Are you pregnant or coming to an event with an infant/toddler? Here are some quick tips from parents who have already been through it.
Maternity/Pregnancy Tips
- Bring all the snacks! You never quite know what the dayboard will have or if it will be appealing to you. Bring a small cooler or package of your favorite treats to keep you fed and nausea at bay.
- And don’t forget to hydrate!
- Listen to your body (and prepare accordingly)! You may be exhausted halfway through the day on a good day so make sure not to push yourself. Some suggestions:
- Comfortable footwear – this doesn’t just apply to summer events! Make sure your shoes are comfortable and supportive, especially on indoor hard floors.
- Seating – Make sure you have a chair that you like to give you a minute to pop your feet up and take a break or a quick nap. This will help you prepare for any activities you may want to do during the even (court, class, socializing, etc.)
- Fans of any kind – Period or battery operated for when you’re running too warm.
- Make plans for court – Sitting is great but too much sitting is probably going to be uncomfortable. Have a plan for staying comfortable for court or skip it altogether.
- Experiment with garb! Pregnant people in period did not have the funds to build a “maternity wardrobe” so see how your current wardrobe can accommodate or what you can build that will last you through your pregnancy. Features to consider:
- Split front garments – think cotehardies with front laces, front split shifts, and styles from countries in the modern day Middle East or Asia. Just because it doesn’t fit like the manuscripts in the front (and there’s a gap in your laces) doesn’t mean they wouldn’t have worn them this way in period.
- Seek out loose fitting or expandable garments – Mediterranean and Middle Eastern styles make for great summer wear. For cooler weather, look into Burgundian gowns (which can be easily belted) and tunic dresses from all over Northern Europe (ex. Viking apron dresses) to keep comfortable and warm.
- Research! Use this as an opportunity to discover other forms of maternity clothing throughout the ages (ex. Elizabethan stays and hoop skirts). If you have any excellent suggestions or patterns, send them to the Chancellor Minor to have this updated.
Your Home Base
Events can be overstimulating for little ones (and their overtired parents) so make sure your crash spot is comfortable. Some features to consider:
- Blankets or small rugs – You can’t guarantee what the floor of the event is like but you can guarantee that this blanket or rug is up to your cleanliness standards. This gives you a safe space to put the baby down for a little bit and change a diaper.
- Cushions – You may find that sitting on the floor to rest or eat is more comfortable. Invest in a good meditation cushion if you can to give you the support you need. (recommendation: buckwheat hull filled cushions are firm, durable, and multipurpose!)
- Pack and go toys – Have a few toys and books around for entertainment purposes to give yourself a break, especially once they start getting older. Experiment with period-appropriate dolls (like poppits) or good old fashioned blocks for entertainment.
- Snacks, snacks, and more snacks – The hours between lunch and dinner are long and toddler bellies are small. Make sure you have sufficient snacks to prevent a meltdown.
- Ask for help! – Coordinate with friends, camp mates, and other people attending the event to give you a break or an extra set of eyes on your little one. This is the best time to start building that village to raise your child.