Tips for visiting new parents and babies

Some positive postpartum tips for visiting mums, parents and babies in the early weeks.

Before you visit:
✔️ ask if they want visitors or wait for an invitation
✔️ check when suits them for the visit
✔️ check in beforehand if that time is still good
✔️ ask if they need anything that you can pick up
✔️ make sure your well, no sniffles
✔️ wash your hands (or sanitiser!)

Bring along:
✔️ food to share or get something delivered
✔️ a meal that they can warm for an easy meal later
✔️ fridge or pantry fillers
✔️ a thoughtful gift for the parents
✔️ an activity for siblings
✔️ your listening ears
✔️ ideas for things to do during your visit; sit outside or watch a show they love
✔️ love and warmth

While you’re there:
✔️ get your own drinks/snacks
✔️ make a warm drink or prepare food to share
✔️ help with household tasks
✔️ clean up after yourself, no dirty cups in the sink!
✔️ hold the baby while they nap or shower
✔️ listen without judgement and think before you speak
✔️ follow mum's lead on whether or not cuddles are a thing this visit; don't assume it is
✔️ play with the older sibling(s)
✔️ be present

Don’t:
✔️ pop in unannounced
✔️ give unsolicited advice or be judgemental
✔️ only give love and fuss to baby; remember mum too
✔️ kiss baby
✔️ touch baby's face or mouth
✔️ wake the baby, if they are sleeping
✔️ go in with expectations, instead follow their lead
✔️ stay too long

Such a special time of bonding for a new family as well as to joy of sharing that with loved ones.

I look back at my approach to meeting new babes and visiting parents before I became a parent myself and definitely could have been a better visitor - I wish I had known all of these tips then!

The most important of them all is to follow their lead ✨