Baby’s First Hanukkah

​Celebrating Hanukkah with a new grandchild

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A new baby is a miracle! So there is something extra special about a baby’s first Hanukkah, a holiday that celebrates the miracle of a tiny vial of oil lasting for eight days.

Although your grandbaby may be too small to appreciate the festivities, that doesn’t mean you can’t include him or her. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Hanukkah with a new baby.

A Menorah for Baby
One special way to celebrate baby’s first Hanukkah is to buy a menorah now that you will give to them when they are older—perhaps as a bar mitzvah gift. Make it even more meaningful by writing a letter telling them how glad you are that they joined the family, and what you hope the years to come will bring them. Share stories of your Hanukkah memories when you were growing up. 

Of course, you may want to get a menorah that baby can enjoy now. This cute plush menorah has textures and sounds that babies love, and gets high marks from other parents and grandparents.

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Your grandchild can enjoy the sturdy wooden block menorah from Storyblox for years to come. The blocks can be banged and gnawed on by baby now, but will be a meaningful toy as he or she gets older. 

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Hanukkah Books for Babies
There are a wide variety of Hanukkah books out there. These are the best for baby’s first Hanukkah:

Hanukkah Baby is printed on indestructible pages and will quickly be a favorite book. The story is simple, but the bright pictures are highly appealing to babies. 

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Baby’s First Hanukkah is a sturdy board book with simple language and real-life photos of the special elements of Hanukkah. Babies are captivated by the pictures and it's a great introduction to the symbolism of Hanukkah. 

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Light the Menorah has candles that light up and will captivate your grandbaby.

My First Chanukah is a sweet book by beloved children’s author Tomie dePaolo.

Goodnight Bubbala is a lively parody, heavily sprinkled with Yiddish, that celebrates the love of Jewish family. Although it's not strictly a Hanukkah book, it's too good not to include!

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Hanukkah outfits for babies
Hanukkah themed baby clothes seem to rely heavily on puns!

​The cute “I love you a latke” onesie comes with a headband for girls, or with a beanie for boys. 

​These “This is how I roll” pajamas are adorable. Some reviewers mention that they run small, so you may want to size up. 

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​What are you doing to celebrate your miracle grandbaby’s first Hanukkah? Please share your ideas in the comments!