Few things are as exciting as welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world! Whether it’s a family member or close friend, when someone you love has a baby, it’s normal to want to shower them with love! Before showing up to see your loved one and their new baby, there is basic visiting newborn etiquette to consider. This includes the rules for visiting a newborn, as well as the appropriate time and occasion.
Following these new baby rules will make your visiting time more pleasant and make the new mama happy as well!
Few things are as exciting as welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world! Whether it’s a family member or close friend, when someone you love has a baby, it’s normal to want to shower them with love! Before showing up to see your loved one and their new baby, there is basic visiting newborn etiquette to consider. This includes the rules for visiting a newborn, as well as the appropriate time and occasion.
Following these new baby rules will make your visiting time more pleasant and make the new mama happy as well!
when should family visit newborn?
The most common question people have is when can family visit a newborn after they’re born. There’s no set in stone rule of the best time for family (or close friends) to come see a new baby, but there are a few things to consider.
First, you have to consider the preferences of the new mom and dad. While some parents might welcome family visiting after baby is born, some new parents might prefer space and privacy to adjust as a new family of three (or more!). That’s why you should always take the mom and dad’s lead on when it's the best time to visit. One of the biggest newborn baby rules is to never stop unannounced for a visit at the hospital or once mom and baby are back home.
The other thing you want to consider is your health. Even if you’re a grandma, aunt, or godmother–you should not be visiting a newborn if you have a cold, cough, or fever. If you or some else in your house is sick, postpone your visit.
what are the rules for visiting newborn
When it comes to a newborn and visitors, there are some general rules to follow in order to make sure everything runs smoothly and everyone stays healthy. When visiting, we recommend the following:
Rules for who should visit
As far as who exactly should come visit, that is open to the new parents to decide. There’s not set rule on who should or who should not visit a newborn, but it all comes down to how comfortable the new parents are with you seeing them at this vulnerable time
Wash your hands
You’ll want to do this as soon as you arrive but especially before you touch or hold the newborn. New babies are still developing their immune system, and this will help to protect them from germs.
Don't come if sick
You’ll want to do this as soon as you arrive but especially before you touch or hold the newborn. New babies are still developing their immune system, and this will help to protect them from germs.
Speak softly
It’s really easy to want to gush and squeal over a precious new baby! However, instead try to speak softly, gently, and calmly. Chances are the new mom and dad are already overwhelmed and overstimulated, so you don’t want to add to that during your newborn visit.
Follow the mom's lead
This is one of the biggest rules for visitors after baby is born. Giving birth is a beautiful, exhausting, and transformative experience. Every mom reacts differently and has different feelings and preferences afterwards. It’s best to follow her lead during the visit, including when the visit should take place, how long it lasts, and whether or not you are able to hold the new baby. Some new moms do not want people outside of the immediate family holding their newborns–that’s okay! Respect her choices and follow her lead.
Don't show up empty handed
What exactly you might bring will depend on what the new parents need at the time or what your budget allows. Get more ideas for that below!
what to do if they don't want visitors after giving birth?
The truth is that no matter how close you might be to the new parents, it isn’t uncommon for a new mom or dad to not be wanting visitors after baby is born. If that’s the case, it’s okay! It most likely isn’t personal


There are a variety of reasons a newborn’s parent might request that visitors stay away initially:
• Mom needs sleep and rest after giving birth. She might not be up for entertaining guests when she isn’t looking or feeling her best.
• Time to bond as a new family of three
• Time to help siblings get acquainted with a new addition
• Postpartum hormone changes can be a lot to navigate, and a new mom might want to do that in privacy
• Allowing time and privacy for mom and baby to establish breastfeeding
• Preventing the spread of germs to the baby (or the new mom!)
No matter the reason, it’s important to respect their decision. If you’re still wanting to offer them support, there are other things you can do such as send a gift card, send a meal, or drop off groceries on the porch. This shows you care while still respecting their boundaries.
These tips might all seem simple, but in the moment and the excitement of seeing a newborn, it’s easy to forget. Keep your loved one and their new bundle of joy happy and healthy by making sure you follow the proper newborn visiting etiquette!
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Thanks for visiting! Take 15% off your next purchase at aden + anais with code BLOG15. *exclusions apply