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Original poster

Attending office Christmas party with a newborn at home

38 replies

WhatAmIsupposeToDoNow · 24/11/2025 13:14

I would like you guys to sense check me to see if I am being reasonable. Office party takes place mid December when my first born baby will be nearly 2.5 months old. She used to have formula but is ebf now. Immunization is booked just 3 days before the party. I am thinking of the following:

  1. leave her at home with dad. There will be formula and I could try and pump some beforehand
  2. book a hotel near the venue so I could pop in feed her when required and husband would look after her.

I would need to stay at the party for 3 hours at least. With driving that would be just under 5hours. I could book cheap hotel within 20min walk from the venue. I'm concerned about how she's going to feel after getting her jabs. She doesn't settle with my husband well but he is happy to do it even if means hours of her crying.

Is it doable and how to handle it in the best way?

OP posts:
Marble10 · 24/11/2025 13:30

I think you are thinking way too into it. Baby is fine to be left with Dad for 5 hours.
If you are on maternity leave, do you HAVE to go? It wouldn’t be expected for anyone on maternity leave to join, especially as it’s an hour away?
The hotel idea is uncomfortable for everyone and so unnecessary.

seven201 · 24/11/2025 13:29

If you want to go, go. But it’s fine to say no too! My dd is 2 and I’m still using her as an excuse to not have to go to the office party!

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 24/11/2025 13:29

I’d skip it, too. you have a very good excuse!

And if she’s not used to a bottle, she might well refuse it.

Work 🎄parties are usually a PITA anyway.

Andonthatbombshell · 24/11/2025 13:29

Why do you need to stay?
I took my then 4 week old to our Xmas meal and just stayed an hour then went.

Cheersmedears123 · 24/11/2025 13:28

At our Christmas parties any mums on maternity leave are invited with their baby which has always gone down well. But it really depends on the type of party!

5 hours sounds fine to leave the baby with dad but are you going to be able to relax? I think that’s the main thing and there’s no point going if it feels stressful. Do you have to go?

PurpleThistle7 · 24/11/2025 13:27

Why do you need to go? You have a tiny baby so are presumably on mat leave? I’d skip it.

DemonsandMosquitoes · 24/11/2025 13:26

Sillysoggyspaniel · 24/11/2025 13:17

Second jabs are bad ones as they include men b. She may be very out of sorts for at least 24 hours, possibly longer. Does she still take a bottle? If she doesn't this plan is a non starter for me. A grouchy hot baby who isn't relaxed with a bottle needs her mum.

The first also include Men B.

I left DC1 at ten days with DH to go for a Xmas lunch. I expressed and baby took a bottle. Couldn’t wait to get out for a few hours. All well.

BusMumsHoliday · 24/11/2025 13:24

You can leave her with her dad for 5 hours - or indefinitely! - as long as she takes a bottle. Check this again before you go if you've stopped giving her bottles now she's ebf.

I think I would probably have done the hotel in your shoes. But either plan is fine. The jab reaction is usually only 24-48 hours after the jab.

NotThatWay · 24/11/2025 13:21

She'll be fine. Just do a practice run first, with him putting her to bed etc.

EarthlyNightshade · 24/11/2025 13:21

I wouldn't worry about the jabs if they were three days before.
I would go and leave her at home with dad. If he's happy to try to settle her, that's brilliant, and it will pave the way for other times you might need to leave her.
I'd go and come back, leaving her for 5 ish hours is fine. You might be able to feed her just before you go.

RJnomore1 · 24/11/2025 13:20

Of course it’s fine. She will have her dad. I’d be tempted to do the hotel but I’d also do a trial run for a few hours to see if she takes a bottle when you’re not there.

The relationship with their dad is really important too and some time alone together is great for that.

Don’t let anyone guilt trip you otherwise.

Sheeeena · 24/11/2025 13:19

Why do you have to go? Do you want to? Are you on maternity?

I skipped all of those kinds of events when mine were little.

Sillysoggyspaniel · 24/11/2025 13:17

Second jabs are bad ones as they include men b. She may be very out of sorts for at least 24 hours, possibly longer. Does she still take a bottle? If she doesn't this plan is a non starter for me. A grouchy hot baby who isn't relaxed with a bottle needs her mum.