The holiday season brings excitement, warmth, and treasured family moments. However, if you’re celebrating with a preemie this year, you may be balancing that joy with the extra care and attention your little one needs. From protecting their health to creating comforting memories, here are some thoughtful tips to help you celebrate a cozy, joyful holiday season with your preemie.
1. Prioritize Health and Safety
For preemies, immunity is especially important, particularly during cold and flu season. Here are some simple ways to keep gatherings safe and stress-free:
Limit Visitors: Consider keeping visits small or virtual to reduce the risk of illness. A few close family members or friends can still help create a special day.
Keep Hand Sanitizer Close: If you’re having in-person visits, encourage frequent hand-washing and keep sanitizer handy for guests.
Bundle Up Comfortably: If you'll be outside for activities or holiday photos, ensure your preemie is dressed in warm, breathable layers that don’t restrict movement. Adaptive clothing like our cozy bodysuits can be a great option to keep them snug and secure.
2. Embrace Low-Stimulation Celebrations
The holidays often come with bright lights, bustling gatherings, and lots of noise—things that may overwhelm a preemie who’s adjusting to the world. Try to create a calm, festive atmosphere with a few sensory-friendly adjustments:
Dimmed Lights: Soft, twinkling lights can create a magical atmosphere without overstimulation.
Gentle Music: Opt for gentle holiday tunes or lullabies that won’t overwhelm your baby.
Quiet Moments: Carve out a few minutes throughout the day for quiet cuddles or skin-to-skin time, helping your baby feel safe and calm.
3. Start Your Own Heartwarming Traditions
Celebrating the season with a preemie is a beautiful opportunity to start meaningful, simple traditions that you can continue as they grow. Here are a few ideas:
Holiday Storytime: Read a holiday story together, which can become a yearly tradition.
Keepsake Ornaments: Start an ornament collection to commemorate each holiday season. You could even make a small handprint or footprint ornament to capture their growth each year.
Matching Pajamas: Soft, adaptive holiday pajamas add a festive touch and help make for adorable photos—while ensuring your baby stays cozy and comfortable.
4. Take Lots of Photos and Videos
The early days with a preemie can pass quickly and are filled with important milestones, especially around the holidays. Capture the little moments, whether it’s the first time they see holiday lights or their reaction to a cozy family gathering. These small, intimate memories can mean the most later on.
5. Celebrate in a Way That Feels Right for You
This holiday season may be different than what you originally imagined, and that’s okay. It’s important to celebrate in a way that feels right and restful for you and your family. Whether that means staying in for a quiet day together, or having a small, festive gathering, choose what brings you joy.
6. Lean on Support
Caring for a preemie can be emotionally and physically taxing, especially with holiday expectations. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones for help or take a moment to recharge. Joining online communities for preemie parents can also be a wonderful source of support and understanding.
Enjoying the Holidays Together
Celebrating the holidays with your preemie is a unique and special experience, and every little moment can be precious. With a little extra care, planning, and some new traditions, you can create a joyful season that honors both the festivities and your baby’s needs. Here’s to a cozy, memorable holiday filled with warmth, love, and those precious first memories with your little one.
