Wondering what you can do on New Year’s Eve with a baby in tow?
The arrival of a baby certainly changes things in your life.
You have a little person to consider with a very specific routine – that’s totally different to an adult’s – and needs only you can fulfil.
That first year with a baby is definitely a bit of a whirlwind!
With that in mind your days of wild New Year’s Eve parties might seem far behind you.
But actually it’s definitely still possible to enjoy a very happy NYE with a baby.
All it takes is a plan of action for where they will sleep, be fed and be changed, plus the right kit to make sure your baby is comfortable. You can still go to the ball!
While doing something special to mark January 1’s arrival might be slightly disruptive to your baby’s routine, actually for just the one night it’s not going to do any great harm.
In this article we’re going to talk about a range of New Year’s Eve with a baby ideas – from nights in to nights out!
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Ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a baby
There are plenty of fun ways you can mark New Year’s Eve as a family, and they don’t all mean a quiet night in without seeing any friends.
You can still mark the night with a celebration. Here are a few ideas for New Year’s Eve that can be done with a baby.
Which one you choose is very much down to you. One thing I would say is it’s actually easier to attend a party with a small baby than it is a toddler or older child for example.
An older child or toddler can be quite high maintenance – wanting to be entertained and then needing an actual bed to sleep in when they get tired.
A baby can sleep in your arms, is more inclined to sleep pretty much anywhere, and although they may cry, you won’t face tantrums like you may with an older child.
In my experience, babies are a little more flexible with this type of event than a toddler may be.
But what you do on New Year’s really needs to come down to what is going to enable you to enjoy yourself, not what you feel you should do because it’s a big occasion.
Go with what you can handle, and what feels right.
Enjoy a quiet night in
Comfy PJs, a nice meal, a good movie on the TV and some Champagne. That’s a pretty great way to see in the New Year in my view!
The quiet night in is my preferred way to mark New Year’s these days.
It’s much easier as it doesn’t disrupt the children’s sleeping routine and we don’t have to worry about driving back from anywhere.
Invite some friends over for a dinner party
We’ve enjoyed a few dinner parties with friends on New Year’s Eve and this is a really nice option.
Your baby can keep their normal bedtime routine, while you enjoy time with friends in the dining room.
I’ve always found that with babies, once they are properly asleep, it’s quite hard to wake them up. So try not to be too paranoid about the noise! If they do wake up you can bring them downstairs for a cuddle and try to settle them again in a short while.
You could also attend a dinner party at a friend’s home, provided you bring along a few key essentials like a travel cot and baby monitor.
Don’t forget the other changing bag essentials you usually carry around too, like a change of clothes, spare nappies, wipes, a portable changing mat and formula if your baby is bottle fed.
Your baby can be set up with a travel cot upstairs, or in a quiet room, so they can snooze while you celebrate. Alternatively hold them on your lap for the meal.
Host a party during the day
Got some fellow friends with kids who are also in the same dilemma about not knowing what to do at midnight?
Why not shift the timings around and have a play date with the kids during the day. The grown ups can enjoy a delicious buffet, a glass of Champagne and chat, while the kids play together.
Babies can enjoy a roll about on a play mat while the adults socialise.
This way everyone can get home in time for bedtime, so the kids will maintain their normal routine, but adults can still have some fun.
Why not set your own New Year’s Eve countdown for the end of the party, so you’ve had a chance to celebrate together.
Bury a time capsule
If you want to make this a New Year’s to remember – as it is your baby’s first – then why not bury a time capsule filled with important memories.
You could add a photo of your baby, pictures of their nursery and favourite toy, a letter to your baby about what your memories are of them so far, and one of their newborn baby outfits.
Bury it in your garden and plan to dig it up when they turn 18, or on their first New Year’s Eve as an 18-year old!
Create sensory play fun
Give your baby something a little special to do on December 31 by doing NYE themed sensory play.
There are lovely ideas for a New Year sensory bin here – featuring tinsel, bows, party hats and little party whistles.
Mark the moment
If you have a baby who is feeding round the clock then chances are you may well be mid-feed at midnight.
But you can still mark the moment in a special way. Why not throw some confetti (which will be kinder to baby’s ears than party poppers).
Your baby will love to see the confetti fall and maybe hold some in their hands.
Go away overnight with friends
Renting a house or apartment with friends is a lovely way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
Getting something roomy with bedrooms for every family means that the babies can snooze while the parents party.
You could hire in a chef to cater for your meal on New Year’s Eve or cook a delicious celebratory meal to enjoy together.
Enjoy a family walk
Head somewhere a bit different during the day and take a walk as a family.
We often try a different National Trust location around Christmas and New Year’s time.
Parks and public places often have special seasonal events on that make it extra special for families at this time of year.
Dress them up in a New Year’s outfit
I used to love dressing my babies up for the occasion in a funny onesie with a slogan on for Christmas or Father’s Day for example.
Why not get an outfit with Happy New Year emblazoned on the front? It will make them a hit at any party, or just add a bit of fun to your family photos.
You can find lots of adorable “My First New Year” outfits on Etsy.
I especially love this hat and onesie set.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures
Whatever you do on New Year’s Eve, take lots of pictures of you and your baby.
It’s so important to capture all of those memories! Remember to take a family selfie together as well!
Ease the pressure off yourself
We often pile on the pressure when it comes to New Year’s Eve, as we feel like we have to make it memorable.
The truth is you can make it special by doing something simple at home with your family.
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be about a big night out, it can be a simple evening enjoyed with your nearest and dearest.
Can you go to a New Year’s Eve party with a baby?
Yes you can take a baby to a New Year’s party, but you’ll need to check with the host first and make sure you bring a few key items to make it easier for you.
Whether you can take your baby along to the celebration also very much depends on the type of venue – a nightclub is not going to be practical.
A pub may be OK, provided there’s an appropriate place for you to change and feed your baby in peace if the noise gets a bit much. Your baby could snooze in their buggy or in a sling at this type of venue.
If the party is being hosted at someone’s home, and that person is happy to accommodate your baby, then you can make a practical plan so you can enjoy the occasion.
Here are some top tips for how to make it work.
It’s much easier with a newborn baby
First of all, taking a brand new baby to an NY party is actually much easier than an older baby.
They’re super sleepy at this stage, so should be easier to settle or to simply carry in a sling while they nap.
So don’t let the fact your baby is brand new put you off attending. What I would just add is that it’s important the new mama feels comfortable going out for a night of socialising.
If you’re a few weeks postpartum then a night on your feet may not be ideal. If you feel fine then go for it – there are no rules about when you can leave the house after having a baby.
Chat with the host
If you are anxious about how you’re going to accommodate your baby’s needs at the party then drop the host a message or call them.
Ask if there’s a space at the venue for sleep, or somewhere you can go to feed them in peace.
Plan where they will sleep
Consider how your baby will sleep at the venue. If there is no separate space to set up a travel cot then you could just use the stroller and pop them in there when they sleep.
Alternatively put them in a sling and let them nap on you while you party.
When it’s time to leave, if you’re not staying overnight at the party venue, then transfer your baby to their car seat.
Older babies may wake when you do this but the darkness and movement of the car as you travel home will soon send them back to sleep.
Pack some key items
You may want to bring with you:
- Sling
- Travel cot
- Baby monitor
- Baby ear defenders. If there’s going to be loud music then get some baby ear defenders to keep them comfortable.
- Portable changing mat
- Spare nappies
- Wipes
- Barrier cream
- Change of clothes x2
- Muslins x2
Final thoughts
As you can see having a baby does not mean you have to forego New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Whatever you end up doing make sure you have made plans that mean your baby will be calm and happy, which will mean you can enjoy the festivities.
If you don’t feel ready to leave the house for the evening with your baby, then enjoy yourselves at home. New Year’s Eve can be just as special when spent at home together as a family.
Enjoy!
