Holiday ideas & tips for baby and bump this winter

For those expecting or with a new baby in the family, the holiday season is so magical. It’s a time for making memories, gathering with friends and family and sharing special moments with those closest to you. So here we’ve compiled all the best ideas to get in on the seasonal fun and ways to capture those memories.

Newborn’s First Holiday Suggestions

There are many things to consider for baby’s first holiday season and we’ve got the check-list of all lists to make sure you’re not missing a trick.

• Finding the most adorable baby holiday outfit. For newborns consider a festive themed pajama. For older babies, a cute festive pullover makes a lovely addition to an outfit that can be removed if baby gets too hot. Got a few kids in your brood? Why not consider matching pajamas? These make for adorable photographs you’ll cherish for years.
• Taking baby to see the festive lights in your local area would be a fun day out for all, they will love the sparkling lights. Wrap baby up well for the chilly weather and wait for a dry day. Head out when baby isn’t due a nap and let them gaze up at the twinkly lights - they will be mesmerized. 
• Read holiday themed books and listen to holiday themed music. Music and reading are brilliant ways to develop your little baby, it’s also a lovely way to bond. You can borrow books from your local library and Spotify has lots of Christmas themed playlists for children.
• If baby is at weaning stage when it’s their first Christmas they can enjoy seasonal flavors too. Avoid giving them anything with added salt and sugar. Opt for seasonal fruits and veggies such as winter squash, leeks, turnips, apples and pears. They can also enjoy festive spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.  
• Capturing memories to last a lifetime. Organize an afternoon or morning to capture a few holiday themed photos of your baby - put into a frame and these can double up as gifts for grandparents or use to create your own personalized holiday cards to send to close friends and family. 

Baby holiday photoshoot ideas:

• If baby is a bit older and happy to dress-up, a holiday themed costume can look adorable.
• For newborns, capture them asleep and add a little santa hat.
• Set baby down on a festive blanket against the Christmas tree with the fairy lights on and lights dimmed for that hygge vibe. When in doubt head to Pinterest for some cute ideas. Here are a few other photoshoot ideas we love.

Images from Pinterest

Popular Baby Toys For Christmas

Baby’s first stocking stuffers: bathtime toy, clip-on book for the stroller, teething toy, rattle, soft Christmas themed stuffed animal plushie, festive bib, sensory toy.

Popular baby toys for Babies 0-6 months: for babies under 6 months you want to look for toys to help their physical development as well as toys that stimulate and engage them. Rattles, playmats with toys to grasp and pull, rattles, crinkly soft books that make sounds, textured toys are all great gift ideas. If they’re closer to 6 months look for toys they can push and pull such as carts, wagons and cars. 

Popular baby toys for babies 6-12 months: from 6 months up your baby is much more tactile and active, they’re also starting to recognize objects and faces. Sensory activity panels, stacking toys, pop up books or boxes, textured toys and lock and key activities are VERY useful in helping to develop your little one’s memory, functional skills, and motor development. Books are also helpful for developing communication, creativity and vocabulary. Train sets, wagons or anything which helps to develop your baby’s fine motor skills (through pushing and pulling) are also great options to give a 6-12 month old baby.

Festive Pregnancy Tips

Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, the festive period can be a great time to relax and enjoy being pregnant but for some struggling with morning sickness or heaviness and indigestion it can be a struggle. Here are our top tips when it comes to festive munching:

• Suffering with morning sickness? Ginger is your best friend and is also on theme for the holiday season. Try gingerbread, ginger flavored biscuits and ginger based teas. Snacking often can also help curve that annoying queasy feeling - try to opt for healthy snacks if you can.
• Suffering from indigestion? Try eating smaller and more frequent meals. Sit up after you’ve eaten to aid digestion. Try peppermint tea to soothe your tummy. Avoid eating 3 hours before you go to bed and try sleeping with your head, chest and shoulders propped up. If you’re really suffering, talk to your ob-gyn who can prescribe suitable indigestion remedies. 
• It’s annoying while pregnant that there are many foods on the no-go list at Christmas, including most cheeses on the cheeseboard. But here’s a check-list of foods to avoid so you can organise other delicious alternatives so you’re not missing out: 
• Raw milk soft cheese, such as brie, feta, camembert, roquefort, queso blanco and queso fresco unless it states it’s made with pasteurized milk.
• Dishes with undercooked eggs, such as homemade eggnog and tiramisu
• Deli-style meat, dry sausage, cold cuts and pâté
• Smoked salmon and oysters

Safe Holiday Activities For Pregnant Mums

Now we’ve been through the check-list of things you want to avoid in pregnancy here are some fun, festive ideas of ways you can enjoy the season:

• There are many festive alternatives to alcohol. Set up a hot chocolate bar. For those cozy nights in, treat yourself to something warm and delicious. Or make your own mulled apple juice for a true taste of the holiday season. Order your favorite festive drink when out and about but ask for decaf.
• Get friends or family round for a holiday season movie night where you can put your feet up and connect with loved ones without even leaving the house. Setup a holiday themed grazing station with all your favorite pregnancy friendly treats. 
• If you’re into crafting why not set up a holiday themed crafting activity and invite friends over for everyone to join in.
• If you love shopping head out to do your holiday gift shopping earlier in the day, you want to avoid the crowds. Aim to get there for when the shops open. Post lunchtime is the busiest time for shopping. With a little careful planning you can avoid the stress but enjoy the festive shopping. 
• Consider booking a festive babymoon. If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, a short festive trip could be a great way for you and your partner to enjoy each other's company before baby lands. Most airlines will let you fly domestically up to 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Whether you’re expecting or you’re getting ready for baby’s first holiday we hope these ideas and tips will help you make the most of the festive season.