10 Crucial Rules for Visiting a Newborn: How Not to Annoy the Parents
The arrival of a newborn baby is a joyous occasion for the parents and their loved ones. However, visiting a new baby as a rfiend or family member, as well as coping with visitors as a new parent can be easily become problematic.
If you are planning to visit a newborn, here are 10 crucial rules you should follow to ensure the safety and well-being of the baby and the family.
How Soon Can Newborns Have Visitors?
There is no definitive answer to how soon after birth can visitors see a newborn, as different parents may have different preferences and circumstances. However, some general guidelines and factors to consider are:
The health and immunity of the baby and the visitors
Newborns have a weak immune system and are vulnerable to infections.
Visitors should be fully vaccinated against anything that can harm the baby, such as whooping cough and flu.
Health authorities also recommend that visitors get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of the visit, and stay away if they have any symptoms of illness. They should wash their hands when visiting the baby, and avoid touching the baby’s face or hands, or kissing them.
The timing and duration of the visit
Ideally, visitors should wait until the baby has received the first set of recommended vaccines, which are usually administered at the two-month-old well visit.
However, this may not be feasible for some families, especially if they need help from relatives or friends. In that case, it’s recommended that parents should try to limit the number of people who come in close contact with the baby. Keeping visits short and sweet.
The parents may also prefer to have some time to rest and recover before welcoming visitors. If you’ve ever been parent to a newborn baby, you know just how exhausting, overwhelming, and busy this time can be.
The location and setting of the visit
Depending on the hospital protocol and the parents’ preference, visitors may be allowed to see the baby at the hospital.
Some hospitals may restrict or limit visitors. If visitors come to visit the new little one, they should respect the parents’ wishes and boundaries, and under no circumstances should visitors expect to be entertained or served food or drinks.
If your a new parent or about to be one, you might be looking for a good doula. See How to Find a Doula for a Joyful Birth and Postpartum Season
What are the 10 Crucial Rules For Visiting a New Baby?
All of these are, of couse, subjective. No doubt all parents of newborns would deeply appreciate you asking before you visit, exactly what they do and do not want you to do.
Visiting a new baby is so very exciting!
These points can work as a framwork for the types of boundaries for visitors you might want to set. Hopefully if you are a parent wanting to have frank discussions or a visitor wanting to be as considerate as possible, this list will be helpful to you!
Let’s get into it…
Ask for permission beforehand and schedule to visit a newborn in advance
Don’t assume. You know what people say about assuming…
You may very well be welcome, but perhaps you are welcome only at a predetermined time and date.
Ask the parents when would be a good time to visit. Don’t show up unannounced or without confirmation.
Get vaccinated!
Before visiting a newborn, make sure that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and other diseases that can harm the baby, such as whooping cough and flu. Also, get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of your visit, and only go if you have a negative result. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness, stay home and postpone your visit.
Wash your hands and wear a mask
When you arrive at the home of the newborn, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Also, wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth at all times, even if you are vaccinated and tested negative for COVID-19. Newborns have a weak immune system and are vulnerable to infections.
Don’t touch the baby’s face or hands
Even if your hands are clean, avoid touching the baby’s face or hands, as these are the most common entry points for germs.
Babies love putting their hands on their own little faces and in their adorable little mouths!
Instead, gently touch the baby’s feet or back, or hold the baby wrapped up cozily in a blanket.
Can visitors kiss the newborn?
Kissing or breathing on the baby can also transmit germs that can make them sick. Keep your face away from the baby’s face, as hard as this one is to follw, DO NOT kiss those precious little cheeks, and don’t blow raspberries on the baby either.
Don’t wear perfume or smoke
Newborns are, well, new. With their skin being so thin and their sense of smell much stronger than an adults, they are much more sensitive to scents, chemicals, perfume, cologne, lotion, or cigarette smoke and everything else like it.
All of the above can irritate even an adults skin, eyes, nose, or lungs. So avoid wearing any scented products or smoking before your visit to protect that sweet little one from dealing irritation, itchiness or worse, an allergic reaction!
Don’t bring gifts that are not suitable for newborns
While it is a kindness to bring a gift for the newborn, make sure that it is age appropriate.
Avoid anything that could pose a choking hazard. that means no small toys, balloons, magnets, or the like.
Also, for the sake of both newborn and parents, please avoid gifts that are noisy, flashy, or overstimulating. So those musical toys, electronic toys, or anything with bright lights are out of the question.
Don’t overstay your welcome or expect to be entertained
Having different people in and out visiting their newborn child can be tiring the parents.
Do your best not to stay longer than an hour or two, unless you are specifically invited to do so.
We talked about this earlier, but I just feel it’s so important to reiterate: do not, I repeat, do not expect the parents to entertain you or serve you in any way. They have enough on their plate.
Don’t offer unsolicited advice or criticism
The parents of the newborn may already be feeling insecure, anxious, stressed and a slue of other emotions about all this new-baby stuff.
There’s more then one way to skina. cat, and there are near infinite ways to raise a happy, healthy, well-adjusted kid.
Don’t judge. Don’t give advice that isn’t asked for. Rather, why not offer support, encouragement, and even compliments!
Don’t forget to take pictures and enjoy the moment
Visiting a newborn is a special time. take it in! It’s something you can cherish for years to come.
Ask the parents permission, and once given the all clear, take pictures of and with the baby. (As a side-note, also don’t forget to ask parental premission before posting a picture of the baby on socail media!)
Savor this oppertunity to get a head start on becoming the favorite honorary aunty or uncle. Bond with the baby by talking softly, humming, singing, or reading to them.
I hope you found all this helpful and maybe even a little enlightening. By following these 10 crucial rules for visiting a newborn, you can help ensure that your visit is safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
As baby grows, it’s essential they get enough Iron in their diet: See 17 Must-Know Iron Rich Foods for Babies
Can visitors hold the newborn?
It really all boils down to how healthy the baby is and what the paretns are comfortable with.
If you want to increase the chances that you will get a “yes” from mom and dad when asking to hold their baby, wash your hands thoroughly.
It might even make the parents more comfortable for you to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Don’t pout, or make the parents feel bad if you get the dreaded “no”. Try to remember they are just doing their best to take good care of thier baby while simultaneously not streaching themselves too thin.
How can you be helpful to the parents of a newborn?
There are many ways you can help the parents of a newborn. Here are some ideas:
- Offer to run errands, do chores, or cook meals for them. New parents may be too busy or tired to take care of these tasks, and they may appreciate your help
- Bring them groceries, diapers, baby supplies, or other essentials.
- Be supportive and encouraging. Listen to their concerns and feelings, and offer them reassurance.
- Help them take care of themselves.
- Remind them to eat well, drink water, rest, and relax.
- Offer to watch the baby while they nap, shower, or do something they enjoy. Encourage them to seek professional help if they show signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.
By following these suggestions, you can be a real source of support and needed help!
Thank you for reading!
Thanks Bunches!
Emma
If you liked this article, you might enjoy 9 Things Your Pediatrician Hasn’t Told You
Or! 16 Busy Toddler Activities for a Stress Free Day
Resources:
30 Tips for the First Month of Caring for a Newborn Baby – Parents.
40 NEWBORN CARE TIPS AND HACKS FOR NEW PARENTS.
Caring for a newborn – World Health Organization (WHO)