It’s easy for everyday routines to be disrupted over the busy holiday weeks. Travel, visitors, parties, new decorations, and changes in childcare or playgroup routines , plus alterations in meals, nap and bedtime routines may result in both excitement and stress for infants, toddlers and parents.
Some simple steps may help to maintain a sense of security and routine during these busy days:
Keep mealtimes as regular as possible, or offer healthy snacks if a family meal is being held later than your child might like. Most toddlers have a short attention span in the highchair, so bring along some appropriate diversions to keep a child content at the table a little longer, or allow him to play with quiet toys on the floor next to the table if appropriate.
When traveling overnight, bring along some favorite toys, books, music and blankets and try to keep to your regular bedtime routine, even if it’s a little briefer or later than usual. If you usually bathe, read, rock, sing with your little one at bedtime, follow that pattern. Your baby will recognize the familiar rituals, even in a new environment. White noise may help mask unfamiliar city or party sounds.
Unfamiliar faces or crowded rooms at parties may take your child some time to get used to. Sometimes visitors are so eager to see the baby that they want to rush in and envelop the baby in a hug. Explain to visitors and relatives that most young children need some time to acclimate to new places and people (even grandparents, if it’s been awhile since their last visit). Hold your child and let her watch you interact with friends and relatives first. Wait until she seems more relaxed and shows a willingness to explore the environment or be held by someone new. Using a sling or frontpack is a great way for relatives to see and interact with the baby, while parents are still able to maintain a sense of safety and security.
Keep extra-vigilant at holiday gatherings and parties when there are many adults and children present. It’s often assumed that someone else is watching a child, when in fact the toddler may be unobserved exploring an area that is unsafe or mouthing a potential choke-hazard. Sometimes a well-meaning relative may give a baby or toddler a food or plaything that is unsafe or not age-appropriate. Party foods (including candy, nuts, chips and baby carrots), festive decorations and toys for older children are all tempting and potential hazards for a crawling baby or young toddler.