Yay! The winter holidays are nearly here. If this is your baby’s first winter season, there are many wonderful things for them (and you) to enjoy. But there can also be some hazards or just simple issues – this post will help you navigate those.

Travel
Does your family live far away? Will you be getting on a plane with your baby before the year is over? If so, check out our recent post, “Plane Travel with Your Baby.” If you will be traveling by car, you’ll need all the food your infant might require during the trip, along with diapers and a changing pad for stops. Additionally, it might be a good idea to have a new toy along, or a toy your child hasn’t seen in a long time. The toy can be brought out in the case of a major melt-down. But do make sure the toy is soft, in case there’s a bump on the road and the toy goes flying.

Food
With all the new food around, this might be a great time to introduce your baby to new flavors. A lot of holiday food is perfect for pureeing if your baby isn’t up to full-on solids. Don’t forget to go slow, though. You never know what new food may upset your child’s stomach, or they could turn out to be allergic to something. Not an issue you want to deal with while away from home.

Visiting
There’s lots of visiting over the holidays, even if you’re not traveling. Many people, even those who have kids, do not have baby-proofed homes. It can be hard to keep your child in your arms during an entire visit, so if your baby is mobile, it might be prudent to block out a space for them. That way you can chat without constantly watching where your child is going and what they’re putting in their mouth.

For you parents out there who have done this all before, what’s your best tip for new parents during the holiday season? Or what’s your favorite story from the winter holidays?