7 Tips for Having a Great Thanksgiving with a Baby

20th Nov 2015

Having a Great Thanksgiving with a BabyThanksgiving is next week, which means we’re all gearing up for a big feasting day with our families. You don’t want to miss out just because you have a baby, and you shouldn’t! Some people feel that big events are impossible with a small child, but I disagree. Here are some tips for enjoying your Thanksgiving with a baby.

1. If you’re hosting, start early – Everything takes longer when you have a child, like getting ready or putting a meal together. Compound that tenfold and you’ll have an idea of how difficult it will be to arrange a feast. Plan things out days in advance. Set the table the week before, if you have to.

2. Cheat wherever you can – You aren’t invincible and no one expects you to be. It’s alright if you buy a pre-stuffed turkey or serve a store-bought pastry. It’s also OK to ask other people to contribute.

3. Let family mind the baby – When your family is around, you won’t have a shortage of people who want to hold, cuddle and play with your baby. Use them as a resource. “Aunt Mae, do you mind changing a diaper while you have her?” “Grandpa, could you change that onesie real quick?” You may feel like a burden, but people love doting on babies.

4. Mind the naps – You may lose track of time in the middle of everything. But a day with a lot of commotion and activity is sure to tire your baby’s physical and mental reserves. Make sure there’s a dark, quiet place to set him or her down for a nap.

5. Make smart travel plans – If you have to drive to a family member’s house, plan the trip during baby’s usual nap time so there’s no fussiness. If the drive is longer than a nap, take it slowly with several breaks so baby doesn’t feel cooped up.

6. Plan some baby-appropriate food – If your child is eating solids, you’ll want something that’s of the right consistency for his or her age (you’ll have to judge that). Sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce are usually good as is, but you’ll want to puree the turkey and break apart the stuffing.

7. Bring a play yard (or similar) – Other people’s homes won’t be baby-proofed like yours, so you can’t let your child roam the house freely. Bring a collapsible play yard so your baby has a safe spot to play.

8 Enjoy yourself! - Moms don’t get days off, but they do get holidays! Lean on other people and try to relax. (Eat yourself into a nap, if you can manage.)

infant support pillow

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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