I am setting up guidelines for after baby arrives to let visitors know what we expect when they visit our infant. I shared my preliminary list with immediate family and close friends, and so far only have a few showing resistance, I understand adults don’t like rules, especially if they raised children without these precautions and their kids turned out fine. As a first time mom who works in healthcare, I consider it my responsibility to give my child the best chance at a healthy and happy start to their life. Every parent has the right to set their own rules, and these might not be in line with everybody else, but I do not see how these are unreasonable. Here is the list if you are curious:

In order to ensure the health and happiness of our new addition and our family, we would like all visitors to respect the following guidelines:

1. If you or someone close to you is sick, please refrain from visiting until you and your loved one(s) are feeling better.

2. Please wash your hands before coming into contact with the baby.

3. Please ensure you are up to date on your flu and pertussis vaccinations as these diseases can be fatal to an infant. Exceptions can be made for medical reasons.

4. Please do not kiss the baby anywhere on the face or hands. Our hope is to avoid them transferring dangerous germs into their mouth via their hands that could get them sick.

5. Please contact either parent beforehand to confirm it is ok to stop by the house. Short-notice is ok, but depending on the condition of the baby or parents, it may or may not be a good time to visit. Also this will help to prevent overlapping visitors to ensure quality time is spent with each person who wants to see the parents or baby.

6. Please ask before sharing pictures of the parents or baby on social media.

7. Please understand that there may be times where the baby might not be available to be held by the visitor (I.e. sleeping, nursing, etc.).

Have you encountered issues with visitors not respecting your wishes regarding handling your newborn?