New Year's Eve and babies
Give your baby the best start to the new year
New Year's Eve is, according to tradition, an evening of celebration, colors and fireworks - but also an evening when many parents do not know how their little one will react. Some babies sleep soundly through the night, while others are startled by the noises, sleep restlessly and need extra comfort.
Here you will get good advice on how you can make New Year's Eve calmer and safer for your baby.
6 good tips for New Year's Eve with baby
- Give your child security and closeness if he becomes afraid of the loud noises.
- Show through your own calm that there is nothing to be afraid of.
- Spend the evening in safe and familiar surroundings.
- Play gentle background music – classical piano music is soothing.
- Try white noise apps to help calm the fear.
- Skip the table bombs – they can be violent on baby.
It is natural to be startled by loud noises
Young children instinctively respond to loud noises because their hearing is already developed, but they have not yet learned to block out the noise. For a baby who does not have many sound experiences, it does not take much to awaken the startle instinct.
Give your child plenty of reassurance
Your child gets the best security when he feels your calmness. If mother and father remain calm, it will rub off on the child. It can help to breastfeed or hold the baby close while the bangs are on - physical contact quells fear and makes it easier to calm down again.
A safe environment is important
Consider keeping New Year's Eve at home if your child is easily affected by flashes of lights and sounds. Familiar surroundings give peace of mind. If you are going out, make sure you bring the child's favorite pacifier, teddy bear or other recognizable consolation.
Background music can take the edge off the scare
Background music can reduce the sudden shocks. Play music that the child already knows - repetition provides reassurance. Classical piano music or soothing melodies can ease the transition to sleep.
No two children are alike
Some babies react violently to New Year's Eve, while others take it completely easy. It depends on the child's sensitivity and how safe he feels in the environment. Trust your intuition – you know your child best.
Take care of each other - and Happy New Year!
PS: Remember that no one knows your child better than you. As parents of your child, you know your child best and know what he can handle. Therefore, it is also only you parents who can assess how you can best enter the new year and what considerations your child needs.
