As the holidays quickly approach, that means late night events and parties that are not in your normal schedule. Having an infant and trying to juggle all the holiday fun can be exhausting and scary. And when you’re talking baby sleep, YES it can be scary!

You have spent weeks getting the baby on a schedule and fixing the bedtime routine just right. Then you’re invited to a get together you just don’t want to miss.

Well, just because you have an infant does not mean you have to be the party pooper! Sure, some events are not suitable for infants and you might not want to do as much as you did pre kids. But here are some ideas and suggestions on how to tackle those parties and late night events with baby in tow.

DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. Which means I might be compensated for purchases made from these links at no additional cost to you. I am not responsible for any actions taken from my advice, all ideas and opinions on this post remain my own.

Plan for more daytime sleep

When you know you have an event that is going to keep baby out of the house later than normal, plan for more daytime sleep. Try to take it easy that day, don’t rush wake up time in the morning or at naps. Even push back that last nap of the day if you know your baby is going to be up past bedtime. This gives them a chance to not lose SO much sleep and not be super fussy while you’re out!

I’d also like to add this disclaimer *I am NOT a baby sleep expert. Just a mom of two under 3 with sleep experience sharing what has worked for my babies!*

Pack PJs

Maybe you have a long car ride home, or you know your baby will fall asleep in the car- pack their PJs! Get them dressed for bed before getting into their car seat. That way, when you arrive home just transfer baby to their bed without worrying about having to change their clothes and risk a whole ordeal where they struggle to get back to sleep.

Baby wear

This is my personal choice for any time we are out of the house during nap. Or, if we have to be out past bedtime. I am a HUGE fan of baby wearing!

My sister recently got married and I knew it was going to be a long day and night for my baby. She struggled with naps during the day which was not surprising with all the excitement. So, after the ceremony I put her in my wrap and she snuggled in and was out all evening!

Check out my FAVORITE wrap- Baby K’Tan

This is a pre wrapped baby carrier that is SUPER easy to use and comfy for baby! My little girl slept in this thing most of the night and it didn’t hurt my back or arms at all. If you baby wear any- you NEED the Baby K’Tan. Get it HERE

Another plus to baby wearing- if you don’t want everyone touching or asking to hold your baby, put them in the wrap! With RSV and flu running rampant during the cold months, the last thing you need is everybody at the party touching your baby.

You will be hands free, baby will be safe and snug and hopefully- sleep!

Sleep at the party

Might sound strange, but if fiesable, bring your pack n play or portable bassinet with you. If you’re having a big family get together at a relative’s house it might work out for you to put the baby to sleep, at their normal sleep time, at the party.

If there is a quiet room that you can set up your baby’s sleep area, that could be a great choice to keep them on schedule and still enjoy the party.

You can even bring your sound machine, sleep sack, baby monitor, anything you use at home that is portable and is familiar to your baby would be helpful when going to sleep in a new place. Wouldn’t hurt to give it a try!

Shorten the bedtime routine

If none of the suggestions listed above will work for you and your baby, plan to do a mini version of your bedtime routine when you get home. If you do a bath, read a few books, sing, swaddle and rock for example- Maybe do a wash cloth wipe down, swaddle, rock and sing instead.

Baby will be tired if it is way past their bedtime and hopefully (fingers crossed) go down easily! If not, maybe some extra rocking and settling will help.

Do a low-key day tomorrow

If you’re keeping baby up and out way past their bedtime, it might be a good idea to plan for low key the following day. Keep your expectations low that your baby will not be phased by a super late night and just roll with it.

You might need to adjust nap time, have more daytime sleep or have a fussier baby the next day. If you are home and don’t make a lot of plans that might help you feel less stressed about it and just take the day as it comes!

This will also help baby catch back up on lost sleep and remind them of their bedtime routine.

Be flexible

It is SO easy to feel anxious and stressed about baby sleep. BEEN THERE. I have found the best thing to do, especially in a case like this, is to just be flexible.

It really took my having another baby to totally accept this. Let’s face it, when you have a toddler you basically have no choice but to be flexible. Their world doesn’t stop turning because their parents had a new baby. There have been many more naps on the go this time around which would have totally freaked me out with my 1st.

Keep in mind you are not ruining your baby’s routine by throwing things off for one night. It is important to get out in the world and do things you want to do also! Just plan to do the normal routine the next night. Babies are very resilient and surprise us every day!

Go enjoy your wedding, holiday party, family reunion and try not to stress! Baby sleep can be a terrifying thing but remember- it’s just one night.

Check out my Pinterest at The Mallard Mama for more ideas and info on baby sleep!