With well-meaning, joy-to-the-world intentions, many of us go nuts during the holidays—overspending, overeating, overextending. But for the welfare of your new baby, you’ve got to draw the line. Sure, you’re thrilled about introducing him to family and friends, hosting your traditional open house and traveling to Grandma’s—but not at the cost of your infant’s comfort and your sanity. Practice saying, “This year, we’re taking it easy,” because if you’re stressed out, your baby will be affected, notes Blanche Benenson, MD, an assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “Parents need to be a child’s buffer and insulation,” she says. It may be your child’s first holiday, but he won’t remember much, if any, of it. So you don’t need to over-deck the halls. Realize, too, that dressing your baby in a red-and-white faux fur outfit for a department store photo op is really more for you than for him. When it comes to holiday travel, be sensible. Consider waiting to travel with an infant until after 2 months of age; before that the risk of infections is higher, says Dr. Benenson. If you plan to go by car, factor in time for plenty of stops for feeding, diaper changing and cuddling (babies continually need affection). On a plane, ear pressure distress may be eased if you can get your baby to sleep right before the trip begins. Or give a bottle at takeoff and landing to increase swallowing and release pressure. Also remember that the Federal Aviation Administration recommends an infant be in a child safety seat during air travel. Whether the party’s at your home or a relative’s, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your little one. “Babies have very different temperaments,” says Dr. Benenson. Some are easygoing; others are easily overwhelmed. While some will cry if overexposed or overstimulated, others may shut down and stop looking around. So watch for signals. Hold your baby a lot when guests are around to keep him feeling safe, and find a space for periodic quiet time (for you, too). Routines are comforting, so you’ll want to maintain his usual eating and sleeping schedule if at all possible. And reel in expectations—babies often like the box a gift comes in better than the gift itself. Tuning in to your baby’s limits—and your own—will help you both enjoy this important milestone. You might even get a good shot with Santa!

Thanks for the Memories

Your baby may not remember his first holiday, but this is still prime time to start traditions and rituals you can build upon year after year.

Make it delicious. Food is an integral part of a family’s culture; have your baby nearby as you cook your holiday meal so he can smell and maybe taste the different dishes.

Share the music. Gently bounce or rock him to instill the rhythm as you sing carols or other holiday tunes.

Get it on paper. Create a family photo album or a scrapbook for tangible memories of this holiday and those to follow.