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The holiday season in New Zealand is a time filled with family gatherings, summer sun, and celebrations. While it’s an exciting season, it can also be overwhelming if you’re a new parent trying to juggle a newborn’s needs alongside all the festivities. Here are some practical tips for navigating this special time with a baby in tow, so you can make the most of the season while keeping your little one (and yourself) content and rested.
The social whirl of holiday gatherings can quickly throw off your baby’s routine. Here’s how to keep naps and sleep on track, even when you’re on the go:
Stick to Your Routine: Try to keep your newborn’s sleep schedule as consistent as possible. Babies thrive on routine, and if you’re attending a daytime event, consider bringing a pram or portable cot where your baby can nap in a quieter spot.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Bring along items that help your baby sleep, such as a swaddle or a portable white noise machine. This can make unfamiliar environments feel more comforting and can help drown out the noise of celebrations.
Prioritize Your Own Rest: It’s easy to let holiday obligations drain your energy, but remember that your well-being impacts your baby’s as well. Try to balance social events with time at home to catch up on rest, and don’t hesitate to accept help from family or friends to grab a nap when you can.
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding your baby while out and about during the holidays is manageable with a few simple tips.
Prepare for On-the-Go Feeding: For breastfeeding mums, a nursing cover or comfortable wrap can make breastfeeding in public more discreet, if that’s your preference. If your baby is bottle-fed, pack enough bottles and formula or milk to last throughout the event.
Be Flexible: Babies may feed more frequently when overstimulated or in a new environment, so be ready to feed on demand. If there’s a private or quiet space at the venue, it may be helpful to set yourself up in there for feeds.
Expressing a Freezer Stash: If you’re planning to leave your baby with a family member or friend while you pop out to run errands or head off to a gathering, preparing a stash of expressed milk can give you peace of mind that they’ll have plenty to drink. Start pumping a few weeks before the events kick off if possible, storing milk in clearly labeled bags in the freezer for easy access.
If you’re a breastfeeding mum who’s planning to spend some time away from your baby for events or social outings, a freezer stash can be a lifesaver.
Start Early: Build up your stash gradually by expressing an extra 20-40mls (or whatever is achievable for you) after one or two feeds each day in the weeks leading up to the holiday season.
Storage Tips: Use breast milk storage bags and label them with the date of expression. In New Zealand’s warm summer, ensure milk is kept frozen or chilled on ice packs if you’re transporting it.
Thawing Milk: If you’re leaving your baby with someone else, share how to thaw and warm breast milk safely (e.g., by placing it in warm water rather than a microwave).
If you’re breastfeeding and want to enjoy a drink with your friends over the summer, it’s essential to know how to do so safely. Here’s some information on drinking and breastfeeding based on New Zealand’s current recommendations:
Timing Your Drinks: It’s generally safe to breastfeed if you wait about 2 hours per standard drink for the alcohol to metabolize and leave your system. Timing matters—if you breastfeed or pump right before drinking, you’ll have a longer window to wait before the next feed.
Pump and Dump? Not Always Necessary: The phrase “pump and dump” isn’t always required unless you’re drinking heavily or feel uncomfortable from being engorged. Alcohol doesn’t remain in stored breast milk, so there’s no need to “discard” your milk if you’re able to wait the appropriate time between drinking and feeding.
Consider Expressing Beforehand: If you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks, expressing beforehand can ensure your baby has alcohol-free milk while you’re out. A freezer stash or bottle of pre-pumped milk can give you flexibility and peace of mind.
Be Aware of Limits: According to advice from Plunket NZ, keeping alcohol to a moderate level (1-2 drinks) is generally safe, but it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Finally, remember that the holiday season with a newborn is about finding joy in the little moments. Don’t feel pressured to attend every event or keep up with social obligations. It’s okay to set boundaries and celebrate on your terms.
Create New Traditions:If this is your first holiday season as a parent, Congratulations! It’s a wonderful time to start new family traditions that you’ll look forward to year after year, like cozy evenings at home watching Christmas movies, a family walk in the warm evenings or seeing how many lollies you can fit onto your gingerbread house (🙋♀️)
Accept Support: If family and friends offer to help, let them. Whether it’s helping with a night feed, bringing over a meal, or simply giving you an extra pair of hands, these little gestures can make the sometimes hectic Christmas season feel more relaxed and enjoyable.
Your first Christmas with a Newborn can be a whirlwind, but with a little planning and flexibility, you can create meaningful memories and celebrate all while keeping your baby happy and comfortable. The holidays may look different this year, but they'll be magical in a new way 🎄🎅
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