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Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it. Here’s some sound advice:

  • Talk to your spouse. Before invitations arrive and promises are made, decide what's important to each of you and how you envision the holidays overall. Agree on big things such as where your families fit in, traditions you want to start and whether you want to travel.
  • Set priorities. It may be hard to think about upsetting old family traditions or expectations, but your new family comes first. Some family therapy experts say the priorities in making decisions should be 1) the couple, 2) the children and 3) the extended family.
  • Announce your plans early. As soon as you can, let everyone know what you have in mind. Make it clear that even though you want the holidays to work for everyone, you have new things to consider.
  • Reexamine traditions. If you or your extended family are uneasy about changing your holiday routine, try to determine if it's really that important or a habit you've fallen into. Ask yourselves why you want to continue it, what makes it special and how you could alter it to fit your new situation.
  • Be willing to compromise without giving in. You don't have to be insensitive to others' feelings to give your new family top priority. For example, instead of missing your mother's famous Christmas brunch, ask her to shift the festivities to the afternoon so you can spend the morning with your baby.
  • Leave time for you. The holidays can be stressful, especially with a new baby in the house. Try to maintain your regular routine and set aside time to have your little one all to yourselves.
  • Let go of the guilt. Try as you might, there may be times when you just can't make everyone happy. Do what's best for your family, explain your decisions as sensitively as you can and enjoy this special time. It only comes once!

Sources: "Celebrating the Holidays with Baby," by Erin van Vuuren, www.msn.com; "The Holidays: New Baby, New Holiday Traditions," by Kelly Burgess, www.babiestoday.com

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Helpful Tips
for Parents

Baby's First Holiday

Having a new baby in the family can bring extra special meaning to the holidays, but it can also create extra tension as everyone jostles for your little one's attention. With careful planning, lots of communication and a willingness to put your new family first, your holiday can be just the way you want it.
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Weigh In

You usually know instinctively if your baby is healthy, but comparing her growth to "normal" guidelines is a good way to help put your mind at ease. Many babies grow a half inch to an inch per month between birth and six months. In that same period, babies can gain five to seven ounces per week. Between six months and a year, she'll probably grow about three-eighths inch per month and gain three to five ounces per week. It's normal for her to double her birth height and triple her birth weight by her first birthday.

Source: "Infant and Toddler Health," www.mayoclinic.com, August 21, 2009

Shoe Knew?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies don't actually need to wear shoes until they start learning to walk. Going shoeless indoors allows your infant's feet to grow normally, helps them develop strength and lets her experiment with grasping with her toes. If you want to keep her feet warm or protect them from the elements, opt for soft-soled slippers, booties or nonskid socks.