Whether it’s Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve, taking your children to their first firework display can be a magical experience. The good news is if you’re thinking of taking your baby to see the fireworks, you can with a little preparation. From ensuring their ears are well protected to dressing them in appropriate clothing and footwear, you can make the experience enjoyable for the whole family.
While there is no strict age limit for taking babies to firework displays, it’s important to note that every baby is different and may have different sensitivities to loud noises or crowded environments. Therefore, although it’s possible to take newborns to the fireworks, it’s worth thinking about how your baby typically reacts to other loud sounds, such as when you’re doing the hoovering or playing some music. If your baby tends to startle at these kinds of noises, it’s probably worth sitting this one out and waiting until they’re a bit older.
The age you take your baby to a firework show may also depend on the type of celebration it is. Large-scale events with long displays, such as for Bonfire Night or Diwali, are more likely to be packed with noisy crowds so could be overwhelming for a newborn. However, if you’re taking your newborn to a summer barbecue or family-friendly birthday party with small fireworks in the garden, this will likely be more manageable for both you and your baby.
Yes - when taking your baby to a firework display, it’s important to protect their ears. As fireworks tend to be around 140dB and babies and small children’s hearing development can be affected by sounds of 80dB and above, ear defenders will keep them well protected. They are designed to block out any loud noises or music so your baby can enjoy the colourful display without being overwhelmed by the sound.
In addition to ear protection, you could also think about finding a quieter spot to view the fireworks from. The great thing about fireworks is that they can be seen from a distance, so going further away from the crowds allows you to view the display while reducing the impact of surrounding noise. Try going further to higher ground, perhaps setting up camp on a hill or a nearby bridge. This could be especially helpful on occasions such as New Year’s Eve when it’s likely that there could be drunk people and party goers around.
It’s also important to dress your baby appropriately for the weather. Firework displays typically take place in the evening when it’s dark, meaning temperatures tend to drop even in the warmer months. A baby who’s dressed for summer weather could easily become chilled after sunset, so bring along a blanket and warmer clothing to change into. You’ll also likely be outside for a significant amount of time, waiting for the display to start. It’s therefore worth layering your baby in warm, comfortable clothing so they can stay nice and cosy.
As many firework celebrations including Bonfire Night and Diwali take place in the colder months, choosing footwear suitable for autumn and winter is essential. Your baby’s shoes should be warm and provide protection, especially in the cold night air.
To make sure you and your baby enjoy the firework display, whatever the occasion, here are some of our top tips:
By following the tips and guidance mentioned in this article, you can make the experience of attending a firework display enjoyable for both you and your baby. Remember, while fireworks can be exciting, the comfort and well-being of your little one come first. With a little planning, you can create lasting memories and introduce your baby to the wonders of fireworks.
Author: Click, published 16-10-2024.
