The Doctor Is In

By DAMON RASKIN, M.D. | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Q:This is my first holiday season with a newborn and I am stressed about how to keep everyone safe. What are some precautions I can put in place ahead of hosting and/or seeing extended family this year?

The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness and pretending you’re thrilled to see Uncle Bob for the third time this year. But throw a newborn into the mix, and suddenly your festive season resembles a military operation.

If you’re hosting or visiting family this year with a tiny human in tow, here are some precautions to take that’ll help you survive the chaos. I have two teenagers now, but I remember the stress of the holidays when they were first born. It seems like yesterday.

First, establish what I like to call “The Perimeter.” Your home is now a fortress, and your baby is the crown jewel.

Create zones where visitors are allowed (living room, kitchen) and where they are not (anywhere near the crib unless you’ve personally escorted them). Set boundaries early—ideally with a sign at the door that reads: “Look, don’t touch and no coughing within a five-mile radius.”

Arming yourself with hand sanitizer is another excellent tool to help protect you and the baby. If the holidays are known for one thing, it’s lots of hugs and kisses. Aunt Linda is bound to swoop in with an enthusiastic embrace, forgetting she just sneezed into her hands. Place the bottle of Purell strategically: near the front door, the bathroom and possibly on Aunt Linda’s person. Bonus points for handing it out like party favors.

Next, make sure you set rules around food safety. Grandma’s famous fruitcake? It is not going anywhere near your infant’s mouth no matter how much the baby cries. You may need to specify that the baby doesn’t need a “taste” of anything solid yet. Also, intercept well-meaning relatives trying to feed your newborn mashed potatoes or gravy “just to see what happens.”

Some relatives treat holding the baby as a competitive sport. It could be helpful to come prepared with a schedule: five minutes per person, no exceptions.

If you need to reclaim your baby without offending anyone, whisper something mysterious like, “Oh no, the baby’s witching hour is about to start.” Or mention that the baby needs a diaper change, and they will give that baby right back to you. That works every time.

Do not forget that it helps to dress strategically. The baby should wear something cute but inconvenient for removal, preferably with 17 tiny snaps and a hat that requires engineering to take off. Why? Because nothing deters eager relatives like too much work. Meanwhile, you should wear something with plenty of pockets for emergency pacifiers, spit-up cloths and snacks to bribe older siblings into behaving.

If all else fails, always have an escape plan. Whether it’s retreating to the nursery for a “feeding session” or claiming the baby needs fresh air, your mental health matters too. Taking a “time out” may be helpful for you more than the baby if your guests are “acting out.”

With these precautions in place, you might just make it through the holidays with your sanity intact. Be prepared for the unexpected chaos that often accompanies these family gatherings. Now go have a memorable and happy holiday.