Over My Dad Body

5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Happy New Year! It’s that time when we pop champagne, light up the sky with fireworks, and make resolutions we probably won’t keep past February.

As a parent, the holidays can feel more stressful than celebratory—especially when fireworks are involved! I often hear questions like, “Will my baby sleep through the noise?” Or “Is bringing my baby to a fireworks show okay?”

Don’t worry. I have some tips to help your little one snooze soundly, even when the sky is booming with celebration.

Let’s Get Loud

Whether it’s twirling noisemakers, setting off fireworks, or banging on pots and pans, people around the world love to ring in the New Year with a whole lot of noise. But there’s more to this racket than celebrating (or maybe recovering from too much champagne). It’s about ghosts.

In ancient China, people believed that evil spirits roamed during the transition to the New Year, looking for victims. According to legend, loud fireworks scare them away. Over time, the fear of ghosts faded, but the tradition of making noise stuck.

Interestingly, this ghost-scaring custom is still very much alive in the Philippines, where New Year’s Eve celebrations often include fireworks, honking car horns, and clanging pots and pans to keep those malevolent spirits at bay.

Is It Safe for Babies to Watch Fireworks?

The short answer would be YES; it is safe for babies to watch fireworks. However, you must be conscious if your little one is already uncomfortable. Again, it really all depends on your baby.

To figure out if they are ready for fireworks, ask yourself:

• Does my baby startle easily?
• Do loud or unpredictable noises upset them?
• Is my baby sensitive to overtiredness (like getting fussy quickly or waking up early)?

If you answered yes to any of these, it might mean fireworks aren’t the best fit right now—and that’s totally okay! It is important to honor what your baby can handle. If a fireworks show feels like too much, you can always watch a video together at home for a quieter, cozier celebration.

If you are planning to take your baby to a fireworks display, preparation is key. The noise, lights, and crowds can be overwhelming, so having a backup plan is smart. Ask yourself:

• Is there a quieter spot nearby to retreat to if my baby gets overwhelmed?
• Will it be easy to leave the show if needed?

Here are a few extra tips to make the night smoother for everyone:

• Use sound-protecting headphones to cover your baby’s ears.
• Sit at least 200 feet away from the fireworks to reduce noise.
• Bring a stroller fan if you’ll be using a stroller or bassinet.
• Pack their favorite lovey for comfort in case they feel anxious or scared.

Pro tip: Help older toddlers and kids prepare by explaining what to expect. Talk about the loud booms followed by bright lights, describe the crowd, and share details about the setup or travel plans. A little heads-up can go a long way in making them feel secure and excited!

When is the perfect age to take your child to see fireworks?

You can take babies to fireworks shows at any age, but waiting until they are at least six months old is generally a good idea. By then, they are better equipped to handle the excitement, and you can take steps to protect their sensitive ears.

Of course, every baby is different, and you know yours best. It all depends on their temperament. If you are planning a fireworks outing with your little one, make it a night to remember (for all the right reasons) by following safety precautions for a safe and stress-free experience!

How can I keep my baby awake long enough to enjoy the fireworks?

To help your baby handle staying up past their usual bedtime for the fireworks, it’s all about setting the day up for success.

Start by making sure they get at least one solid nap earlier in the day. For toddlers, do your best to stick to their usual midday nap. If your baby tends to nap multiple times a day, it’s okay to let one of those naps go a bit longer (at least 2 hours).

Consider squeezing in a quick catnap later in the afternoon or early evening to help them handle the later bedtime. This can be an assisted nap if needed, like holding them or taking a stroller ride.

Don’t forget about your little one’s wake windows!

You’ll want to time everything so there is enough awake time between naps and the adjusted bedtime. This will help ensure your baby is ready for that extra nap and the excitement of staying up late.

Sparkle Safely: Firework Tips for Kids and Babies

Allowing your child to experience their first fireworks show can be such a magical experience! The great news is that with a little planning, you can absolutely bring your baby along.

From protecting their ears to dressing them comfortably for the weather, a few simple steps can make the night enjoyable for everyone, especially your little one.

Grab a pair of ear muffs

Your baby’s ears are incredibly sensitive, and fireworks might be the loudest noise they have ever experienced. If the fireworks are being set off in a small space, like a garden, it is best to keep your baby indoors and let them enjoy the view safely from a window.

Fireworks can be as loud as 150 decibels, and babies’ ears are much more delicate than ours. If you’re heading to a display, protecting their hearing is essential. Ear muffs can make a big difference—they lower the noise to a safe level and help your little one feel more secure during all the excitement.

Consider staying in your car with your baby if it still feels too loud. That way, you can enjoy the light show while keeping the noise at a comfortable level.

Limit the use of sparklers

Sparklers might seem fun and kid-friendly with their pretty patterns, but they can get as hot as 982°C, making them unsafe for children under five. But if you decide to let your child use a sparkler, always supervise closely. Help them hold it at a safe distance from their face, clothing, and hair, and be sure they are wearing something to protect their hands from the heat.

Keep your baby warm

The holiday season can be pretty chilly, and if you are heading to a fireworks event, you will likely be standing outside for a while. The night air can get cold, so make sure your little one is bundled up nice and warm. Layer them with a winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves—this cozy combo should keep them comfy all night!

Make sure to watch from a safe distance

Big fireworks displays can be fascinating, but keeping children at a safe distance is crucial. Sparks can cause burns, and the smoke from fireworks can be harmful, potentially affecting your child’s lungs.

Plus, staying farther away reduces the impact of the loud noise. For a great view without risking ear damage, aim to watch from at least 500 feet away.

Keep your time around fireworks short

Most babies are fascinated by fireworks, while others might get overwhelmed by the loud noises, bright lights, and big crowds. That’s why it is always a good idea to prepare an escape plan just in case. If you are heading to a fireworks event, consider taking a break indoors or leaving a little early to limit your kids’ exposure to the loud noises and to escape the chilly weather too!

Or, you can skip the fuss altogether and enjoy the magic from home. Remember that watching the sparks fly from the comfort of your couch can be just as fun!

How to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Fireworks

If you plan to stay at home, there is a good chance your baby will sleep right through those loud fireworks booms. But here are some tips to help set your little one up for a peaceful sleep, even during the revelry:

• Stick to your bedtime routine. Keep your baby’s bedtime routine the same, stick to their usual bedtime, and be mindful of their wake windows to prevent them from getting overtired.
• Try to block out the noise of the fireworks. If you are using one, turn up your baby’s sound machine to a volume similar to a shower running in the bathroom. You can always lower it once the fireworks are over. You might also want to place another sound machine outside their room or in the hallway to help block any extra noise.
• Try to reach deep sleep way before the fireworks. It may be a good idea to have your baby asleep for at least 40 minutes before the fireworks start. This can help them get deeper sleep when the noise begins.
• Give your baby some comfort if they need it. And, if your baby does wake up, offer comfort and help them settle back to sleep. Remember, one night of extra love, care, and support won’t hurt!

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

The holidays are all about making memories, so don’t stress. It’s just one night (or a few!), and you can always get your baby’s sleep back on track.

Remember that while the bright lights and excitement are magical, your little one’s comfort and well-being should always come first. With a bit of preparation and using some of the tips in this article, you can share the joy of fireworks with your baby and make their first fireworks display experience fun.