Enjoy the celebrations and keep sleep on track

Happy Independence Day!    

Every year this day is celebrated across the nation! It's a celebration of independence from Great Britain.  We love the Brits, God bless their hearts, and thanks to this important day, all Americans now stand proud in the land of the free! (okay enough said about that)

How are you celebrating this important day? Oh for sure there's going to be fireworks and bonfires and parties and lots of loud noise. And there will be many parents that will be ready to put their kids to bed long before the celebrations are over.  

By now, you're probably wondering how on earth you're going to keep to your baby's routine. 

Okay, relax sometimes you just have to go with it and roll with the punches, but let me share a few tips to help make it a little less stressful.   

There are three important things you need to consider:

First and foremost, SAFETY FIRST!

Be sure to keep your little ones far away from fireworks or bonfires! Think smoke and noise.

Smoke from fireworks and bonfires are toxic and can cause respiratory problems for days after.  There is also the risk of injury from sparks and fire. Even sparklers are dangerous and should never be given to young children. 

If you are watching the fireworks, be sure to have ear protection for your children, no matter how far away from the noise you think you are. Noises louder than 80dB can harm hearing development in young children and babies. Fireworks register at 140dB and can cause permanent hearing loss. 

Use earmuffs to protect their ears. Don't use earplugs as these are damaging to ear canals, and can be a choking hazard.

DRESS YOUR BABY COMFORTABLY

This time of year, the temperatures change quickly and even if the evening starts out warm or slightly cool, it will quickly get cooler the later in the night it gets. Keep your baby or children warm. Layering works best. Always take spare jackets, long sweat pants, socks and a blanket throw making sure hands and feet are warm.  

PREPARE FOR SLEEP EARLY ON

If you know you're going to be out till late. Give your baby or toddler a late nap or a longer stretch of sleep in the afternoon.  This will help with babies and children who will be staying up past normal bedtimes.  However, do not force children to stay awake.

If you're going to be outside for most of the time, take their stroller along so that if they show signs of tiredness, you can allow them to sit or lay in their stroller or bassinet. 

Always have a back-up plan for tired or grumpy children. Head to somewhere less noisy, stay with them inside your car or inside the house, or a safe place where baby can sleep away from the worst of the noise.

Babies and toddlers may react to loud noises with fear or panic. Help to calm them with a reassuring hug. Your presence will always be preferred than any one else's at this point.

You can enjoy the celebrations with minimal impact on your babies or toddlers sleep if you plan ahead with these three key things in mind. Don't worry if things don't go as well as you hoped, the important thing is to plan ahead and be ready for Plan B.  Try again for next year.