Dos & Don'ts For Visiting A Newborn

Everyone loves a new baby and always gets excited when receive the news of their loved ones who have safely given birth. Those tiny fingers and toes, that heavenly newborn smell... it's really hard to resist their preciousness. But before you fill up your car's trunk with gifts and make your way to congratulate the new parents, it's important to be socially intelligent. Here are some dos and don'ts you have to be mindful of when visiting new parents and babies.

1. Don't show up unannounced

It's not okay to just "drop by" at your convenience to either the hospital or their home. Coordinate with one of the parents in advance to arrange a set time and check in on the day of your planned visit to ask if it's still a good time. If it's not, don't take it personally.

2. Don't arrive empty-handed

A family with a new baby hardly has time to do anything for themselves, much less cook. Bring some easy-to-reheat meals and some treats for everyone too. Here's an adorable gift basket to bring for the new baby.

Cuddles & Snuggles Baby Hamper Gift Set

3. Do visit only when you are healthy

What you consider just some sniffles can be a big deal for a newborn baby with an immature immune system. Hence, never visit when you are sick or recently exposed to someone who is ill. You don't want to spread some potentially life-threatening virus.

4. Do ensure your hands are clean before handling the baby

Newborns are prone to illnesses. Always, always, and ALWAYS wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap or use a hand sanitizer before holding the baby.

5. Don't smoke

First, second, or third-hand smoke from cigarettes or vapes can all harm a newborn's developing lungs. If you smoke, refrain from doing so while visiting a newborn's home (even outside). You also have to ensure that you wear clean, smoke-free clothes. Hence, it is best not to smoke at all before a visit.

6. Do be helpful

Ask what you can do to help. You can always offer the following:

• Hold the baby so that mom can take a shower or nap
• Help with pet care — walk the dog or clean the litter box
• If there are other children in the house, offer to play with them
• Ask if there is any household chore that you can help with (without sounding condescending!)

7. Do ask permission before posting photos of the baby

If it's not your baby, it is not your news to share. So, always ask for consent before taking photos of someone's baby. Not everyone shares every single moment on social media. If you are permitted to take photos, be sure to turn off the flash on your camera or phone so it does not startle or hurt the baby's eyes.

8. Don't overstay your welcome

Though you can't get enough of the new baby, do keep the visit short. Unless the parents have asked you to stay longer, plan to keep your visit under 1 hour. 

9. Do be respectful

Respect the parents' wishes if they have rules in place related to visiting the baby and don't comment on their parenting choices. This is not the time for unsolicited advice, no matter how much you know or have an opinion on the matter.

10. Don't kiss the baby

This one can be tough but it's vital to prevent the spreading of germs. Refrain from kissing newborns at all. Keep your kisses to yourself for a few more months!