The holiday season is a time filled with family gatherings, parties, and all sorts of exciting events, but for parents with toddlers and newborns, it can also be a bit of a juggling act.
Between managing nap schedules, mealtimes, and trying to keep your little ones happy and healthy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the Christmas invitations start rolling in. How do you decide which invites to accept? How do you handle attending events with a toddler who’s prone to tantrums, or a newborn who needs constant attention?
Don’t worry — with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can enjoy the holidays without the stress of having to explain too much. This is a Marmalade Lion guide to handling Christmas invitations when you have little ones in tow.
But First… Is it OK to Take Your Baby to Large Holiday Gatherings?
Taking your baby to large gatherings – either with friends or family – depends on several factors, including your baby’s age, temperament, and overall health. Generally, it’s okay to attend larger events when your baby is around 3-6 months old, as by this time, they’re often more adaptable to new environments and social settings. However, you should still consider whether your baby will be comfortable in a crowded or noisy environment. At this age, babies may also be less prone to catching colds or infections, but it's always important to check with your healthcare provider, especially during flu season.
For newborns (0-2 months), it’s best to avoid large gatherings, particularly indoors with lots of people. Newborns have developing immune systems and can be more susceptible to infections. Additionally, their routine is still quite fragile, so big events can disrupt their feeding and sleeping schedules.
You may want to avoid events that are too loud, chaotic, or where there is little space for quiet moments, like concerts, crowded parties, or large family gatherings with too many people. Opt for smaller, more relaxed gatherings where you can step away with your baby if needed. Always be mindful of their comfort and needs.
Start by Prioritising the Invites
One of the first things you’ll need to do when you receive Christmas invitations is prioritise them. You might want to attend every event, but realistically, it’s just not going to be possible — and that’s okay! Sit down with your partner and look over the invites together.
Consider a few factors –
- Family importance – Are there certain family members or friends you really want to spend time with this year? Prioritise these gatherings.
- Location and timing – How far away is the event? Is it at a time that suits your child’s routine? If the timing conflicts with nap time, mealtime, or bedtime, it might not be worth the stress of trying to make it work.
- Toddler’s mood – Some toddlers are more adaptable to changes in routine than others. If you know your little one gets cranky when their routine is disrupted, consider skipping events that are too late or too far from home.
Once you’ve thought about these factors, make your choices and don’t feel guilty about saying no to some invites. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance that works for you and your family.
Communicate with Hosts
Once you’ve decided which invitations you’ll be accepting, it’s important to communicate with the hosts. Whether it’s a family Christmas dinner, a holiday party, or a casual get-together, it’s helpful to let them know that you’ll be bringing your little ones along.
Think of these things when reaching out –
- Naps and bedtime – Let the host know when your child’s nap or bedtime typically happens. If the event is during those times, you can politely mention that you may need to leave early or arrive late to accommodate your toddler’s routine.
- Special needs – If your toddler has any dietary restrictions, or if you’ll need a quiet space for a nursing session or changing a nappy, let the host know in advance. This helps avoid any awkward situations when you arrive.
- Plus-one or childcare – If you’d prefer to leave your newborn with a sitter or a relative, let the host know if it’s just you and your toddler attending or if both parents are coming. Some events may offer childcare options, or you might find that a partner or grandparent can stay home with the baby while you go to the party with your toddler.
Being upfront helps the host prepare and shows you’re considerate of their planning. Most people will be understanding about your need to adjust things for your little ones.
Keep Your Toddler Entertained During Events
Whether you’re at a Christmas dinner or a holiday party, keeping your toddler entertained is key to ensuring a smooth experience. You know your little one best, so think about what will keep them engaged and happy.
- Bring snacks – Toddlers are always hungry, especially when there’s food around! Pack some of their favourite snacks to keep them occupied in case mealtime runs late or they get a bit fussy.
- Toys and activities – Pack a few small toys, a book, or colouring materials that your toddler can play with quietly. Some events may have kids’ activities set up, but it’s good to have something on hand that you know will keep them busy.
- Set expectations – Before you attend, set some simple expectations with your toddler about the event. For example, you can say, “We’re going to Auntie Sarah’s house to see the Christmas tree, but we’ll leave after cake. Can you be a good listener?” Keeping things simple and setting a clear end time can help your toddler manage the event better.
Be Flexible About Routine
The holidays are full of surprises, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned — and that’s okay. You may have to adjust your expectations around your toddler’s routine, but keeping a flexible mindset is key. If you’re at a Christmas party and your toddler needs a nap, try to find a quiet spot to let them rest for a bit. If your little one’s bedtime rolls around and they’re still wide awake, take it in stride and adjust accordingly.
For newborns, flexibility is even more important. They can’t be expected to follow any routine other than their own! Make sure you have everything you need to care for your newborn, such as nappies, wipes, bottles, and a blanket. If you need to step out of a party for a feeding session or a quiet moment, don’t feel bad about it. Newborns are unpredictable, and that’s perfectly normal.
Prepare for Meltdowns
No one likes to think about tantrums, but they’re a reality when you’re out with toddlers. The good news is that, with a little preparation, you can minimise stress and make the situation easier to handle.
- Keep it short – If you sense your toddler is starting to lose it, it’s okay to leave early. You can always say your goodbyes, thank the host, and make a quick exit before the meltdown hits its peak.
- Distraction is key – If a meltdown happens, try to distract your toddler with something familiar or comforting — whether that’s a toy, a snack, or a quiet space to calm down. Remember, everyone at the party understands that toddlers have their moments!
- Take breaks – If you’re at a larger gathering, it’s helpful to take short breaks to step away from the hustle and bustle. A walk outside or a quick moment of peace can make a huge difference for both you and your toddler.
Have a Backup Plan
Despite all your preparation, sometimes things just don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Have a backup plan ready. This could include –
- A backup sitter – If your toddler or newborn is just not having it, having a trusted sitter or grandparent nearby can give you some support if needed.
- A quiet space – Know where the quiet areas are at the event. Whether it’s a separate room or a corner where you can have a moment to calm down, find a spot where you can take a break if necessary.
Enjoy the Moments
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the holidays, but remember to enjoy the little moments. Your toddler will only be this age once, and your newborn is growing faster than you realise. Take a deep breath, soak in the festive atmosphere, and don’t stress too much about perfection. Whether you’re attending a large family dinner or a small gathering, Christmas is all about being together and making memories.
So, embrace the chaos, enjoy the laughter, and know that every invitation you accept or turn down is just part of the wonderful adventure of being a parent during the holidays.
– Happy holidays from the Mums and Dads of Marmalade Lion!
