Make your visit a memorable one, be the perfect guests!
1. Inform before visiting
After the emotional and physical exhaustion of childbirth, make sure the new mother is up for meeting visitors. Call and enquire what time works best for her and the baby. Avoid going in the first few hours after the baby is born. Mom, dad, and other close relatives need some personal time to bond with baby before being flooded with visitors. It’s perfectly okay to visit once the new family has settled comfortably home. If you do decide to go to the hospital, ensure kids are allowed before you take your child along. Some hospitals do not allow young children. Remember, hospital visits are not a must!
2. Germs are not welcome
Sanitize yourself, especially your hands, before getting in the vicinity of a new mother and child. Wash and clean your hands well before touching or holding the baby. If you are sick or think you are going to catch something, stay at home!
3. Avoid kissing the newborn
Agreed that you must be dying to plant several kisses and do all the coo chi-cooing with the little bundle of joy but it is advisable to refrain from doing so. At least not on the face. Their immunity is very low and they are vulnerable to catch any infection that you might be carrying. Do not sneeze and sniff in the close proximity of the infant.
4. Don’t over stay
Keep the visit short and simple. Sleep deprived and tired parents might not want to indulge in extended entertaining. Don’t stay more than about 15 minutes unless you’re a close relative or her best friend. Try not to get offended if you are asked to leave. The baby may need to be fed or the mom might be tired. The new parents might not want to be rude, so watch for subtle signs. If the mom says, “I think the baby needs to be fed”, your response should be, “sorry, we’ll get going now.”
5. Don’t pick up the baby, unless the parents are okay with it
The proud parents may not be comfortable with visitors picking up their baby. Don’t pick up the baby without the parents’ permission. If the parents do let you hold their precious bundle of joy, be careful. A newborn’s neck is extremely delicate. Ask for help if you are not sure how you should be holding the baby.
6. Shhhhh no loud noises please
Newborns are very sensitive towards light and sound as they hardly got any of it in the past nine months. Shouting in excitement or talking very loudly will only disturb the baby. Save the cheers, claps and all applaud for his coming birthdays and ceremonies.
7. No strong perfumes please
Save your Davidoff and Chanel 5 for fancy parties. Newborns have sensitive skin. They might break out when they are held by someone with a lot of synthetic perfume on. Also, you never know what they are allergic to.
8. Be thoughtful about the gift
It is usually customary to take along some gift for the baby. Gift something that the baby can use often and is going to need all the time. Diapers, clothing, a car seat, and baby care products are the safest and practical choices. Something good to eat for the mother and fresh flowers are always welcome. Don’t forget to take something for the brother or sister too!
9. Do something useful for the mother
The most practical way of showing concern is to help out the new mom. Ask her if you can take the older child (if she has) for a stroll so that she can have a nap with the little one. Or does she want any errand run?
10. Negative comments are a strict no-no
Comments over the baby’s weight, skin colour or discussing horror stories about babies and hospitals just worries new parents. Leave medical advice to doctors and nurses. Be positive and cheerful to make your visit a cherished one!
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