8 Things To Keep In Mind When Visiting A Newborn Baby
We have all experienced a visit from a newborn baby at some point. But have you ever asked yourself if you met the expectations of the child’s parents? What is correct? What’s wrong?
How should I behave? Will I disturb the parents and the child?
To visit a newborn
In order for your visit to be an appreciated moment for the new parents and nothing that creates discomfort, we want to give you some valuable advice.
Avoid visiting a newborn baby if you are ill
Parents will be happy to introduce their newborn to family and friends. But, of course, like all parents, they make sure that their children do not get sick.
Therefore, the best thing we can do if we are sick – even if it’s just a common cold – is to wait to visit the newborn. Its parents will be very grateful and will welcome you with open arms as soon as you get well.
Call before
A simple phone call or text message assures you that your visit will not be inconvenient. It may be time for the baby to breastfeed, the family may be recovering from lost sleep or they may already have the house full of guests.
During the first days, the life situation is delicate and surprise visits are not the best. Find out in advance if it’s okay with the parents instead of just falling in.
If you see a lot of other visitors, be respectful
Before you go into the hospital room or a newborn baby’s room, you should make sure that there are not already a lot of visitors there. Sometimes it is difficult to control this, because family and friends want to visit and unfortunately not everyone calls before they arrive.
Therefore , it is better that you go if you think that your visit will be more overwhelming than receptive. Maybe you can come back a little later.
Do not wake the child
This did not even need to be said. No one likes to be woken up when they sleep. Newborns need their sleep, and everyone should respect that.
You should never wake a sleeping child, you should not even suggest it. You may be curious about the color of the baby’s eyes, but it is the baby’s needs that come first. Your curiosity can wait.
Do not give advice no one asked for
If it is not the case that the parents asked for it, you should not give your opinion on what should or should not be done. Your advice may make the new parents uncomfortable and may remind them of their experience.
Remember that there is no right way to raise a child, so be respectful of the methods that are different from yours.
The child’s parents will quickly learn and discover what works best for them and their children. Be respectful so nothing can go wrong.
Always wash your hands before touching a newborn baby
If the parents do not offer you to hold the baby, then resist the impulse to pick it up. Depending on the situation, you can also refrain from asking the question if you can hold on so as not to make them uncomfortable.
It is true that a newborn baby brings out our soft side and our desire to hold it in our arms. But if you have not been given permission, leave the child alone.
If you get the chance to hold it or even touch it, make sure you have just washed your hands – they must be clean. Our hands are full of bacteria and the last thing you want is for the little one to get sick.
Where you kiss
You should resist the temptation to kiss the baby while holding it. Some parents do not mind it while others do. So for safety’s sake, you should refrain.
If, after all, you are kissing the baby, the best place is the newborn’s feet. If you kiss the baby’s face or hands, you may unknowingly spread an infection.
Offer a helping hand
In addition to not making the new parents uncomfortable, you can also offer to help them with something. Undoubtedly, they are exhausted and do not have the time or energy to do everything that needs to be done.
Maybe you can take care of older brothers or sisters, go shopping, leave a meal or do some household chores. You will definitely serve as a relief for mom and dad.
If you take the initiative to help with whatever needs to be done, you will give the tired and stressed parents a chance to rest and enjoy their new addition to the family.
