Alas, another holiday season is upon us! By now, you’ve likely received many invitations to trot out your tot to meet family members, or party with friends at holiday shindigs.

Balancing an accelerated social schedule with the demands of new parenthood can be challenging at best. All that rushing around from place to place and meeting lots of new faces can be trying for a newbie to the world.

The good news? There are ways to deal. By taking your child’s needs into consideration, you can get your party on in a way that will please you and your young ‘un.

Keep ‘em on schedule

Small children thrive on schedules - they find comfort in knowing when they will eat next, sleep next, etc. Whether you are traveling for the holidays or simply making the rounds in your own neighborhood, a good way to keep your baby fresh and cheery is to attend social activities around their nap and feeding schedules. It may not always be possible but if you can help it, it’s a small sacrifice to make to keep baby in a good mood for meet and greets.

Stash snacks

Extended mall hours, lengthy airport delays and holiday traffic can be hellish for parents who have to take their acts on the road. By packing a stash of snacks and drinks, you can keep your child’s tummy full and (at least some) crankiness at bay if stranded away from decent sustenance at mealtime.

Don’t forget blankie

Babies thrive on the familiar, and it can be a bit disconcerting for them to adjust new environments when traveling. By keeping a few of their favorite objects on hand, like a favorite blankie or toy, you can provide them with an instant feeling of comfort when they are on the road.

Make it quick

We all miss the carefree days of yore, when we could party freely without an eye on the clock. But, as they say, having a baby changes everything. Intense social situations can stress out a little person and be a bit overwhelming. If you happen to have baby in tow, try and keep the socializing down to a reasonable hour or two. If the party you need to attend runs later or goes past bedtime, it might be worth getting a sitter. After all, having your little one meltdown is a sure fire party pooper!