What to Know
Traveling for the holidays with a new baby is not for the weak. New parents are on a strict schedule that revolves around that tiny human who they also have to carefully and safely transport everywhere. So when one mom by the name of Lauren shared on Threads that she thinks new parents get a pass to be over-the-top during the holidays, she wasn’t wrong.
According to Lauren, she will always make sure her home is open and accommodating for new parents during the holiday season. I have a feeling that extends to general visits throughout the year as well, though. She wrote in her post that by the time a set of new parents has a second or third, they might not need to bring the entire house with them, but when they are in those early days of parenthood, how hard is it for others to be accommodating for them?
She says that “new parents get to be ridiculous,” and she’s right.
If you have ever felt embarrassed because you had to fill multiple bags with diapers, bottles, toys, and sleep machines and also bring a portable crib or bouncer to someone’s house for the holidays or otherwise, then you understand exactly what Lauren is talking about.
Because, according to her, no parent should feel silly being a little over-the-top, especially when it isn’t over-the-top or “doing too much” to want to be as prepared as possible. Babies can be predictable because of their diaper changes and feeding schedules, but they can also throw you a curveball, and who doesn’t want to be as prepared as possible?
“Controversial holiday opinion: New parents get to be ridiculous,” Lauren wrote in her post on Threads.
“You can only come at 10 a.m. because [of] the baby’s nap schedule? OK, we’ve got bagels. You want to set up a baby monitor in the guest room for a three hour visit? Let me get the screwdriver. Everybody [needs] masks and hand sanitizer for holding baby? Bring on the Purell. You brought half your house with you? Great to be prepared!”
She added that, eventually, things will be calm for new parents. But in those early days in the trenches, they need all the grace you can spare. Lauren also wrote in her post that new parents will eventually be experienced parents. When that time comes, they will remember who helped them out in the early days. In other words, think of these accommodations as insurance for the future when you can ask a huge favor of them. OK, just kidding. But it’s still a good idea to be there for the new parents in your life, especially during the hectic holiday season.
Another user commented on the post to add her own accommodations for new parents who visit her home, She wrote, “You don’t want us kissing the baby and passing the baby around to everyone? Also fine. You’re breastfeeding? Great. You’re formula feeding? Also great. Hey you want to grab a power nap while the baby is napping? Go for it.”
A mom who experienced this kind of help early on also chimed in with, “I am forever grateful that I was allowed to be ridiculous about my babies. It really helped me feel welcome in family spaces when I didn’t feel judged or challenged for my anxious mind. Just let them be and love them.”
This little virtual village of moms almost makes me want a third. I said almost.
