Passover is an exciting time when we gather around the table, share delicious food, sips of wine and recite the four questions. It is a wonderful time for families to celebrate their heritage and traditions. And the perfect time to meet and greet your bundles of joy! But “Oy” the noise, the “tumult”! And to a squirmy toddler, those beautiful dinners go on forever. Planning ahead will help your little miracles rise to the occasion.
1. Passover Seders commence after sundown, so make sure your little one has had a nap before you arrive. Staying up later than usual with a tired baby or toddler just doesn't work.
2. If your toddler has given up naps, a little quiet time with some books and music before you go is a must.
3. If your toddler will be a part of the Seder, make sure she’s had a snack before the celebration as it sometimes takes hours before the main course is served.
4. Bring along some coloring books, crayons and paper. Ask your toddler to make pictures for the family when sitting quietly is just too difficult. NO video games …too noisy.
5. Make sure your little one’s are dressed in comfortable clothes. Those frilly dresses with matching headbands and little bow ties do look adorable, but can be hot and itchy. And there is nothing worse than a whining, uncomfortable baby or toddler.
6. Little tummies can be sensitive, so easy on the matzo.
7. Ask your toddler to pick out special jammies to bring just in case. It’s much easier to put a sleepy toddler to bed if she is all ready to go, especially when she falls asleep on the ride home.
8. Bring along your baby’s a bouncy seat, stroller or exersaucer so your hands will be free to enjoy your meal.
9. If your baby’s tears won’t stop because all the commotion is just too much, take her outside for a few minutes. The change in scenery is guaranteed to calm her down. Remember, well-meaning relatives can’t help getting excited over your little bundles of joy!
10. If your baby starts to cry when Uncle Ben is bouncing her on his knee, stay calm. Baby will sense your tension and continue to cry. Gently take her and thank him for playing.
11. If you don’t want baby passed around like a football, put her in the bouncy seat, exersaucer or stroller.
12. If you think baby will be going to sleep during the festivities, bring along the white noise machine or music you play at home. There is nothing more comforting than those familiar sounds.
13. If your baby or toddler is out-of-sorts or has a little cold, it’s okay to leave her home with a sitter. While the family may be disappointed, there is nothing more heart breaking or disruptive than a cranky child with a runny nose.
14. If you must leave before the end of the celebration, make sure you alert the hostess. Walking out in the middle of the festivities with crying children will only cause everyone to worry unnecessarily
15. Cherish each and every minute with smiles, laughter and love. Time passes quickly and before you know it your little miracles will be reciting the four questions.
Happy Pesach!
Blythe Lipman, President and Founder of Baby Instructions based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a nationally recognized baby and toddler expert, a parenting consultant, an author of three award-winning books, Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions, More…Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions, and Help! My Toddler Came Without Instructions, a teacher, a caregiver, a keynote speaker, a blogger AND host of Baby and Toddler Instructions, a weekly Parenting Internet talk radio show which airs live every Wednesday at 11:00 am EST on itunes and toginet. She is owner of the online parenting magazine My Best Parenting Advice and the site Baby Instructions.
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