Someone very close to you just had a baby. Congratulations ❤️
Here are some important does and dont’s from my personal experiences.
DON’T
*Announce the baby’s birth on social media or inform anyone else unless you have permission.
*Don’t post pictures the parents sent you on social media or send them to anyone else without permission.
*Don’t bombard the new parents with your presence. “I was just around the corner I thought I’d come see the baby-Don’t).
*If you are allowed to visit, don’t bring a plus one unless the parents have agreed.
*Don’t put pressure on the parents to let you visit the baby, especially during a global pandemic. Wait for when it is convenient for them.
*When allowed to visit, don’t take pictures of the baby unless you have asked for permission, if you have it-don’t use flash.
*DON’T KISS THE BABY.
*Don’t expect a new born baby to entertain you, nor the parents to be great hosts. I was always sleepy, especially during the day
Babies have no sense of day and night so in the first few months, it’s hectic.
*If you have small children, it’s best to leave them at home as kids spread germs. When my first child was born, I had a guest who had a toddler and it was chaotic, I got overwhelmed.
*Don’t stay longer than you are needed to unless if it’s a request. Most parents of newborns need space.
*DON’T GIVE UNSOLICITED ADVICE.
*Don’t take the parents rules personally, it’s not about you.
DO’s
*Ask the parents if they need help with
anything -My partner ran all the errands during his paternity leave and also took care of house chores, cooking and a five year old while I was healing and taking care of the baby. He didn’t have much time with the baby or me because he was always running around getting things done. Would have been great to get some help from friends/family.
*Offer to make meals or get meals delivered ,especially if they have other young children.
*When visiting wash/sanitise your hands before holding the baby
*WEAR A MASK.
*When visiting, depending on what the parents prefer, help with house chores or caring for the baby.
*Offer to babysit the older kids if they have them.
Please share your own. We learn every day
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