The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here, you’re bringing your brand-new baby home for the first time! But what now? How do you handle the eager visitors that want to come and greet your precious little bundle?
It’s quite understandable that close friends and family would want to meet the new addition to the family as soon as possible but it’s important that they understand that all of this is new for the mama and papa in question as well! If you lay down some basic rules and boundaries, first meetings can be filled with delight and not anxiety.
Here are a few ground rules you can set for those visiting your little bean in the first few weeks:
1. Create ‘visiting’ hours
By setting out certain days and times you can control the crowds. Without sounding like a tyrant kindly request friends and family, to adhere to these set times. Setting out visiting hours will also help you prepare for guests (not that you should cater for anyone), but it will allow you to plan your day.
2. Wash up
Ask all visitors to wash their hands before coming close to your baby, also keep a big bottle of hand sanitizer in the living room or close to where the visitors will be so that everyone can sanitize as soon as they arrive. This will prevent the spread of germs and possibly making your little one sick.
3. Say yes to help
When someone comes over and offers to cook a meal or wash the dishes or run to the shop, don’t try and be polite and decline. Say yes if someone offers to do something for you.
4. Don’t cater for guests
Don’t try and be the hostess with the ‘mostess’ when guests come over to visit you and your baby. Friends and family will most likely bring something along and if they don’t a cup of coffee will be more than they expect. They are there to meet your baby and support you not to be entertained.
5. Don’t be afraid to say no
If you don’t feel up to visitors don’t be afraid to cancel or to say no. Everyone who’s had a baby will understand. If cancelling with a friend is what will keep you and baby happy, then don’t feel guilty!
Bringing a new baby home can be terrifying and exciting all at once don’t let the thought of visitors cause you any unnecessary stress. By setting a few boundaries you can create a calm and peaceful environment for your baby to be introduced to the world!
