Holidays are a natural time for families to get together, and there’s no bigger draw than a new baby! If you’ve recently welcomed a little one to your home, chances are good that grandparents or other family members will be traveling to you this Christmas. I hope these tips for holiday hosting with a newborn will help simplify things for you and make it easier to enjoy this family time and make so many wonderful memories together!

Tips for Hosting the Holidays with a New Baby

Communicate with Guests

Most guests are very understanding about the demands of a new baby. And they tend to be even more so if you communicate with them ahead of time. Give visitors a heads up about any special requirements or concerns. For example, tell them, “I’d like to put baby to bed on her usual schedule, so I probably won’t be participating in any late-night outings, ”or  “Little man usually starts crying around 3:00 every night to be fed–I hope he won’t wake you.”

This kind of open communication helps to set expectations for guests and can put your mind at ease knowing you’re not pulling any big surprises on them!

Prep Baby’s Space

If guests will be using the nursery, make sure you set up baby’s temporary space ahead of time. Like grownups, little ones often sleep best in their own bed. However, if moving the crib isn’t practical, try putting baby to sleep in their temporary bed for a few nights before guests arrive so your little one can get used to the new space.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have diapers, wipes, pacifier, bottles, fresh clothes, and anything else baby might need in their new space so you have everything in one spot.

Involve Guests in Baby Care

Often grandparents, aunties, or even older cousins are more than happy to lend a hand when it comes to newborns. If they offer to help, take them up on it! And if they don’t, go ahead and offer them the opportunity to change baby’s diaper, give her a bottle, or burp him. They may just be waiting for an invite!

Delegate Hosting Duties

It’s hard to keep up with housecleaning and meal prep at the best of times. With a new baby and the busyness of the holiday season it can feel impossible.

Instead of stressing about all the many details, decide what would make hosting duties a bit easier and invest a little extra to lighten your load. You might pay a cleaning service to get your home ready for guests. Or you might find that ordering groceries online and having them delivered to your door takes a weight off your mind.

Whatever feels most overwhelming right now, see if there’s an option to outsource it so you can free up your time and mental energy for other things.

Schedule Time for Yourself

For some new moms, the idea of a houseful of guests might feel overwhelming. If you think you might need some alone time, communicate that to your guests or to your partner so they can help ensure that you get the time you need to rest and recharge.

Remember, there is never anything wrong with asking for what you need. That’s particularly true with the many emotional ups and downs that can come with both a new baby and the hectic holiday season! Do what you need to do to ensure your own comfort and well-being as well as that of your little one and guests.

Relax and Enjoy the Memories

You probably want to stick to your baby’s usual schedule as much as possible. But the reality of holiday hosting with a newborn is that it won’t always happen. That’s okay–don’t stress about it!

Remember that you and your guests are creating special memories with each other and your new little one. That is the important thing. Once you have your home to yourself again, it will only take a few days for you and baby to settle down into your normal routine once more.

Remember to Take Pictures!

As a Houston newborn and family photographer, of course this tip is near and dear to my heart. But it’s true: taking pictures really does help to make holiday hosting with a newborn fun for everyone! Take those moments to snap a sweet picture of baby snuggling with their grandma or being rocked to sleep by their cousin.

Doing this can remind you of how good it is to be sharing baby’s first holiday season with your visitors. And it sends a message to guests that you value the time they’re spending with you and your baby. Those great memories are the reason you are spending together, so don’t miss out on those precious moments!

Lots of love and holiday wishes,

Shannon