Remember 4th of July in the good old pre-baby days? The beer, the fireworks, the beach, all the grilling under the sun… Independence Day’s festivities won't look quite the same with “baby." In fact, everything that comes with the most patriotic day of the year -- the heat, the crowd, the firecrackers, the parades -- can be quite nerve-racking when all you can think about is that the fireworks will probably keep baby up all night. But guess what? If you don't want to sit the party out, you don't have to! In fact, the Fourth of July can be a blast, and baby may even want to join the party -- you just need to be prepared. That is why asked you, mamas, to share your number one tip to ace the celebrations; and boy, did you deliver! Here are 13 tips to survive your first 4th of July with baby. 1. Bring all the shade with you. A beach umbrella or tent will keep you little one out of the sun while waiting for the fireworks to start. 2. Bring a kiddie pool. Coupled with the shade, the kiddie pool will keep your little one as cool as can be… and oh so happy! 3. Bring all the snacks. If your little one is already eating solids, snacks will ensure that he or she is satiated and happy throughout the day. The last thing you want during a firework show is a “hangry” baby. 4. Bring all the drinks. It’s hot outside, so you want to make sure that baby doesn’t get dehydrated. So bring formula or breast milk, or make sure you are able to nurse on the go. And don’t forget water for you! 5. Bring all the toys. Keep baby busy while you’re busy socializing with friends and family. 6. Bring a wagon. If you’re spending the day at the beach, a wagon can carry all of your stuff and moonlight as a beach bassinet. 7. Bring all the sunblock. The best way to protect baby from harmful UV rays is to keep him or her in the shade, but make sure to slather him or her with sunblock as well! 8. Bring all the headphones. Fireworks are loud and can really startle baby. Headphones are a good way to muffle loud sounds. 9. Bring all the bug sprays. Biting bugs are the worse -- not just because a bite itches, but because they also carry diseases. So for babies over two months old, make sure to bring bug spray. Otherwise, protect your little one with a mosquito net. 10. Don’t be too close to the fireworks. If you don’t have headphones, you can park away from the fireworks. The view will still be pretty, but it won’t scare baby. 11. Prepare your little ones. You can watch fireworks on YouTube or on TV so that they know what to expect. 12. Celebrate at home. No need to stress yourself out. If you feel like you'll be anxious the whole time, plan on bringing the party at home. If baby gets tired, he or she will at least get to sleep in his or her own bed (hopefully with a sound machine near by). 13. Bring grandma. This says it all. ;) Image by Stephanie McCabe, via Unsplash.

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