How To Prepare For Fireworks Fun With A Toddler
Summertime for me is typically my least favorite season. It’s hot and very humid (we live in Georgia), ninja mosquitoes galore, and applying sunscreen becomes a full-time job. But the Fourth of July is one of those days in the summer when I brave these harsh conditions to engage in the festivities.
In previous years, my Independence Day would be spent, at the lake, pool, or some kind of water, during the day, then celebrate with friends and loved ones with yard games, grilling, and bevies in the afternoon.
We’d round out the night with the traditional cap to the evening, fireworks. We’d post up at a public display or put on our own show at someone’s house.
This past year, adding a new baby to the mix changed things for me. I didn’t feel comfortable taking my baby out in the extreme heat late at night for the fireworks.
I was concerned about overstimulating him and interrupting his sleep schedule, and to be honest, I myself was typically asleep by the time fireworks would even start.
My son is now an active 19-month-old and is interested in exploring everything new and loves being outside, so I want to try starting to incorporate some traditional Fourth of July festivities into his world this year. Especially the fireworks!
I’ve been doing my research to prep for this highlight to the holiday with a toddler. I’ve gotten some really great tips from a few articles I’ve found (which I’ll share at the bottom of this post).
Below is my plan to make his first experience of fireworks a fun and successful event that hopefully becomes a July 4th tradition that will be replicated for years to come.
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Sleep Schedule for the Day Of
From the articles I read, it’s recommended for toddlers to keep their nap time, make this a priority that day (if they are inconsistent with naps), and let them sleep a little longer than typical (if you can), or have some downtime in the afternoon/evening before the excitement of the festivities later that evening.
My son typically naps after lunchtime, but his naps vary anywhere from an hour to three hours. It all depends on the day. He tends to sleep a little longer on the days that he goes down for nap a little later in the day, so I’ll plan to try pushing out naptime by a little bit that day.
Prep Them for What To Expect
This is a tip that was included in every article I read. I’m not sure how much he’ll be able to comprehend, but my son seems to be soaking up information like a sponge lately, even though he’s not been super verbal. It’s recommended to let them know what they can expect from what’s to come.
They say to tell your kiddo about the loud noises and bright, sparkling lights, the crowds of people (or who they can expect to see if you’re going to a friend or family gathering for the fireworks), that they will be up a little past their bedtime so they will be going to bed as soon as you get home. This helps them to know a little bit about what’s going to happen and have somewhat of an understanding when it does so it’s not so disorienting.
What to Bring
Low Lawn Chairs – more comfortable than sitting on the ground
Outdoor Blanket – space for you to sit/lay back and enjoy the fireworks
Stroller – easy traveling to and from the car
Baby Carrier – to keep them calm against you or from running around, lol
Noise-Canceling Headphones – to protect their ears from the noise of the fireworks
Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil – Aloe Vera & Vitamin E (for the mosquitoes) and/or mosquito repellent stickers
Snacks – helps with keeping them calm if they get overtired or restless.
Portable Fan – it’s most likely going to be hot. This will help to keep your kiddo cool
Glow Sticks – to see your child in the dark and them you. Plus they are fun!
What to Wear
We want to be festive, but comfortable, so I’m getting him a cute outfit to help represent the holiday and that is comfy enough for him to sleep in. He’ll be tired afterward (if he doesn’t fall asleep during) and it will be easier to wipe him down and put him to bed quicker in the outfit he already has on.
Exit Plan
The hope is that he will have an absolute blast watching the fireworks, but if he gets frightened, overstimulated, or just too tired to hang out until the end, it’s advised to have a good exit strategy planned ahead of time. Because of this, I chose a place to watch the fireworks that is close to home and is in close proximity to where the car will be parked.
After the Fireworks
He will no doubt be tired or asleep by the time the fireworks are over, but getting him home and in bed quickly will be the priority. I’m sure your kids are similar, but when he stays up late, you would think he would want to sleep in, which is almost never the case.
He’ll most likely be a little thrown off the next day by the change to his schedule, but it’s recommended to try and stay as close to the normal schedule that next day as possible to help keep your kiddo oriented to their usual day-to-day.
We may be thrown a little off balance the next day from the previous late-night fun, but the memories we’ll make will totally be worth the struggles of the following day (hopefully, lol).
These articles are great resources I found in my research that provide helpful advice:
How to do Fourth of July Fireworks with Babies and Toddlers
Baby Sleep and Fireworks: Tips for a Restful Fourth
Cheers, Warriors!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and found it entertaining, educational, inspiring—hopefully, all three. Please be sure to leave any comments or questions you have in the Comments section below.
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