Preparing for a January baby around Christmas is an adventure that’s equal parts exciting and challenging.
The holiday season is already full of to-do lists, gift-giving, and gatherings, but expecting a baby on top of it all takes the excitement to a whole new level! While it can feel a bit overwhelming, it’s also a wonderful time to prepare, celebrate, and take advantage of the holiday spirit. Here’s Marmalade Lion’s guide to help expecting parents get ready for their little one during the festive season.
Create a Pre-Baby Holiday Checklist
One of the first things to do is map out a list of holiday-related tasks to handle before baby arrives. December is full of activities, from decorating and gift shopping to family gatherings and meal planning. But with a baby on the way, this isn’t the year to go overboard! Simplify your checklist and focus on the essentials. Some ideas:
Plan for minimal decorations – Opt for a small tree or fewer ornaments. You’ll likely be too tired in January to do a major holiday cleanup, so go for easy-to-pack decorations.
Delegate tasks – Ask family members to help with cooking, decorating, or wrapping gifts. Everyone will likely be more than happy to pitch in, especially since they’re likely just as excited about your new arrival!
Finish your holiday shopping early – Aim to get presents purchased and wrapped by early December so you have time to relax. Online shopping is a godsend when it comes to avoiding crowded malls, especially during flu season when you’ll want to stay healthy for the baby.
Take Advantage of Holiday Sales for Baby Essentials
The holiday season means sales, which is a great opportunity to pick up baby essentials at a discount. January babies require all the basics—clothes, nappies, nursery gear—so look for deals on things like a crib, car seat, pushchair, baby monitor, and clothing. Winter clothes can also be heavily discounted in December, so it’s a good time to stock up on newborn and 0-3 month outfits like cosy onesies, socks, and baby blankets.
Sign up for sales alerts from major retailers, or keep an eye on deal websites and apps to catch flash sales. Some retailers offer special promotions in the lead-up to Christmas that can help you stock up on big-ticket baby items for less.
Prepare the Nursery (Or Baby’s Space)
Whether you have a full nursery or a small corner, make sure it’s all set up by mid-December if possible. Organise all baby’s essentials—nappies, wipes, clothes, blankets—in a way that’s easy to reach when you’re busy with a newborn. Keep things cosy and simple, especially if you’re sharing the room. If you have holiday visitors, try to keep the baby area as off-limits as possible to keep it calm and ready for your little one’s arrival.
If you want a bit of holiday magic in the nursery, consider some subtle, safe touches like a soft nightlight shaped like a star or a little garland above the crib. Avoid anything sharp or dangling that could become a hazard once baby is able to move around.
Prepare for a Newborn in Summer Weather
A January baby means warm weather preparations, so you’ll want to make sure you have cooling baby gear on hand. This includes a cosy car seat cover, baby summer hats, baby overalls and socks, and cooling and breathable cotton sheets. You’ll also want to baby-proof your own summer routine, so grab some extra hand sanitiser and keep a stock of face masks on hand, especially if you’re out in crowded places. Newborns are extra vulnerable to summer germs, and minimising exposure in public places can go a long way toward keeping your little one safe from summer bugs and flu.
Another thing to think about is how you’ll get around. Make sure your car is air conditioned with climate controls, especially if you live in a hot area. Some parents even like to do a “trial run” with their car seat installation, practising how to load and secure the baby seat so it’s second nature by the time baby comes.
Take Some Time to Pamper Yourself
The holiday season can be a busy, stressful time, so take moments to pamper yourself and recharge. This could mean scheduling a prenatal massage, doing some gentle holiday shopping, or watching classic holiday films with cosy blankets and hot cocoa. Taking care of yourself will keep your spirits high, and it’s one of the best things you can do to prepare for labour and delivery.
Celebrate a Meaningful “Last Christmas” as a Duo
This Christmas might be the last one you and your partner spend as just the two of you. Use this holiday season to bond and savour the moment. You could start a tradition just for the two of you, like exchanging letters about your hopes and dreams for the coming year or making a scrapbook with memories from your relationship so far. Consider putting together a “pre-baby” time capsule with notes, photos, or small mementoes from this time, which can be a lovely keepsake to show your child one day.
Get Your Birth Bag Ready Early
Since baby could arrive around or even before the new year, it’s wise to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go. Include essentials like clothes, snacks, and chargers, but also consider seasonal extras. A cosy blanket, a hat for baby, and warm socks or slippers for yourself can make the hospital stay more comfortable. Don’t forget to pack a “coming home” outfit for baby that’s warm enough for winter weather!
Consider a Family Communication Plan
January can be a tricky time for family schedules, especially with people still in holiday mode or potentially on vacation. Discuss with family how you’ll keep them updated on the birth. Some couples create a text chain with close family or appoint a “family communicator” to help share news when the big day arrives. This can be a relief when you’re focused on labour and delivery but want to keep everyone in the loop.
Think Ahead for January
Since you’ll likely be recovering in January, try to plan a few things in advance. Stock up on non-perishable groceries and household essentials. Some parents like to prepare and freeze meals in December so they have easy food on hand after baby arrives. Alternatively, you can make a list of local places that deliver and favourite easy recipes.
Also, consider how you’ll handle holiday cleanup in January. Maybe make a plan to leave things up until you feel ready to tackle cleanup, or ask friends and family to help take down decorations if it feels overwhelming.
Relax and Enjoy the Holiday Moments
While there’s plenty to do, the best preparation is sometimes just to slow down and savour the magic of this time. Pregnancy around the holidays brings a sense of wonder and anticipation that fits perfectly with the season. Take time to feel baby’s kicks under your cosy sweater, dream about next year’s holidays with your little one, and let yourself soak in the joy of family and friends around you.
Preparing for a January baby around Christmas is a special experience that combines the best of both worlds: the cosiness and excitement of the holidays and the anticipation of a new arrival. With a bit of planning and a lot of holiday spirit, you’ll be ready to welcome your little one into a season full of warmth, love, and celebration. Enjoy every moment—it’s the start of a beautiful new chapter.
