Just wanted to give a shoutout to all the parents navigating Easter gatherings with little ones. When did your baby start feeling comfortable during large family gatherings? Did they always enjoy it or did they struggle at any age? My baby doesn’t seem to do well with being passed around, which makes me sad for the excited family members who want to hold him. It’s a bit disheartening and makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong. He just turned 5 months old and seems to be reaching an age where he notices when mom and dad are away from him. Any tips? Is there an age where you found this situation got easier?
Holidays can be tough for kids. Everything is different: their usual routine, the food they’re used to, even where they sleep. They might feel tired in a strange place with lots of people they don’t know well. Sometimes, there’s a lot of pressure to behave a certain way, which can make them upset.
If your kid gets upset during holidays, it’s not your fault. As they grow up, it’s important to support them, especially if your family is just starting to have kids.
My baby likewise suffered when being passed around. Around 5 months, babies begin to notice when their parents are away, which causes separation and stranger anxiety. It is a sign of good attachment, which makes social meetings challenging. One useful idea was to carefully introduce our newborn to family members in a peaceful setting.