Introducing friends & family to your Newborn

We know you likely want to balance introducing your perfect baby to all your friends and family and protecting them (and you!) from outsider germs. Be careful and cautious when introducing your friends and family to your newborn. It’s okay to have boundaries and standards for all visitors. You are the parent, trust your instincts.

Some areas to consider: 

• Health and Hygiene:

  • Handwashing: Encourage everyone to wash their hands thoroughly before holding the baby. (Absolute must in LTA opinion.)

  • Health Status: Ask visitors to postpone the visit if they are feeling unwell or have been exposed to illnesses.

  • Health Guidance: Follow any specific advice or guidelines provided by the baby's pediatrician regarding visitors and the baby's health.

• Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Ensure that close family members and friends, especially those who will be in close contact with the baby, are up-to-date on vaccinations, including pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza.

• Limited Exposure in the Early Weeks: Consider limiting the number of visitors, especially in the first few weeks, to allow the baby and yourselves time to adjust.

• Avoid Overstimulation: (for you and the baby) Keep the environment calm and avoid overstimulating the baby, especially during nap times.

• Holding the Baby: Many people might want to hold the baby, do what’s right for you both and your emotional state. 

  • Safe Holding: Ensure that anyone holding the baby is seated and holding the baby securely. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - A Guide to Safety in the Home

• Respect Feeding Times: Feeding Schedule: Consider the baby's feeding schedule and communicate if you prefer privacy during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

• Virtual Visits: If in-person visits are not possible or advisable, consider virtual visits to share the joy with friends and family.

Prioritizing the health and well-being of both the baby and you as parents is key and no is a complete sentence. 

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), CDC,  Johns Hopkins

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