If you are planning to travel with your baby this holiday season, you are likely worrying about how things will go. Here are some tips to help this potentially stressful experience go a little more smoothly:
Scale back your plans. Don’t expect to be able to do as much as you would have before your baby was born, and avoid being overly ambitious in your plans. Build plenty of break times into your plans, whether that means stopping more often on a long drive, leaving events early, or allowing for a rest day at home after your trip before heading back to work.
Watch for overstimulation. Bright lights, noisy places, new people, and changes in routine can easily become overwhelming for little ones. An overstimulated newborn might avoid eye contact, cry, be fussy and difficult to soothe, or fall asleep. If going to a quiet space is not possible, babywearing is one tool you can use to help comfort your baby when it all becomes too much. Holding your baby close against your chest and taking slow, deep breaths will help you to restore some calm as you co-regulate.
Keep to your routines- or not. Do your best to follow or approximate whatever aspects of your routines are comforting and feel good. Your baby might be happiest with something familiar from home, or going to bed at the same time as usual. However, if attempting to follow your regular routines is causing more stress, not meeting your baby’s needs, or just isn’t working in the moment, don’t be afraid to adapt. You can always settle back into your routines after the trip is over. What is best for your family might not be the same as someone else, or even as yourselves a few months from now. This can be an opportunity to practice some of the important skills of parenthood- setting boundaries, asking for what you need, releasing control, and being flexible.
Remember that being a good mom does not mean having a “perfect” baby. It’s normal for babies to cry sometimes. When your baby is feeling frustrated, uncomfortable, confused, or uncertain, crying is just about the only way they have of expressing those feelings. Adjusting to changes can be difficult even for us as adults. Sometimes, things are tough and all we can do is love ourselves and our babies through it. You will never parent exactly the same way as someone else, because you are not them and your baby is not their baby. Don’t let the judgment of others make you feel bad about your parenting. You are showing up for yourself and your family every day and doing this hard thing like only you can.