We know babies can’t yet understand the meaning of Christmas, but that doesn’t mean we don’t try our damnedest to make it special for them.

Even if they won’t remember specific things, you will. Plus, you can keep reminders of precious moments that can treasured as your child grows up.

Having a new baby in the house is undoubtedly magical, and when coupled with the wonder of the festive season, it’s no wonder we feel a bit sentimental.

Although you’re probably exhausted as a new parent, you want to mark the occasion. And you’ll be glad you did.

We spoke to parenting and childcare experts to help you harness this special day and make your baby’s first Christmas a tough one to beat.

Take pictures

As we say, your baby is unlikely to have any recollection of what went on on their inaugural Christmas.

That’s why it’s particularly important to turn your day into a tangible reminder, with pictures and videos being one of the easiest ways to do so. It’s also the perfect time to start a picture-taking tradition.

Specialist parenting coach Kari Roberts tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Take pictures and create an album, so as your child grows everyone has precious memories to look back – on or you could create a video memory.’

 She recommends the following ideas that can be carried through the years:

• Picture with Santa. 
• A hat each year as they grow.
• Take a sheet and have baby with parents/family on the sheet. Use decorations, make a sign for the year with a message, and replicate every year for a photo. 
• Have a special place like a favourite park or woods and take a yearly picture there. 
• Pictures of feet and hands with parents alongside.

Create annual traditions

Your family has changed, making a baby’s first Christmas ideal for changing up your usual routine and forming new ways to celebrate.

‘Start a tradition that is easily carried on every year,’ advises Kari. ‘I know parents who wish they had started from the first Christmas.’

Her recommendations include: 

• Matching PJs. 
• A special place they visit.
• A special family film they watch together. 
• Making cookies. 
• Buying a new ornament/decoration for each year.

Turn memories into gifts

Kari also recommends creating a memory box, either for the child themselves or their loved ones as a gift.

Include baby’s first Christmas card, their first Christmas outfit, and any special toys or keepsakes that represent the day.

There are also companies out there that let you turn your child’s fingerprint into a piece of jewellery, which Kari says ‘is something that will last them a lifetime.’

Lucy Shrimpton, Sleep Expert and Founder of The Sleep Nanny adds: ‘It’s about the memories you make and the stories you can tell your child about their first Christmas.

‘Make a keepsake like a Christmas bauble saying “baby’s first Christmas”. It’s incredible how much they cherish these when they’re older; my 10 and 12 year old love to look back at their first bauble that was a special ornament celebrating them.’

Take time out when you need it

‘When Christmas is getting a little too much and the house is busy, I recommend taking your baby off to a quiet space and trying some baby massage or baby yoga,’ says Cheryl MacDonald, founder of YogaBellies.

‘It really helps with self-soothing and can calm mum down as it releases oxytocin, the love hormone when she’s bonding with her baby, making everyone feel a lot happier.’

Get the family involved with meditation

If you’re rushing around and can’t squeeze in a yoga session, what about calling in reinforcements to improve your baby’s mood.

Cheryl tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Family meditation can be really nice over Christmas. So, if you have older children, involve them where they can read the meditation out loud which can help soothe the baby, calm them down and promote bonding between family members.’

Write a letter

‘Each year, write them a letter talking about the previous year and how you have loved to see them grow and learn new things,’ says Kari.

In your first instalment, talk about their birth and how your family has adapted to this new member. Mention how they’ve developed throughout this year and what you’re looking forward to in 2023.

You could also write about world events so they can look back later on, from the Christmas number one to who the Prime Minister is.

Don’t forget to cuddle up

This probably won’t be an issue, but Cheryl highlights the importance of cosying up with your little one whenever you get a chance.

‘Get a warm soft blanket and do skin to skin where you release oxytocin for mum and baby,’ she says. ‘It’s a gorgeous time of year to get extra snuggles and cuddles in.’

Try out baby wearing

Cheryl says it’s a great time to try wearing your baby on a sling or wrap, as the closeness helps them feel secure amid the extra stimulation.

She explains: ‘It frees up your hands to cook, wrap presents and do other Christmas chores, and it’s great for bonding.’

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s worth setting out a quiet space where you and baby can relax away from the hustle and bustle, too.

Avoid present pressure

Having a baby puts a lot of strain on your finances, but sometimes we overestimate what we need to spend on them at Christmas. After all, they’re still gradually learning about the world – and there’s a lot to take in.

Lucy says: ‘Since babies are always changing, and their sensory development is always evolving, new toys are a great option as they can enjoy them right now.

‘But remember the overwhelm is huge. One toy and they’ll be entertained for hours!

‘You throw in one after the other and that could be too overwhelming, so take it slowly, spread them out. Remember they don’t know it’s Christmas Day so if you want to spread it over a number of days, that’s fine.’

Nip out for a walk

‘Everything to a baby is so much more stimulating than it is to us so bear that in mind,’ Lucy says. ‘It’s all going to be very full on and daunting for them, and potentially overwhelming.’

Noise is likely to be the thing that stops them sleeping, but that’s hard to avoid over the busy festive period.

Lucy advises: ‘Instead of trying to nap them near all the noisy festivities, tuck them up nice and warm in the pram and take them for a quiet walk.

‘This will do them (and probably you!) wonders.’

Keep a routine

Babies thrive on routine, so the day will run smoother if you stick to your usual schedule as much as possible.

‘From a practical point of view, you may have family visiting you or you’re visiting family,’ says Lucy. ‘Babies pick up on that extra excitement in the air so don’t be surprised if they don’t want to nap on Christmas Day when they normally do.’

She continues: ‘I would try everything to keep their schedule routine. Keep their wake up times, nap times and meal times as per normal, otherwise they’ll become overtired and cranky and you both may not enjoy the day as much.’

Cut baby – and yourself – some slack

If this doesn’t go to plan – and when does it ever with a tiny human in tow? – try not to feel guilty.

‘Don’t worry if you break some of your rules where you normally nap your baby in the crib and instead you’re napping them in the pram,’ says Lucy.

‘That’s okay – and in fact you might get a better sleep from them and you might all enjoy the day more.’

Go with the flow and bask in the joy your new addition has brought to your life.

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