How to keep from Overstimulating your baby during the holidays.
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays quickly upon us, it isn’t just the adults that get overstimulated, babies do too! Plus they feed off of your stress and anxiety. So lower your expectations for yourself and set realistic expectations with a baby in the house, the holidays WILL be different.
Babies spend 9 glorious months hanging out in a temperature controlled environment with the sway of your activities and the sound of your heartbeat shushing them to sleep daily. Now that they are on the outside, they experience extreme temperature changes, loud noises, bright lights, diaper and clothing changes, lots of different movement and being passed from person to person, etc. For example, sitting on the lap of a hairy man in a big red suit may put them over the edge so if you must get a Santa picture, you should hold the baby and sit on Santa’s lap or at least hand them to Santa with them looking at you. Good luck!
The holidays are a great time for get togethers, outings, friends and family, but PLEASE watch your baby for signs of overstimulation. It may be too much for your baby to be in a room full of strangers, colorful lights and loud music, so give them some time to adjust to the environment, the sounds and smells before you start passing them around. Try not to plan activities at the same time as their nap time or bed time and be prepared to cut the visit short if need be. Wearing baby is a good option also, as it keeps baby close and helps them feel safe and secure next to their parent.
Changes to look for:
– Changes in breathing patterns from slow and regular to fast and irregular
– Baby looking/turning away from parent and staring into space
– Becoming fussy, crying outburst for no reason
– Withdrawn or hyperactive
– Jerky body movements
– Clenched fists, waving arms and legs
– Drowsy or sleepy
– Older babies may be extra clingy, hit or act out
How to help:
– Rescue baby if being held by someone else
– Decrease immediate stimulation; go outside or to another room
– Quiet your voice and softly reassure baby
– Stand still or gently and slowly sway back and forth
– Swaddle baby if they like that
– Wearing baby is a good option, it keeps baby close and helps them feel safe
– If all else fails, put them in their crib, lower the lights and walk away, they may just need time to settle and reset
Rest assured as your baby gets older, they will be better able to handle the stimuli. However, until that happens, watch them and try to keep some semblance of their regular schedule! It will make for a better holiday season and less stress for everyone involved.
Enjoy this magic of the season!