We always get excited visiting a newborn, especially if they are related to us. We run to the hospital right away or go to their home to glimpse their little face, hands, and feet. However, we also don’t know when is it safe to have visitors with a newborn.
We’ve heard of many cases of babies getting sick due to kissing, cuddling, and carrying whenever there’s family visiting after baby is born. The parents wouldn’t want that to happen to their baby, and you wouldn’t either. So here are a few rules for visiting newborn babies to take note of for parents, relatives, or friends.
Give Mom a Break
Try to give mom a break when you’re there. Bring some food so she doesn’t have to cook or ask if you can take any chores off her plate, like laundry.
You can also offer to watch the baby while she takes a shower or a nap.
Just Say No
Do not make mom do any more work than she already is.
People feel obligated to entertain guests when they visit, so your hosts will likely ask you if you want something to eat or drink. Always say “no” or get it yourself.
Don’t Overstay When Visiting a Newborn
Try to keep your visit short and sweet and ask the mother if she follows a newborn visit schedule. This ensures that mom and baby can get the rest they need.
An hour should do the trick.
Wash Your Hands, Be Healthy
You must wash or sanitize your hands immediately before you pick up the baby. This is a must-do for visitors with newborn.
Baby immune systems are fragile and can be easily compromised. Washing your hands ensures you don’t pass on any germs to the baby.
And never visit a newborn if you’re sick, are getting over being sick, or just aren’t feeling well. You don’t want to put the baby’s health at risk.
Know How To Hold A Baby Properly
First, you must ask if you can hold the baby. When you get the green light, ensure you get comfortable and take the baby while always supporting the head and neck.
Make sure you don’t touch the fontanelle and give the baby back to mom if mom or the baby seems antsy or uncomfortable.
Don’t Bring Kids, Unless You Ask
It’s best to leave children at home when you visit a new baby. If the kids want to visit or you have no babysitter, ask mom if it’s OK first.
If mom says it’s OK, make sure your kids aren’t sick and abide by all these rules. Your child will likely want to hold the baby; make sure mom is totally cool with it first.
Don’t Offer Unsolicited Advice
If mom has a question about motherhood, feel free to fill her in on what you know. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut.
Critique is the last thing a new mom needs.
Schedule Your Visit
Never show up to see a newborn unexpectedly.
Every mom’s recovery period is different. So, it’s best to ask when they’re ready for visitors and schedule a time to meet the new cherub.
Keep Your Scheduled Appointment
If you say you’ll be there to visit the baby at 3 p.m., be there at 3 p.m. Moms of newborns are sleep-deprived and exhausted, and babies function on schedules.
So, it’s important that you arrive at the agreed-upon time so you don’t disrupt mom or baby’s schedule.
Takeaway
Visiting a newborn can be fun and exciting for everyone, as long as you are conscious and sensitive enough to the parents. To know when it is safe to have visitors with a newborn, you can always ask for their preference or if they have a newborn visit schedule.
Always remember that your visit does not only affect the parents but, most especially, the baby.