The lead up to Christmas is a hectic and busy time. For a new parent, juggling new responsibilities with festive duties can be totally overwhelming and it can feel like there’s little ‘me time’ left to spare. Parties and present finding for friends and family can quickly take up all the free time usually reserved for you. This blog aims to bare some self-care tips for the new parents who need to keep themselves not just afloat this festive season, but happy, mindful and calm.
The Self-Care Guide
The holiday season can be overwhelming for new parents, so prioritising self-care is essential for mental and physical wellness. Mentally, it’s important to set boundaries and say “no” to extra stress, ensuring you have time for rest and relaxation. For physical wellness, short, manageable fitness routines—such as yoga or gentle stretching—can help release tension and boost energy. Consider incorporating online classes that fit your schedule, so you can easily enjoy a calming workout at home. Yoga with Adrienne has a variety of classes which are tailored to various different exercise and energy levels. By focusing on parenting self-care during the holidays, you can maintain a stress-free Christmas and create space for quality time with your little one.
Not Another Peep: Certified Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant - Not Another Peep believes in the power of sleep as a vital force for baby and toddler well-being, health and development. They understand that settled sleep is no easy feat and takes a lot of effort to get regular. Hattie Frank (founder) creates health plans which take into account medical history, parenting philosophy and feeding techniques amongst other factors. She works with families across the UK and abroad and has a host of glowing testimonials which reflect the brilliant work she’s achieved.
Self Care Gifts for New Parents
Let’s start with the important stuff. When you’re a new parent, it’s vital to keep your self-care ticking over. Here are some self-care gifts for parents who need a bit of holiday stress relief:
Neom: Pamper Yourself Gift Set
Neom (B Corp) have created a gift set especially for soon-to-be or new parents which is designed to help with better sleep. With a heavenly mix of their signature smells of lavender, chamomile, patchouli and magnesium based products, they help to prepare your mind and body for a relaxing night's sleep.
Cowshed are on the mark with their New Mother Body Duo. Filled with antioxidants and protective minerals this set is the perfect gift for a new mother in need of some deep relaxation and healing evenings.
The White Company: Calm and Wellness Giftset
The White Company are offering a hand-woven seagrass basket full of soapy, smelly delights guaranteed to provide some calm amidst festive celebrations. All items can be packed neatly into their beautiful zip-up basket for a practical and relaxing experience.
A sentimental Christmas gift is a wonderful way to treasure those early parenting months. As a busy parent, time moves incredibly quickly and a memento of the early days of your baby's life is a wonderful gift to remember this special time.
Bumbles and Boo gifts are perfect for new parents this holiday season, offering a blend of practicality, style, and sustainability. From soft organic baby clothes to eco-friendly toys, these thoughtful, quality gifts are both useful and gentle on the planet—making them a festive and meaningful choice for new families.
The Lovely Keepsake Company creates personalised, handcrafted gifts perfect for new parents. Specialising in custom baby keepsakes, handprint kits, and memory boxes, their thoughtful, high-quality products help families preserve and cherish precious moments as they begin their parenting journey.
Wonderbly creates personalised children's books where the child is the hero of their own story. With customisable names and details, these unique, beautifully illustrated books make perfect gifts for new parents, turning reading into a memorable experience.
Practical Guide
Practical Gifts for New Parents
Practical gifts can be the perfect tonic for new parents who have little to no time on their hands. Here are a few gift suggestions which will ease new parents into healthy habits which will keep themselves and their wellbeing nicely nourished.
Pow Food at Home: New Parents Bundle
I know we’re bias but the Pow Food at Home range have come up with a brilliant bundle to help mums stay nourished when they’ve got a lot to juggle. The nutritionists at Pow have tailored meals and snacks to suit parents in the two key stages of early parenthood essentially nourishing both you and your baby.
Staying hydrated throughout the day is vital for postpartum recovery and overall wellbeing. It helps maintain milk production, boosts energy, prevents constipation and mood swings, and aids in healing. Proper hydration also promotes good digestion, skin health, and mental clarity, making it an essential part of postpartum care. Using a water bottle helps with regular hydration and Ocean Bottles are one of the most sustainable brands on the market. They have saved over 16 million Kilos of ocean bound plastic and turned it into water bottles. Buying their bottles supports the livelihoods of the people living on the front line of the plastic crisis and helps to keep our ocean habitats clean.
Meal Planning Tips
Meal planning during the festive season can help reduce stress, save time, and ensure you enjoy delicious meals without the last-minute scramble. Here are some helpful tips:
- Plan Ahead: Start by creating a simple meal plan for the week, including breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as any snacks or treats. This will help you avoid impulse buying and ensure you have everything you need.
- Prep in Batches: Take advantage of quieter days to prep meals in advance. Make extra portions of soups, casseroles, or roasted vegetables that can be easily reheated when time is tight.
- Keep It Simple: Don’t feel the need to cook elaborate meals every day. Stick to easy, crowd-pleasing dishes like sheet pan meals or one-pot wonders that minimize cleanup.
- Incorporate Leftovers: Plan meals that can easily transform into something new. For example, roast a chicken for dinner and use the leftovers for sandwiches or a hearty soup the next day.
- Healthy Holiday Snacks: Make sure to have healthy snacks available for when hunger strikes. Prepare bowls of mixed nuts, cut-up fruit, or veggie sticks with hummus to curb cravings and avoid the holiday indulgence trap.
- Use Frozen Veggies: Frozen vegetables are a lifesaver during busy times. They’re quick, nutritious, and perfect for adding to soups, stews, or stir-fries.
- Delegate: If hosting a holiday meal, don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a dish. This can help lighten the load and ensure you have a variety of dishes to enjoy.
By planning ahead and making use of leftovers, you can enjoy stress-free meals while still embracing the festive spirit.
Healthy Festive Foods
The festive season is a time to indulge, but you can still enjoy it while making healthy choices. Focus on creating plant-diverse plates, filling half of your plate with colorful vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. These nutrient-packed foods are not only delicious but help balance out heavier holiday dishes. Include lean proteins like turkey or plant-based options, and try making healthier versions of festive treats with natural sweeteners or smaller portions. Hydration is key, so sip water throughout the day, and consider adding supplements like vitamin D or omega-3s to support your immune system. With mindful choices and a plant-focused approach, you can enjoy a healthier, more vibrant holiday season.
Meal Delivery Services
Meal delivery services are a lifesaver for new parents during the festive season. With the added stress of caring for a newborn, holiday preparations, and entertaining, ready meals for new parents provide a convenient solution. These healthy food delivery options for families save valuable time by eliminating the need for meal planning and cooking, allowing parents to focus on what matters most. Whether it’s nutritious meals that support postpartum recovery or festive dishes that fit into a busy schedule, meal subscriptions offer a stress-free way to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle.
Conclusion
The first Christmas with your little one is one you don’t want to forget but there’s no denying that it’s bound to be a very overwhelming time. Organising your meals, time, and gifts to enable a less stressful festive period can feel like a daunting task so we hope that these small pearls of wisdom have inspired some structure to this chaotic time whilst keeping your health, wellness and joy in mind!