13 Tips to survive your first 4th of July with a baby

Remember 4th of July in the good old pre-baby days? The beer, the fireworks, the beach, all the grilling under the sun…Independence Day’s festivities won’t look quite the same with “baby.” In fact, everything that comes with the most patriotic day of the year–the heat, the crowd, the firecrackers, the parades–can be quite nerve-racking when all you can think about is that the fireworks will probably keep baby up all night.

But guess what? If you don’t want to sit the party out, you don’t have to! In fact, the Fourth of July can be a blast, and baby may even want to join the party–you just need to be prepared. That is why we asked you, mamas, to share your No. 1 tip to ace the celebrations–and boy, did you deliver! Here are 13 tips to help you get through baby’s first 4th of July.

Here’s how to get through (and enjoy) baby’s first 4th of July

1. Create shade 

A beach umbrella or tent will keep you little one out of the sun while waiting for the fireworks to start.

2. Bring a kiddie pool

Coupled with the shade, the kiddie pool will keep your little one as cool as can be… and oh so happy!

Related: The best inflatable pools and toys for summer with kids

3. Don’t forget the snacks

If your little one is already eating solids, snacks will ensure that he or she is satiated and happy throughout the day. The last thing you want during a firework show is a “hangry” baby.

4. Take drinks

It’s hot outside, so you want to make sure that baby doesn’t get dehydrated. So bring formula or breast milk, or make sure you are able to nurse on the go. And don’t forget water for you!

5. Bring all the toys

Keep baby busy while you’re busy socializing with friends and family.

6. Bring a wagon

If you’re spending the day at the beach, a wagon can carry all of your stuff and moonlight as a beach bassinet.

7. Remember to take (and use!) sunblock

The best way to protect baby from harmful UV rays is to keep him or her in the shade, but make sure to slather him or her with sunblock as well! Click here for our favorite kid sunscreen sticks.

8. Bring headphones for the baby

Fireworks are loud and can really startle baby. Headphones are a good way to muffle loud sounds. Click here for our favorite noise-canceling headphones for babies.

9. Bring bug spray

Biting bugs are the worse–not just because a bite itches, but because they also carry diseases. So for babies over two months old, make sure to bring bug spray. Otherwise, protect your little one with a mosquito net.

10. Don’t be too close to the fireworks

If you don’t have headphones, you can park away from the fireworks. The view will still be pretty, but it won’t scare baby.

Related: 11 best mineral sunscreens for your whole family (that really work) ☀️

11. Prepare your little ones

You can watch fireworks on YouTube or on TV so that they know what to expect.

12. Celebrate at home

No need to stress yourself out. If you feel like you’ll be anxious the whole time, plan on bringing the party at home. If baby gets tired, he or she will at least get to sleep in his or her own bed (hopefully with a sound machine nearby.)

13. Invite grandma

This says it all. Having an extra set of arms will come in handy at your first 4th of July with a newborn when your baby wants to be rocked in the safety of a loved one’s arms. Celebrating with grandparents will also let you get some time in for yourself while they enjoy their one-on-one time with your little one.

A version of this story was published July 2, 2018. It has been updated.