7 Ways to Celebrate Baby’s First Thanksgiving
By: Suzanne Renee' - November 12, 2023 - 6 Minute Read

The first Thanksgiving with your baby is a unique and precious moment that you will cherish for years to come. It is the perfect time to create new traditions, pass down old ones, and enjoy this holiday with your new family.
Creating a memorable first Thanksgiving experience for our little ones is just as crucial as providing them with the best nutrition.
In this article, we are here to help you make the most of this special day and create beautiful memories that you can cherish forever, we've prepared some suggestions. These tips will help you and your loved ones have a wonderful time and make the day even more special.
Table of Contents:
1. Tips and Ideas to Celebrate Baby's First Thanksgiving
2. #1: Make the Plan with the Family
3. #2: Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition with Baby
4. #3: Baby's First Thanksgiving Photo Shoot
5. #4: Do a Thanksgiving Food Taste Test with Baby
6. #5: Do a Baby Hand- or Footprint Thanksgiving Craft
7. #6: Plan a Special Thanksgiving Outfit for Your Baby
8. #7: Holiday Packing List for Baby
9. Start your Holiday Traditions
Tips and Ideas to Celebrate Baby's First Thanksgiving
The holiday season can be quite challenging for new parents, especially when family members are eager to spend time with the baby. With everyone wanting to be a part of the baby's first holiday memories, it can be difficult to divide time appropriately.
To strike a balance between families during the holidays, it's important to communicate honestly and consider the needs of both your extended family and your own. Take the time to listen to your partner's vision for the seasonal celebrations, and respectfully voice your opinion as well. From there, you can work together to find a compromise that works for everyone involved.
#1: Make the Plan with the Family
As a new parent, the holiday season can be overwhelming when you have a baby. With so many expectations and obligations, it can take time to prioritize your baby's needs. However, you can start by considering your baby's feeding and sleeping schedule when making arrangements.
Plan accordingly to ensure that your baby is comfortable and well-rested. Keep in mind that you know your baby's schedule and preferences better than anyone else. So, trust yourself and do what is best for your baby.

#2: Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition with Baby
As you finalize your plans for Thanksgiving, it's important to prioritize spending quality time. A great way to do this is by gathering everyone around the dinner table, sharing favorite holiday memories, and expressing gratitude for something in your life. As a parent, this tradition sets an excellent example of thankfulness and gratitude for your children to follow.
Volunteering as a family is also a powerful way to bond, create lifelong memories, and give back to your community. Developing these traditions with your family will make Thanksgiving a special day to look forward to each year.
#3: Baby's First Thanksgiving Photo Shoot
Creating a video keepsake of your baby's first Thanksgiving can make those memories even more special. With a video, you can capture all the moments of the day, from your baby's first glimpse of the giant turkey to their first taste of the Thanksgiving feast. You can also record those precious moments when your baby naps with a grandparent after dinner or when they play with their cousins and siblings.
Family Thanksgiving Memories
As your baby grows up, they'll love to learn about their early years. You can make it even more special by asking loved ones to record heartfelt messages for your child's future. These messages can be compiled into a video that your little one will enjoy watching for years to come, and it will be a wonderful way to keep special memories alive.
#4: Do a Thanksgiving Food Taste Test with Baby
If your baby is old enough to try new foods, you can prepare some Thanksgiving favorites like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and squash ahead of time. Puree the food and store it in labeled containers so you can bring it along to your Thanksgiving gathering.
For little ones who are ready to enjoy finger foods, you can offer them some soft bites from the table. Remember to capture the moment by taking pictures of your baby enjoying their first bites of traditional Thanksgiving foods!
#5: Do a Baby Hand- or Footprint Thanksgiving Craft
There's nothing more heart-melting than creating handprints and footprint crafts to capture your child's precious moments. This adorable artwork is perfect to display in your home or to give to loved ones, like mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa.
You only need washable, non-toxic paint and your little one's sweet hands and feet. You can repeat this craft year after year to see how your child is growing and how small they once were. It's a beautiful way to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
#6: Plan a Special Thanksgiving Outfit for Your Baby
Imagine the joyous occasion of Thanksgiving Day, surrounded by your loved ones and your little turkey dressed to impress in their super-cute ensemble. The colors and motifs of fall will make your baby look even more lovely and add to the festive atmosphere.
You can capture these precious moments in your memory forever. Accessorizing with a themed hair bow or a dapper hat will complete the look and add extra cuteness to your little one's outfit.
Diaper Bag Must Haves
Are you planning a holiday adventure with your little ones? It's always best to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, such as unexpected diaper leaks, spit-up incidents, or messy food spills. To ensure a stress-free trip, remember to pack a few extra outfits that can come in handy during these chaotic situations.
Layers
As a caring parent, you want to ensure your baby is always comfortable and happy. Dressing them appropriately is a crucial part of achieving this. Layering your baby's clothing is a smart move when you're out and about. It's a simple way to add or remove pieces of clothing depending on the temperature.
If you're indoors and it's warm, removing a layer can help your baby stay cool. But if you're planning to go outside, like to pick a pumpkin, or watch a family football game, it's important to add a layer and a cozy blanket if needed.
Layering allows you to adjust your baby’s clothing quickly and easily, ensuring they're always at ease, no matter the weather. No more struggling with multiple outfits throughout the day - with layers, you can respond to your baby's needs with grace and ease.

#7: Holiday Packing List for Baby
Aside from bringing extra clothes and a warm blanket, consider including other essential items that can help keep your little one's cozy and content throughout the journey.

Start your Holiday Traditions
Your baby's first Thanksgiving is a special moment when you can create new family traditions.
Think of all the beautiful memories you'll be able to make together and the unique ways you can evolve your celebrations over the years. So, take this chance to make Thanksgiving a truly unforgettable experience for your family and little ones.
Whether it's celebrating a newborn's first Thanksgiving or creating unforgettable memories during the toddler years, TheMilkyBox provides nutritional support to create magical experiences that will last a lifetime
Disclaimer:
Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.
Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.

Suzanne Renee' is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in the area of infant nutrition, dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of children. She started this journey as a foster parent. Suzanne has emerged as a strong proponent of the European baby formula and has become a full time writer of the subject. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking and going to church.