Celebrating during coronavirus lockdown
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Families have been offered tips on how to celebrate birthdays, baby showers and new arrivals during lockdown.
The parenting experts at My1stYears.com have put together their guide on navigating parenting during the current restrictions.
They’ve offered tips on how to host the perfect birthday, celebrate your baby shower and even tips on how to celebrate a new baby during lockdown.
Advice includes hosting virtual events, playing fun games and picking perfect gifts to make the celebration extra special.
A spokesperson for My1stYears.com said: “Celebrating in lockdown can be lots of fun. It’s certainly a unique way to enjoy some real life moments.
“Virtual parties are really popular as is encouraging neighbours to get involved and doing fun things like decorating up the house and even the garden.
“The important thing to remember though, is not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Do what feels right for you and your family and enjoy the day.”
Here are My1stYears tips on coping with parenting life moments during lockdown:
A New Baby
1. Virtual hello
Have a catch up with grandparents, family and friends on a video call. It’s a great way for them to meet the new arrival and for you to catch up with those closest to you.
2. Making memories
Lockdown won’t last forever so make the most of the time to bond with your baby. Remember to keep hold of little keepsakes like their hospital tag, first photos even gifts and cards to mark the new arrival.
3. Offer support
For friends and family, remember to offer new parents support. You can’t go and babysit for a few hours, but you can get in groceries, order them a takeaway or even prepare them a delicious home cooked meal which you can drop round.
Host a Baby Shower
4. Pick your platform
Your baby shower is easy enough to host virtually. Pick the platform and send out personalised invites to all your guests. Don’t forget those that live further afield too – they may not have been able to attend your actual baby shower because of the distance.
5. Fun activities
Set up ‘guess the weight of the baby’ or ‘guess the due date’ on Google docs. Guests can keep adding to it until baby is born. Why not ask guests to email photos of the as babies and run a ‘guess the baby’ competition?
6. Gift safely
For guests, head online to order a gorgeous present. There’s a huge range of goodies you can pick for the mum to be and baby. Think about what they really need for the new arrival. Blankets and cute bodysuits are always a good place to start.
Celebrating a birthday
7. Virtual party
It’s not quite the same but you can celebrate with friends and family virtually. Play some games, have a birthday cake, sing happy birthday and even send little goodies bags to the children who join the party.
8. Decorate the house
Decorate your home with balloons, banners, bunting and anything else you can lay your hands on. If you little one loves dinosaurs, try creating your own dinosaur adventure. If princesses are their favourite, then turn your home into a palace.
9. Get the neighbours involved
Invite your neighbours to join you outside to sing happy birthday. You could even leave cake for them all outside their homes.
10. Take it easy
This is unlike any birthday your child will ever celebrate. It doesn’t have to be polished or perfect. Take their lead and just enjoy the day as a family.
