Whether it’s a gathering with the extended family, or a get-together with friends; here are some tips to help both you and bub enjoy the party!
Bringing your little one to a party may sound like a super tough thing to do, especially for first-time parents. Gone are the days when you could take your sweet time to prep and stay for as long as you wanted at parties. Going out with bub requires loads of planning, even if it’s just a day out at the nearby park. Fellow parents, you know the drill: timing has to be perfect; your diaper bag should have enough supplies for two babies, and 101% attention on bub is needed in case they decide to bring the trip home forward.
We at HoneyKids HQ have our fair share of attending parties and gatherings with our little ones too. While it’s not the easiest, you make some of the best memories when bringing bub along for kid-friendly gatherings with friends and families. And that’s what really matters, isn’t it? So we’ve got some of our ‘highly-experienced’ HoneyKids parents to share their top tips on how to party like a pro with the littles.
1. Discuss about party time limits with your spouse
When you attend a party with a baby, you follow the baby’s schedule. Kids, especially very young ones, get tired easily; and they may not even realise this themselves! Discuss with your partner about how long the fam should stay at a party, based on your kid’s wake or active window. You should also be prepared to leave the party earlier than expected should you spot any tired cues from your kiddo.
“Don’t be afraid to leave a party early. If you’re seeing signs that your baby has had enough, don’t push them too hard to stay, it will surely lead to meltdowns! They’ll have lots of opportunities to party for longer when they’re older. As our baby’s parents, we have to do what’s best for them, even if it means ducking out early sometimes.” – HoneyKids mum Amanda
2. Pack that diaper bag with all the essentials
We’re not just talking about hygiene and feeding essentials like extra diapers, wet wipes, and snacks. You’ll need entertainment essentials as well: a toy for bub to play, or reusable colouring mats to keep them occupied so you can enjoy the party a lil’. You can pack these in Ziploc bags to keep them clean, and don’t forget to bring extra bags for soiled clothing! Check out our video below on packing tips.
“I’d never leave the house without crayons and paper. It’s a good back up if you’re going to a gathering that’s not going to have kid-friendly entertainment.” – HoneyKids mum Kate
“Instead of wet wipes, I pack a wet towel in a Ziploc bag as it’s more sustainable to wipe down any post-party mess. We can wash and reuse both.” – HoneyKids mum Dawn
“Extra party clothes are a must! You never know when accidents (food or diaper-related) can happen. Bring a spare Ziploc to keep soiled clothes too.” – HoneyKids mum May
3. Prep your kid mentally for the party
Don’t underestimate the power of talking to your kids – they’re capable of understanding more than you think! As such, it helps to let them know about your plans for the day. Tell them about where you’re going, what they can expect to see, and who they can expect to meet. For slightly older kids, talking to them about the upcoming party can manage their expectations as well. For example: If it’s someone’s birthday party you’re attending, they’ll understand why they can’t just grab any present they see in sight.
“I prep my kids before we head to any parties. I let them know that if it’s their friend’s birthday, they won’t be the ones receiving the gifts that day. Talking to your child in advance about this might help with managing their disappointment and jealousy when they see their friend with lots of presents!” – HoneyKids mum Amanda
4. Consider using a baby carrier if you have a very young child
Babies like to be close to their parents. And frankly, as parents, we love holding them close too! Parties can sometimes get a bit too busy for the littles, what with the music, conversation, and lights. Also, it’s probably a place that bub has never been to before. All these could make them feel a little nervous. Wearing your baby in a sling or carrier makes them feel comforted, and you could enjoy some hands-free moments for yourself too!
“Trust me; a baby carrier works like magic. We always attended a party with a baby carrier before our boy turned one. He might want to explore the surroundings in the beginning, but after a while, when it gets too much (the noise and the strange faces), it comforts him to be held close to me. And yes, no tired arms post-party!” – HoneyKids mum Esther
5. Bring a travel highchair or booster seat
Living in kid-friendly Singapore, it’s easy to take it for granted that there are kids’ amenities everywhere we go with bub. Unfortunately, not all parties are that way; especially if you’re the only parent with a child on the guest list. It’s not really very convenient to feed bub while they’re sitting on your lap as well. That’s why we highly recommend you bring along a travel highchair or portable booster seat. There are many models in the market: ones that allow you to strap onto an adult chair; ones that you can fix onto a table; as well as foldable ones that can stand on their own. It’s a worthy investment!
“I always bring a travel highchair if the party happens to be during bub’s mealtimes. Not everywhere has highchairs, so this is really useful!” – HoneyKids mum Angela
6. Take turns or ask for help
Always remind yourself that you don’t ever need to do things alone. If you’re attending a gathering or party with your partner, take turns with them so that you can each have time to eat, mingle, and enjoy the party. Even if you’re alone, you can always ask a friend to help with non-baby related tasks like carrying your diaper bag or even something as simple as helping you get food.
“It’s important to work as a team whenever you’re out with young kids. Don’t wait for your partner to ask. Take the initiative to lay out the diaper changing station; take turns entertaining and feeding your kid. This way, both of you have some time to chit chat and chill with family and friends!” – HoneyKids dad Bryan
And most importantly… enjoy the party!
It’s a party, after all, so remember to have fun! As mentioned earlier, attending parties with your little one is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Plan ahead, have your diaper bag always on standby with a set of going-out essentials, and you’re good to go! Don’t forget to slot in some Ziploc bags to help you stay organised and mess-free. What’s more, the latest limited edition sets of Ziploc come in Disney characters, including Mickey, characters from Frozen, as well as Pixar! What a way to put a smile on bub’s face during parties! You can visit your nearest store to purchase these Disney edition Ziploc bags today.
Keep calm and party on, parents!
This post is in partnership with Ziploc.
