BLOG Post #50: Navigating Thanksgiving with a Newborn (Without Losing Your Mind)
Thanksgiving with a newborn sounds dreamy, right? Your baby meets the fam, you indulge in a feast, and it’s all heartwarming togetherness. But let’s be real—it’s also the perfect storm for unsolicited advice, personal space invasions, and people trying to kiss your baby even after you’ve made it clear they shouldn’t.
If this is your first holiday season as a new parent, it’s time to buckle up. Here’s how to get through the Thanksgiving chaos with your little turkey and your sanity intact.
1. Unsolicited Advice: Smile, Nod, Repeat
When you roll in with your baby, get ready for the onslaught of wisdom from every relative who’s ever held a baby for five minutes.
“Oh, you’re holding him that way?”
“Back when I had kids, we gave them mashed potatoes at three months!”
“She’s probably cold, better put a blanket on her.”
Here’s the trick: Smile. Nod. Breathe. Say, “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” and then go right back to doing what you’ve been doing because you know what? You’re the parent, and you actually know what works for your baby. Channel your inner zen, and let the unsolicited advice roll off like gravy on a dry turkey.
2. Take Breaks: The Sanity-Saving Secret
Look, family gatherings are overwhelming—for babies and for you. There’s the noise, the passing of the baby like they’re a side dish, and a million conversations happening at once. It’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in it all.
Don’t be shy about taking a break. Escape to a quiet room for a feeding session, or take a stroller stroll around the block. Use that time to reset, decompress, and remind yourself that you can survive this.
3. The Great Kissing Epidemic: Because Boundaries Don’t Exist
Now for the real challenge: protecting your baby from kiss-happy relatives. You’ll tell everyone at the start, “Please don’t kiss the baby,” and yet, someone (we’re looking at you, Aunt Joan) will definitely try. It’s like they’re drawn to those baby cheeks by some primal force.
Why no kissing? Well, newborns have fragile immune systems, and what seems like a harmless kiss can actually pass on some not-so-harmless germs—think common colds, RSV, and worse (herpes virus, anyone?). Babies under six months are super vulnerable to all kinds of nasties, and it’s your job to play defense.
You can calmly explain that it’s not about being overprotective; it’s about keeping the baby healthy. And if they still don’t get it? Offer them a nice long cuddle instead. Who doesn’t love a good snuggle?
Need Some Backup for Christmas?
Speaking of boundaries, we’ve got just the thing to help with that no-kissing rule. A “Don’t Kiss the Baby” onesie! It’s too late for Thanksgiving (since it’s tomorrow), but there’s plenty of time to snag one for Christmas or New Year’s.
Picture this: your baby, dressed in a cute little holiday onesie that says, “Don’t Kiss The Baby” doing the work for you! Head over to Fresh Diapie Social Club and grab yours. It’s the perfect mix of festive and functional, and a stylish way to remind everyone to back off during germ season.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Remember: You’ve got this. You’re the parent, and you know what’s best for your baby. And if it all gets too overwhelming? Escape to the kitchen for an extra slice of pie.
Stay fresh, have a laugh & join the club!
FRESH DIAPIE SOCIAL CLUB
