Say no to surprise baby visitors It's okay to apologise and say you're not up for a visit if people come a knocking. Ask family and friends to call first or arrange a time to pop over, that way you'll be prepared and not overwhelmed by baby visitors wanting a cuddle (with your baby that is!)
Consider having extended family and friends wait two to three months until your baby's immune system is stronger to plan their visits.
The quick answer: When you're comfortable! There simply isn't a general, one-size-fits-all rule on when to welcome visitors after baby arrives (let alone who gets first dibs on newborn snuggles!).
In order to prevent serious health issues, anyone and everyone, including parents, should avoid kissing babies. Due to the rise in cases of RSV and other illnesses, it's extremely important for all individuals to be aware of the dangers of kissing babies.
Dr Prasad says to prevent serious health consequences, everyone, including moms, should avoid kissing infants early on. He notes that given the rise in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and other illnesses, it is critical that everyone is aware of the dangers of kissing newborns.
While six weeks has long been the traditional timeline for rest and recuperation after a birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing postpartum care from birth to 12 weeks. Six weeks is also the standard recovery time allotted for childbirth-related short-term disability leave.
Visitors after your baby is born
Visitors should be limited to reduce the risk of possible exposure to COVID-19. This can be very difficult, but it's important to keep your family safe. Consider celebrating the birth of your baby by having virtual visits and using online tools.
Unless otherwise advised by medical professionals, you can take your baby out in public as soon as you feel ready to do so. The fragility and petiteness of your precious new baby may make this a daunting first experience but fresh air and a change of scenery will do you both good.
While it's understandable that grandparents are drawn straight to the new baby, they really should sit down with the older grandchildren first.
This depends on your comfort level as much as your baby's. At two weeks old he's likely to be settled enough for you to leave him at home for a short while with a trusted adult.
Prepare for the 5-5-5 rule: 5 days in the bed, 5 days on the bed, 5 days near the bed. This gives you a solid two weeks of focused intentional rest. It also helps to get your priorities in order when it comes to those eager visitors. They will get to see the baby, but they don't get to make the rules.
When is it okay to leave my baby with grandparents overnight? It's ultimately up to you. If your baby is able to eat well without you there and grandparents are able to take good care of your baby, it's okay to let your baby sleep over if that's something you want.
Ideally, between 4 and 9 months is the best time to leave your baby overnight for the first time. This is because before 4 months your baby will still be establishing breastfeeding and building a connection between both parents, so they're a little too young to be away from you.
The lip-restraining guidance is most pertinent to people outside an infant's household, experts told me, which can include extended family. Ideally, even grandparents “should not be kissing on the baby for at least the first few months,” Tan told me.
In their first two months, newborns are at the highest risk of infection, warns Dr. Hasson. So, it's advisable to avoid letting most people touch your baby and to avoid crowds, says the pediatrician.
Infants are particularly vulnerable to the HSV-1, better known as the Herpes Simplex Virus. The virus causes sores around the mouth and lips in adults. At times they don't even show particular symptoms in adults but can turn fatal for babies.
Be selective about location - Schools, doctors' offices, hospitals, day cares, airplanes -- these places are known to be Germ Central Station and should be avoided when possible. If it's not possible, keep your baby close in your arms or carrier, or use a cover on your infant carrier or stroller.
Here's what the CDC recommends for newborn care during your COVID-19 illness: Isolate. Stay home and away from others, including the baby, as much as possible for the CDC's recommend isolation period.
The AAP recommends infants share a parents' room, but not a bed, "ideally for a year, but at least for six months" to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).