Few things match the pure joy of seeing and holding a newborn, especially one that does not belong to you (okay, maybe that’s just my perception as a childfree woman who’s never held a child of my own.) If you’re anything like me and you live for that fresh baby scent, here are some etiquette rules to keep in mind when visiting parents with a newborn.
Schedule in advance
Begin by asking if you can come, don’t just pop in. Yes, you may just want to celebrate with them but that may not work for them. They may not necessarily be ready or open to visitors for a variety of reasons ranging from personal to medical concerns. If they’re open to it, agree on what time works for them and find out if there are any rules, they’d like you to abide by. If you’re coming with other people, let them know. Don’t just arrive with your other friends who the parents don’t know.
Respect their schedule
New parents often have their lives upended and they’re often trying to find a schedule that works for the newborn and the mother. The mother is often exhausted, sleep-deprived, and overwhelmed so keep time, and even better keep your visit short and sweet. About an hour is great, unless the mother asks you to stay longer.
Health and hygiene concerns
Don’t visit a newborn if you are unwell or were recently unwell, especially in light of the global Covid 19 pandemic. Hold off until you’ve completely recovered. The mother and baby’s immunities cannot handle infec