We often think of Memorial Day weekend as the kick-off to summer—a perfect excuse to rest and enjoy a relaxing getaway. But if you’re a new parent heading into the long weekend, chances are you’ve forgotten what rest even feels like between the round-the-clock feeds, diaper changes, burping, and cleaning you’re doing. Still, being in the thick of those early days with a little one shouldn’t exclude you from enjoying a restful weekend—it just requires a change in expectations, plans, and perspective.
If this Memorial Day weekend finds you with a little one in tow, we’ve gathered a few gentle tips to help you make the most of it.
1. Let go of the pressure
Maybe you typically travel over Memorial Day weekend. Maybe you always host a huge summer kick-off barbecue with your friends and family. Maybe you always go on a 6-mile hike or spend the entire day at the beach or [fill in the blank with whatever grand plans]. If this is your first Memorial Day with baby, consider taking the pressure off of the “always” things. Just because you’ve done something in the past doesn’t mean you have to do it this year. And if you do decide to keep tradition going, you can always pare it down to accommodate having a new (cute + needy!) addition as part of your plans.
RELATED: Tips for Traveling With A Baby
8 Essentials for Baby's First Summer
2. Lean into the moments of calm
“Restful” isn’t a word that anyone uses to describe the baby days, but there are certainly little pockets that feel calm and peaceful. Use the weekend as a chance to savor those. Go for a walk with baby wrapped against your chest. Enjoy a cup of coffee while baby coos and wiggles around on their play mat. Maybe even ignore the laundry and dishes for one afternoon and actually nap when the baby naps.
3. Mark the memories
Your first long weekend together deserves to be documented—regardless of how many plans you do or don’t have. Take the photos: Of baby sleeping peacefully on your chest while you enjoy a huge slice of watermelon. Of them laying on a blanket while you picnic together at the beach. Of your partner feeding baby a bottle. Trust us, those are moments you’re truly going to want to remember forever.
4. Honor the meaning
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It’s a moment to pause and honor those who have served and sacrificed. That doesn’t require a big gesture—simply lighting a candle, saying a few words, or sharing a memory can help ground the day in gratitude.
However you choose to spend the weekend…
We hope it feels easy, intentional, and true to this season of life. Whether you're soaking in quiet moments at home or slowly introducing your little one to family traditions, you're doing something worth remembering.
