don’t bake your traditional batch of candy-cane cookies? Remember, your pediatrician can help support your newborn’s development through this eventful time with straightforward guidance on maintaining routines that work for both you and your baby.
Prepare Your Child for Santa
If you plan to tell your child that Santa’s coming, she needs to know what to expect. Santa – a big stranger with a scary beard can be terrifying to a young child. Prepare your toddler by reading books or talking about Santa. Don’t force her to sit on his lap.
Keep the Schedule Stable
Just because you can handle a few late nights and odd dinner times doesn’t mean your baby or child can. Try to keep your child’s usual schedule as much as possible. Babies establish trust in the world through regular routines, and interruptions can cause stress.
Watch for Impending Meltdowns
Look for signs that your baby or toddler is approaching sensory overload. Hiccups, sneezing, fussiness, avoiding eye contact, and falling asleep in the midst of chaos are all signs of a baby who has had enough and needs to shut down.
Toddlers tend to get clingy, whiny, and excessively sleepy in similar situations. If going home isn’t an option, try moving the baby to a quiet place with dim lights.
Forgo the Frills
Although it’s hard to resist miniature bow ties and frilly tights, try to dress your baby as simply and comfortably as possible. Clothes that are lacy and itchy can make a baby fussy. Keep in mind that a baby’s temperature is about what yours is, so don’t over or underdress her.
Have Fun
Spend time with your baby savoring the absolute joy of the holidays. Now is the time to begin those traditions that will become future cherished memories. These memories will be better than any presents. For added peace of mind, our accessible pediatric telemedicine services are available if you have concerns about your child’s health and well-being.
Contact Us for Pediatric Well Checks in Cumming
Join the many families from Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County who trust Vickery Pediatrics for expert care and support. Our team provides well-child visits, sick care and telemedicine services for children of all ages. Call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment today.
