How to Keep Baby Happy During Christmas Pictures

here’s something so magical about Christmas photos. Matching pajamas, twinkly lights, and for many families, that classic picture of their baby smiling (or screaming) on Santa’s lap. For a lot of people, it’s a holiday tradition they look forward to every single year. But if your little one has ever experienced full-on stranger danger, then you know how quickly that magical moment can turn into chaos.

When my kids were babies, they wanted absolutely nothing to do with strangers. We’re talking major stranger danger. Anytime someone they didn’t know tried to hold them, talk to them, or even look at them a little too long, we had tears. Big ones. So while everyone else was making Christmas photo memories with Santa, we were quietly skipping that part of the season.

At the time, it felt like we were the only ones who didn’t have those classic Santa pictures hanging on the wall. But honestly, it was what worked best for us. Forcing my babies into an unfamiliar lap just to snap a picture wasn’t worth the screaming or the stress.

Even though we didn’t do Santa photos, I still wanted to capture the sweetness of the season. And as any parent knows, the key to getting good photos with a baby is keeping them calm. That’s where the Ingy Bingy Band came in clutch with baby number three.

This simple pacifier wristband attaches right to your baby’s wrist and keeps their newborn pacifier close and secure. No dropping, no losing it under the Christmas tree skirt, and no running around trying to find it right as you’re about to take the perfect photo. The Ingy Bingy Band works with any infant pacifier and is so much easier to deal with than a traditional pacifier clip. It keeps everything exactly where it needs to be, right within reach.

This made all the difference when it came to taking Christmas photos at home. Instead of dealing with a screaming baby who had just lost their pacifier, we had a calm, happy little one who could self-soothe while we snapped a few quick pictures. Whether it’s matching pajamas by the tree, family photos on the couch, or cozy shots in the nursery, the pacifier bracelet helps make the moment peaceful instead of frantic.

And even though we personally skipped Santa photos, I know how special they can be for so many families. If that’s something you’re excited to do, here are a few tips to make the experience go smoother:

• Book your Santa session for the right time of day. Aim for when your baby is well rested and recently fed. A tired or hungry baby is a guaranteed meltdown.

• Let your baby warm up first. If possible, let them see Santa from a distance before plopping them on his lap. A slow introduction can help reduce stranger danger.

• Keep familiar comforts close. A favorite blanket, a soft toy, or their newborn pacifier attached with the Ingy Bingy Band can help them feel safe and secure.

• Dress them in something comfortable. Cute holiday outfits are great, but make sure nothing is scratchy or too tight. Comfort equals calm.

• Don’t stress about perfection. Some of the best Santa photos are the imperfect ones. A squirm or a pout can still be a memory you’ll treasure.

I love that every family gets to create their own Christmas traditions. For some, that means skipping Santa altogether, and for others, it means capturing that classic photo every year. Either way, having little tools like the Ingy Bingy Band in your diaper bag can help keep your baby calm and your heart at peace.

Because the holidays should be full of joy, not stress, and your Christmas photos should reflect those sweet, real moments with the people you love most.

 

The Ingy Bingy Band is not your everyday pacifier clip! This game-changing pacifier wristband helps babies self-soothe at a younger age than ever before! Instinctively, babies gnaw on their hands in an attempt to soothe. The Ingy Bingy pacifier wristband keeps their pacifier right where they’ll find it, allowing your baby to comfort and calm themselves while you do whatever it is you need to do!

Our buttery soft wristband comes in two styles to accommodate every pacifier.

Our Pacific style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Avent, BIBS, Dr. Brown’s, MAM, Nuby, NUK, Medela, FRIGG, Nanobébé, Tommee Tippee, and Chicco pacifiers. 

Our Sequoia style should be used when your baby’s pacifier holes are near their nose and chin when in use. It is most commonly used with Itzy Ritzy, Ryan & Rose, and The Dearest Grey pacifiers.  

If you are still unsure which pacifier wristband style is right for you, check out our style guide or text the name and/or picture of your preferred paci & we’ll let you know which style is right for you!