Fun times and your little one

Fun times and your little one

Holidays and festive times of the year can pose a challenge  to routine when you have a little one. Just because you have a baby doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fun times with everyone too.  Most people want to enjoy these times but also give their baby what they need so they can enjoy too and still get the rest and other needs fulfilled.  I have put a few tips together to help you join in and not compromise your baby’s health and happiness with it.

 Newborn

Having a newborn means that you will be feeding regularly and your baby will sleeping between most feeds hopefully.  One way to help achieve this is to wear your baby for events where having your baby with you is welcomed. This often means your baby will sleep well and stops your baby from becoming the parcel in the pass the parcel game that often happens with new babies making him or her unsettled and not getting sleep at all. It also means feeding can be quite discreet if breastfeeding.  Your pram can also become  the bassinet/cot at functions or the car capsule if it lifts out of the car easily.

 Babies under about 6 weeks can seem to sleep in any amount of noise and activity . Older than this and reducing any visual stimulation is important in encouraging sleep. Some noise is comforting so it doesn’t have to be completely quiet.

 If bottle feeding it may be a babysitter- family or friends- is appropriate for you. Whatever your choice, as long as your baby is safe and not over whelmed with all that is going on you can both get what you need.

 Older babies

Your baby still needs regular sleep and feeds regardless of where you are and what is happening. Some babies become overwhelmed with lots of activity occurring around them, others will be quite ok with it. Remember individual differences and cater for these. IF your baby manages events well, just ensure his or her sleep times are kept in mind so that he or she gets the appropriate time and opportunity for sleep.  The pram or car seat can become the cot/ bassinet when you are out. If you are at a friends place, perhaps one of their rooms can be the place for your baby to sleep. Remember if your baby knows what to do for sleep, the idea is that he or she is more portable so you are not stuck at home all the time.

 If your baby is sensitive to noise and activity and doesn’t settle well perhaps manage the number of times this happens. It may be that your baby can manage only one of these events a week rather than a few a week.

 Babies often manage well at the event and the next day the overtiredness catches up with them. Ensure you allow a catch up day or two if this is you.

 I hope this helps a little to this festive season where we are often invited to many events.  As long as you are considerate with allowing  appropriate sleep opportunities for your little one, there is no reason you both can’t enjoy it.

On that note I’d like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a fulfilling 2014.

Regards

Leisa