Alright, lets get into the what I believe is so important to establish with your family and friends once you have your newborn baby. Below I will list some Do’s and Don’ts visiting rules when you are visiting a newborn baby. Although, I know we all want to squeeze these adorable newborn babies we could actually be stressing the new parents out a bit if we do not follow these simple rules. Remember this is a sensitive time for all new parents and especially if they are first time parents it can take a little longer to settle in their new role as parents.

1. Do make sure that the new parents want visitors at the hospital before going. A lot of new parents want this time to be private with just immediate family members. Having a newborn can be overwhelming at first and visitors can add to that stress if the new parents are not ready to receive guests. (Keeping in mind that sometimes mom goes through a hard labor and really just needs to rest.)
2. Don’t ask to hold the newborn baby unless the parents have asked first. Newborn babies are very delicate and susceptible to getting sick as their immune system is not fully developed yet. If you are asked if you would like to hold the baby and you accept, please, please, please make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and make sure to have a receiving blanket over your chest so that the baby is not exposed to any strong perfumes, etc. Remember that you can carry germs, etc. on your clothes!
3. Don’t make any unannounced visits to their home. Mom and Dad are adjusting to having a newborn and schedules can be all over the place. Remember they are sleep deprived and need to catch up on sleep whenever the baby is sleeping.
4. Do minimize your time at the new parents home to 30 minutes or less as new parents can be very tired and mom will probably be feeding around the clock.
5. Don’t ever put your hands in a newborns mouth or touch their hands or face. You could be carrying germs you are unaware of and newborns are very susceptible at this young age.
6. Don’t ever kiss a newborn! Again, for health reasons this is something you should NEVER do.
7. Don’t bring your own children when you visit a newborn baby. Again, for health reasons and also it can be difficult to deal with toddlers running around when you have a newborn baby to attend to.
8. Don’t visit a family with a newborn baby if you are sick or were sick recently.
9. Do call the parents and see if there is anything you could do for them. Perhaps a home cooked meal? 🙂
10. Do have patience with new parents as they are just being cautious and trying to do what is best for their new child.

These 10 simple rules could alleviate a lot of anxiety that first time parents may have about visitors.

With love,

Eli ❤