7 Rules for Visiting a Newborn

Visiting a newborn baby for the first time is exciting. Whether the couple with a newborn baby are your relatives or close friends, you’re probably thrilled to meet this new human being for the first time.

While it’s exciting for visitors, adjusting to life with a new baby can be a tough time for the family. Especially if it’s a first-born child, the transition can be particularly challenging. Having a variety of visitors immediately after giving birth can be stressful. When you’re visiting a family who has just had a newborn baby, it’s important to be respectful of the family’s time and space.

Here are seven important rules to keep in mind when visiting a newborn:

1. Don’t wear perfume or use scented items around baby.

In general, it’s advised to avoid the use of fragrant products around a newborn. Their lungs are developing, and exposure to aerosol irritants can be harmful. Additionally, postpartum mothers may also be particularly sensitive to these scents.  

2. If you have been around anyone sick, err on the side of caution.  

If you’re sick or have been around anyone who has been sick recently, err on the side of caution and do not visit. Since a baby's immune systems are underdeveloped, they are particularly susceptible to illnesses.

Similarly, if you have been traveling through airports or other places where catching a sickness is likely, do not visit.  

3. Offer to help.  

Bring a meal over, help clean, or ask the couple if there's anything else they need. This is a basic courtesy that the couple will surely appreciate. It takes a village to raise a child. Supporting the family in this small way will help create a caring and healthy environment for them.  

4. Ask for permission before taking any photos  

Before taking photos of the child you’re visiting, it’s important to consider boundaries and parental intentions. Always be sure to ask the couple if they are ok with you taking photos of their child. If you want to post a photo on social media, make sure to ask them permission before doing so.  

5. Visit when it’s convenient for the new parents.  

It can be stressful to adjust to a new schedule with a baby. When you want to visit a newborn, be sure to work around the parents’ schedule. While it is nice to have visitors, it may also be difficult for a couple to host immediately after their new child is born. Be sure to be patient and flexible as you plan a visit.  

6. Be respectful of a new parent’s boundaries  

Every couple has a different schedule for when visitors are allowed to visit. Some parents may want to wait at least 40 days to limit exposure to other environments and to preserve their growing immune system. Others may wait as soon as a few days to a few weeks. Regardless of the time a couple would like to wait, it’s important to remember to respect a couple’s decision. It’s also important to respect a family’s space when you do decide to visit them. Remember to always call or text before visiting. Showing up unannounced can place stress and strain on a couple who is trying to adjust to their new life.  Be mindful of the couple’s boundaries and remember not to overstay your welcome.  

7. Always wash your hands/sanitize before holding the baby  

Especially with the recent health issues of today’s world, it’s important to be conscience of protecting the infant’s health, especially since they have a fragile immune system at such a young age. Keeping your hands clean before touching the newborn baby will ensure that you won’t spread illnesses.

by: Noel Arens
on October 28, 2021