Your guide to baby's first Thanksgiving

It’s hard to believe it’s already November already, the season of cozy meals, family gatherings, and, of course, baby’s very first Thanksgiving. Whether you’re celebrating with grandparents or introducing your little one to extended family for the first time, this holiday can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Here are a few fun, practical ways to make your baby’s first Thanksgiving memorable, stress-free, and full of heart.

1. How to Keep Your Baby Safe From Germs During Thanksgiving Gatherings

Thanksgiving might be your new baby’s first major event and first exposure to a group of people. First, as new parents, decide your comfort level with germs. That can range from keeping everyone at a 10-foot distance to feeling very relaxed about contact. For most new parents, an ideal middle ground looks like this:

• Ask anyone who will hold or touch the baby to wash their hands with soap first. Keep an eye on kiddos for a good wash.

• Ask guests to skip visiting if they have symptoms, even if it is “just” a sore throat or mild cough.

• Ask everyone to avoid kissing the baby and to avoid touching the baby’s hands or face.

Optional adds parents find helpful

• Offer sanitizer on hand. A small pump makes compliance easy and double-checks hand washing.

• Use baby wearing. A sling or carrier discourages uninvited touching and helps you control closeness.

• Set gentle time limits. Short, supervised holds help you rotate visitors without overexposure. You can use the excuse that the baby is overstimulated and needs to go back to a parent.

• Set expectations in advance. A quick group text the day before with your ground rules reduces awkwardness at the door.

Looking for more tips? We have a whole blog dedicated to keeping babies safe at gatherings!

2. Dress Baby for the Occasion

This one’s a given. A cute Thanksgiving outfit is practically required. Think soft onesies, cozy fall colors, or even a turkey or pilgrim-themed costume. Sites like Zara or Janie and Jack have adorable options.

Let’s be real: every family gathering has seen the same faces for years, but this year, there’s someone new! A baby naturally becomes the star of the show. So go ahead, lean into it. Dress them up and enjoy the moment. (They won’t remember it anyway!)

3. Make a Baby-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu

If your baby is in their solid food era-soft, seasonal sides like mashed sweet potatoes or puréed squash are perfect. And if you’re doing baby-led weaning, you can offer a supervised turkey drumstick to gnaw or soft green bean casserole. Watch for potential allergens and avoid foods with high salt content.

You can find baby-friendly Thanksgiving recipes online that use gentle spices and healthy ingredients. And if you spot a turkey-headband photo prop while you’re browsing, grab it, you’ll thank yourself later.

Make sure that anyone who has access to baby knows your food rules so your baby doesn’t end up with a fist-full of apple pie!

4. Create Simple Thanksgiving Crafts

While some family members are cooking or catching up over drinks or watching football, someone can keep an older baby entertained with easy Thanksgiving crafts.

Try turkey handprints, baby footprint art, or paper pilgrim hats. You may need a few basics like Mod Podge, foam brushes, and construction paper.

These keepsakes also make sweet gifts for grandparents or a fun addition to your holiday scrapbook.

5. Take photos

Don’t forget to take photos! Holidays can be so busy that parents often lose track of the day. Take photos of babies with grandparents, cousins and uncles. And most important of all- make sure that people are taking photos of you with your baby! [Because after all, you were there the whole time! Don’t leave a hole in your memory book.]

6. Want a Smoother Thanksgiving With Your Newborn?

Are you worried about going into the holiday exhausted? If you want the holiday to feel calmer and better rested, our vetted team can help. We provide in home overnight support and can give you a full night of rest the night before [or the night of]. Schedule a call to tell us what you need and we will build a simple plan for Thanksgiving week and beyond. We will match you with the right caregiver and take the logistics off your plate.