Is it possible to survive (and even enjoy) visiting family at Christmas when you have a young baby? Of course it is! We’re joined by Catherine Wasley AKA The Parent Rock, who’s here to explain how relatives, babies and Christmas really can be a winning combination. You just need a few tricks up your sleeve and tools for dealing with all that well-meant advice.
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Can I Really Go Away At Christmas To Visit Relatives With a Young Baby?
Picture this: your little one is finally settled in for a nap after arriving for Christmas at your uncle’s home, but then a well-meaning relative just can’t resist peeking in, and… goodbye, peaceful hour! Sound familiar?
The festive season is all about joy, family, and good food – but add a baby into the mix, and it can quickly become overwhelming. When my children were young, I encountered a constant stream of advice and comments from sleep routines to eating habits and everything in between. The additional stress of being away from the comfort and safety of home made it all the more challenging.
As a mum of four and a holistic sleep coach, I know first-hand how these situations can unravel even the best-laid plans. In this article, I’ll share practical tips to help you navigate the holiday season smoothly, so you and your baby can stay rested and enjoy the festivities stress-free.
So let’s start with ‘the getting there’!
How Can I Prepare To Travel A Long Distance by Car with a Baby?
Hitting the road with a baby can be overwhelming, especially during the busy holiday season. Here are some practical tips to make your car journey smoother.
Plan Your Route and Breaks: Before you set out, map your route and identify rest stops. It’s essential to schedule breaks every two hours, as research has shown a link between extended periods in car seats and breathing difficulties in young babies.
Pack Wisely: Create a travel kit with essentials your baby might need, including nappies, wipes, at least one change of clothes for the inevitable nappy tsunamis, food for weaning, formula, and anything else necessary. Keeping these items easily accessible can help reduce stress during unexpected stops.
Timing Is Key: Try to schedule your travel around your baby’s nap times when possible. If you’re travelling later at night, consider putting your baby to bed at their normal time and then transferring them to the car for the drive.
Entertainment and Distraction: Bring along toys, soothing music, or baby-friendly audiobooks to keep your little one entertained. Feel free to include a round of nursery rhymes sung by you!
Stay Calm: While this is easier said than done, your baby can pick up on your stress, so aim to remain relaxed. If your baby becomes upset, take deep breaths and reassure them with your voice or touch. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to pull over if you need to: this can help everyone rebalance when things start to feel chaotic.
How Do I Cope With Disruption Of My Baby’s Usual Routine?
Changes in routine, especially around sleep schedules, are common concerns when visiting family during the holidays. While it may be challenging to maintain your baby’s usual routine in a different environment, keeping some consistency can make things smoother for both you and your little one.
Tip: It’s not always possible to stick strictly to your baby’s schedule during family visits, but try to follow the usual flow of the day as much as you can. Some babies handle small changes, like slightly longer stretches between naps, with ease. Others might be more sensitive and require closer attention to their routine.
Remember, you know your baby best, so feel confident prioritising what works for them, even if it means making adjustments to the day’s activities. Don’t hesitate to have open conversations with relatives about your baby’s needs. Asking about the day’s plan will help you prepare and ensure things run more smoothly.
And if your baby’s routine gets shaken up? Don’t stress – it’s only temporary. Once you’re back home, your baby will settle back into their normal rhythm in no time.
How Do I Plan And Manage Naps?
Worrying about how naps will go amid the unpredictability of a busy house is completely normal. Some babies are flexible about where they nap and can handle disruptions to nap schedules. But other babies are more sensitive, and that’s completely normal. Your baby’s temperament and usual nap habits will play a big part in how they handle changes.
Tip: If your baby typically naps in a cot and you’re worried about them napping on the go, try practising one nap a day in a carrier or pram before your visit. This way, they get used to different environments. If naps go off-track while you’re away, aim for at least one solid nap a day. And remember, a bad day of naps isn’t the end of the world. Stay calm and plan for a more restful day the next day to help them catch up.
It’s important to remember that your job is to provide the nap opportunity, but it’s your baby’s job to decide whether or not to sleep. You can’t force sleep, even when you know they need it! Also, don’t forget: a nap is a nap, whether it’s in the buggy, carrier, car, or a contact nap. They all count.
How Can I Prioritise Time Outside Every Day?
Getting outside can be a challenge, especially when you’re staying with family across multiple generations – and when some are more mobile than others. However, making time for outdoor activities, particularly in the morning, can greatly benefit both you and your baby. Exposure to natural daylight helps regulate your baby’s circadian rhythm, which hopefully will result in sleep going as predicted. Plus it’s also a fantastic mental boost for you, reducing stress and improving mood, which makes it easier to manage the hectic nature of holiday visits.
Tip: Even 20 minutes of fresh air can make a significant difference in helping your baby adapt to a new routine. Bringing a sling or pram will not only help you get out and about but it’s the perfect way for your baby to catch a nap while you’re outside. Whether it’s a brisk walk around the block or a trip to a nearby park, this time outside is a win-win for both you and your baby.
How Do I Deal With Unsolicited Advice From Relatives?
We’ve all been there – family gathering, when a well-meaning relative chimes in with advice that, while given with good intentions (generally!), can make you feel like you’re not doing enough as a parent. But remember: no one knows your child better than you.
It’s important to recognise that every child is different, and what worked for Aunt Susan’s baby 30 years ago may not work for yours. So when the unsolicited advice starts rolling in, it’s okay to acknowledge it with grace while standing firm in your choices.
Tip: Politely thank them for their input and confidently explain that you’ve found what works best for your child. You might say something like, “I understand that approach works for some children, but we’ve found a different method that really suits our little one. I appreciate your advice, though!”
This response shows both confidence in your parenting and respect for the other person’s intention. And remember, it’s perfectly fine to set boundaries that align with your values. Parenting is not one-size-fits-all!
How Do I Avoid Overstimulation For My Baby When Visiting Family For Christmas?
Family gatherings can be fun but also a bit overwhelming for little ones, especially when they’re not used to all the noise and activity. It’s a common worry for parents that their baby will become overstimulated during festive get-togethers.
Tip: Create a plan to avoid overstimulation by setting up a designated quiet space where you and your baby can retreat when the festivities get too lively. Bringing along familiar comfort items, like your baby’s favourite toy or blanket, can help them feel more secure.
When things get too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to say, “I’m going to take [baby’s name] out for a quick breather. No need to worry, they just need a little downtime.” Not only does this allow your baby a chance to recalibrate, but it also reassures your relatives that you have the situation under control.
Being mindful of your baby’s early signs of overstimulation – like fussiness or turning away from people – can help you step in before things escalate. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to take breaks as needed, and doing so will help your baby (and you) enjoy the festivities.
How Can I Get My Baby Used To Sleeping in a Different Place?
Getting your baby to sleep in an unfamiliar environment is a common concern – and for good reason. Many parents find that new surroundings can cause difficulties. Personally, I found that my children as babies always struggled on the first night in a new place, despite my best efforts.
Tip 1: Create a Familiar Sleep Space
Once you arrive, prioritise setting up your baby’s sleep space. Introduce your baby to it while they’re still awake and alert, so it feels familiar. Try to follow your usual bedtime routine with as many familiar items as possible. Bringing bedding from home can offer the comfort of familiar smells and textures.
One of my top tips is investing in a travel blackout blind. Even if the room has curtains, they’re often not dark enough. Choose one with sturdy suction pads for better light-blocking. Don’t forget a white noise machine to drown out any noise from loud relatives.
Tip 2: Longer Wind Down & Later Bedtime
If your baby tends to have difficulty sleeping in new places, consider a longer wind-down routine before bed. Set up a quiet, dimly-lit room away from the excitement to help your baby relax. You might also try delaying bedtime slightly. That extra bit of sleep pressure can make it easier for your baby to drift off in an unfamiliar environment. This can be especially useful for babies who are more alert or anxious when away from home. And don’t rush bedtime. It can be tempting to speed things up, especially with the waft of mulled wine in the air, but taking your time will ultimately pay off. A calm relaxed bedtime routine can help your baby drift off to sleep more smoothly.
How Do I Practise Self-Care When Away From Home With A Baby?
Don’t forget about you! In the whirlwind of family gatherings and caring for your little one, it’s easy to neglect your own needs – but remember, your well-being is just as important. If the holiday hustle starts to feel overwhelming or you find yourself drained from handling night wakings and an unsettled baby, it’s perfectly okay to take a break. Babies often require more reassurance in unfamiliar surroundings, especially with so many people around, which can lead to them becoming overstimulated and clingier than usual. This heightened need for comfort can be incredibly exhausting for you both physically and mentally.
Tip: Take advantage of having family around. Let a trusted relative keep an eye on your baby while you take some much-needed time for yourself. Whether it’s going for a short walk, grabbing a coffee, or even sneaking in a quick nap, these small moments of self-care can recharge your energy and help you tackle the rest of the day. Remember, stepping away for a little ‘me time’ isn’t just good for you. It benefits your baby too, as you’ll be more present and patient when you return.
Your Festive Takeaway
Visiting relatives during the festive period can be a wonderful experience for families, but it does come with more than its fair share of challenges. As you navigate these hurdles with these practical tips in mind, remember that your role as the expert on your baby is invaluable.
Stand tall, embrace the uniqueness of your parenting journey, and make choices that prioritise the wellbeing and happiness of your little one.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas!
Thanks To Catherine Wasley – The Parent Rock
Catherine Wasley, also known as The Parent Rock, is a certified OCN Level 6 holistic sleep coach with a passion for helping families achieve their sleep goals. With over 30 years of experience working with young families and as a mum of four, Catherine combines extensive knowledge with a compassionate, personalised approach to sleep coaching.She offers 1:1 sessions with parents, providing gentle and effective strategies tailored to each family’s unique needs. For support and resources, visit www.theparentrock.com and grab your free guide to better sleep.
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