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Baby’s First Easter: What Actually Matters (And What Doesn’t)

babys first easter

Bringing a baby into holiday traditions can feel like a mix of excitement and pressure. Suddenly, pastel everything is popping up in stores, Instagram is full of picture-perfect Easter setups, and you're wondering if you should be doing more. But let’s be real—your baby isn’t going to remember this Easter, and that’s actually a good thing. It means you get to focus on what truly matters without stressing about perfection. Whether you’re figuring out Easter outfits, family plans, or whether a baby even needs a basket, here’s what’s actually worth your time—and what you can skip without a second thought.

Easter Outfits: Cute, But Keep It Comfortable

Baby Easter outfits are basically designed to make people say "aww." But before you go all out, ask yourself: Is this outfit practical? If your little one is still in the spit-up phase, a fancy pastel suit or frilly dress might not last long before needing a change. Soft, breathable fabrics that don’t require constant adjusting will make the day easier for everyone.

That said, if there’s one thing worth putting a little effort into, it’s the newborn Easter dress—a tiny, picture-ready moment that’s worth every second of cooing from family and friends. The trick is finding one that’s as comfy as it is cute. Go for something soft and lightweight, especially if Easter is on the warmer side where you live. Bonus points if it’s easy to put on and take off because, let’s be honest, no one wants to wrestle a wiggly baby into an outfit five minutes before church.

Do You Even Need an Easter Basket?

Short answer: Not really. But a small, thoughtful one can be fun—mostly for you, since your baby has no idea what’s happening. If you love the idea of a basket but want to keep it simple, think beyond the candy and plastic eggs. Teethers, soft books, or a sweet stuffed bunny make adorable keepsakes without the sugar overload. Some parents even use Easter as an excuse to give practical baby essentials in a cute way—spring-themed onesies, fresh pacifiers, or that teething toy you’ve been meaning to grab anyway.

On the other hand, if the idea of putting together a basket sounds exhausting, skip it. Babies don’t know what they’re missing, and there will be plenty of years ahead for egg hunts and chocolate bunnies.

Family Gatherings: Set Boundaries Early

Easter can sometimes come with expectations—church, brunch, family visits, and possibly a long day of passing the baby around like an adorable, squishy Easter egg. If that sounds overwhelming, it’s completely okay to set boundaries.

If you’re celebrating with extended family, don’t be afraid to speak up about what works for you. Maybe you’re skipping church this year because the thought of managing a baby in a crowded service feels impossible. Maybe you’ll go to brunch, but only stay for an hour before heading home for nap time. The family will understand (or at least, they should), and if they don’t, remember: Your baby, your rules.

Easter Photos: The Ones That Matter Aren’t Always the Perfect Ones

There’s a lot of pressure to get the perfect Easter picture—baby in a basket, baby with bunny ears, baby posed like they were born to be in a springtime catalog. But let’s be honest: babies don’t always cooperate. They squirm, they spit up, they stare blankly at the camera like they’ve just been asked to solve a math problem.

The best Easter photos aren’t necessarily the picture-perfect ones; they’re the ones that capture real moments. Maybe it’s a shot of your baby making the most ridiculous face while trying mashed carrots for the first time at Easter dinner. Maybe it’s a sweet, sleepy cuddle with you after all the excitement. These are the ones you’ll actually cherish years from now—not just the ones that look good on social media.

Introducing Traditions: Start Small

It’s tempting to want to do all the things—decorate eggs, bake a bunny-shaped cake, plan a little Easter craft even though your baby is mostly just a professional drooler at this point. But traditions don’t have to be big to be meaningful.

Think about what fits into your life right now. Maybe it’s reading a short Easter story before bed. Maybe it’s a quick family walk outside after brunch. These little traditions might not seem like much, but over time, they become the things your child looks forward to year after year. And if you don’t feel like starting any traditions this year? That’s okay too. Easter will come around again next year, and the year after that.

It’s About Love, Not Perfection

Easter with a baby isn’t about the perfect outfit, the cutest basket, or getting the right picture. It’s about love, warmth, and maybe a little bit of chaos. It’s about family, whether that means a big celebration or a quiet day at home. It’s about watching how kids and kindness naturally go hand in hand, even at the smallest age. And it’s about giving yourself the grace to enjoy the day without overcomplicating it.

So if your baby naps through half of Easter or decides that today is the perfect day for a diaper blowout in the middle of brunch, just roll with it. The best memories aren’t always the ones you plan for—they’re the ones that happen when you least expect them.