Ok… confession I was the person looking at the mom with the crying kid in church. Until… I had my own baby I had no idea what that mom was going through. Going to church on Sundays is a big part of my family, but when you’re having to juggle keeping your baby quiet and listening to the message, it’s not the easiest. I put together some tips for taking your baby to church in this post. Praying for you mama and know this season is a season given to you by the Lord!
We have all been there.
Let’s not even get into the minutes leading up to getting to church. Running out of the house, putting makeup on in the car, dressing baby in the back seat, and getting to church late. I think I just ratted myself out. But it’s true this has been me far too many times.
And if this is you too, well you aren’t the only one friend!
Here are some tips for taking baby to church. (psst… and you don’t have to use the nursery)
Prep the night before
This seriously makes a huge difference. We all have heard that the first few minutes of you waking up really sets the tone for the rest of the day. I promise you that if you prep the night before this gives you such a wave of relief in the morning. Like yay, I’m ready for the day! So think about the things you might be doing last minute in the morning before church and get those done at night. All of these things really add up when you’re trying to run out of the house and church has already started. GUILTY!
P.S this is my favorite tip for taking our baby to church. I always feel like a total organized guru when I wake up and my stuff it all together! MOM WIN!
Some things I prep at night
-pack diaper bag
-iron clothes + set out clothes for everyone (yes even baby)
-have coffee mugs ready on the counter
Wake up before everyone
Aren’t moms up before everyone already?! If that ain’t the truth. But just make it a goal to get up and give yourself some alone time to get ready. Trust me it makes getting ready for church way more enjoyable than trying to put mascara on in the car. After I get ready most of the time my baby wakes up or I wake him up to get dress. By far this is a tip for taking my baby to church that I don’t follow as much as I should. Note to self going to do better on this one!
Use a baby wrap
I love to wear my baby during worship time. When he was smaller he would stay in his car seat a lot longer, but as he got older he is ready to get out as soon as we make it inside. My husband and I would switch throughout worship time carrying him. Then I just thought to use my MOBY Baby Wrap during worship and it was a genius thing to do! I make sure to bring it with me every time now! I was actually able to lift both my hands in worship LOL. It seriously so comfortable to wear and it gives so much peace to know my baby is comfortable too. Click here if you want to get one for yourself! I promise you will love it and it will be a huge help!
Aim for a nap during service
This tip is going to be different for everyone depending on how little or old your baby is and also your baby’s sleep schedule. For example, my baby usually wakes up at around 9:00 and has a wake window of about 2-3 hrs. So I try to wake him up an hour earlier so when he’s ready for a nap right around the middle of church service. Sometimes he’ll even fall asleep in the baby wrap!
Pack Snacks + Toys
I love to pack a little variety of snacks and 2-3 small toys to keep him entertained longer. Oh and I also aim for mess-free options. Which most moms know this is not always a guarantee…but it keeps baby quiet and entertained for some time. Also, I snag a couple of Cheerios for myself when my stomach starts making noises in church. I was searching everywhere for a cute snack container that wasn’t too bulky and cute. This little cute container has been my favorite. So so easy to throw in your diaper bag and fill up with any time of snacks. It’s so easy for baby’s to use too. I love the neutral color options they have. We have the STEEL BLUE color. Click here to buy in now for less than $10.00!
Trust JESUS
The most important tip of them all… Don’t let the devil rob your joy. I have been in that place far too many times. Where I’m so worried and frustrated because my baby is not being the quietest or just won’t sit still. The truth is kids are not met to sit still for a long time. Enjoy the moments with your little ones. My mom always tells me to enjoy even these moments because one day you are not going to be able to carry your baby in a wrap anymore, mouth feed him Cheerios, or stroll him in is stroller him to sleep. (ok might have teared up a bit).
YOU ARE AN AMAZING MOTHER AND YOU ARE CALLED FOR A PURPOSE BY HIM!
So the next time you are singing in the car on the way to church or running out the door when church already started remember…YOU GOT THIS! (with JESUS help of course)
Hope these simple tips help you take baby to church! Oh.. and please comment below if you have any tips of your own! I could always use more mom advice.
