Your newborn baby won't be able to join in with all the fun. But they will love the bright colours, sparkling lights, music and mood of the season.
Your newborn baby will only be able to see things that are about 20cm to 35cm (8in to 14in) from their eyes. Hold them up to gaze at the lights on your Christmas tree or lie them down so they can get a good view of the decorations from that angle.
By one-month-old, your baby will be transfixed by things that pass in front of them. Try dangling a brightly coloured, (not glass!) bauble close to them, or crinkling some coloured wrapping paper nearby. Talk and sing to your baby, too. They'll find the sound of your voice reassuring and won’t mind if you sing Christmas songs out of tune!
Young babies love to be touched, held, cooed, and smiled at. This is good news when adoring relatives are keen to have a hold of your little one. Being cuddled will make your baby feel more secure. Make the most of this time. When they are five months or six months old, they may cry when cuddled by someone they don’t know well.
Your baby's hearing will be fully developed by one month old, and they'll listen to voices. Play soft carols, read aloud from your favourite books, or just chat away about the festive things you’re doing.
All of these are great ways to stimulate your child. Your baby may also enjoy new sounds like crackling wrapping paper, ringing bells, and the comings and goings of guests. Try to keep in mind, though, that newborn babies may startle at loud noises.
It's easy to get caught up in it all and forget that too much going on at once can take its toll on a young baby. Watch your baby for cues. Put them down for a nap when you see the signs they are sleepy, like ear-pulling, eye-rubbing and crying. During the festive season, routines are often off, which can cause problems for new parents. Where you can, try to stick to your little one’s routine. It’s better to make the effort to find a room where they can take a nap, than spend the day with a tired baby.
If you require any more advice or are wondering what to do with your new-born baby over the Christmas period then be sure to ask our members of staff who will be happy to help you with keeping them entertained and safe over the Christmas period.