Rules

Visiting a new baby rules:

1. Don't refer to another womans baby as "my baby" it doesn't matter if you are the grandma, aunt, cousin, best friend. New moms are very sensitive and even more protective of their little ones and don't want to hear anyone calling the little bundle of joy "mine".

2. Call first! Never show up without giving the new mom fair warning. Always ask if you can come over, don't tell them you are coming.

3. Keep the visits short. Most new parents are excited to introduce their baby to friends and family, but visits can be tiresome for mommy, daddy, and baby. Stay just long enough to hear how everything with the delivery went, hold the baby, and congratulate the new parents.

4. If you are there to "help" remember, holding the baby is NOT helping (unless of course the new mom asks you to). Helping is making a meal, tidying up the house, folding laundry, and running errands. New parents will want to bond with their new baby and wont want to pass him or her around all day.

5. Don't overload the new mom and dad with advice. The time will certainly come when mom and dad need help, but they will ask for it. There is nothing more frustrating to new parents then the never ending stream of advice they get from their friends and family.

6. Enjoy the new addition to your family or circle of friends! There is nothing more precious then a child, and this baby is lucky to have you to care so much about him or her!