Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
- Set some ground rules
In terms of managing visitors after baby is born, be clear on the ground rules before your baby arrives to manage well-wishers’ expectations. You’ll need time to adjust to becoming new parents and get to know your new arrival. Say you won’t be wanting visitors for a set period of time—whatever period works with you and your partner. People can then come to terms with that and respect your wishes.
- Say no to surprise baby visitors
Make it clear to family and friends that you want no surprise home visitors after your baby is born. Everyone can plan with you when they come or give you a call first. That way, you’re not feeling stressed or overwhelmed and you can plan baby visitors around times that work for you.
- Only invite positive people
You’re going to be feeling overwhelmed by all the changes of becoming a new mom or dad. What you don’t need is any negativity, so don’t be afraid to be selective in who you have round to visit your baby. You don’t want to be feeling judged as a parent, so make sure you veto any trips from people who may make you feel bad. Nobody needs unwanted, unhelpful comments that the house is a mess! See here for a handy checklist of new mom emotions that are also entirely normal.
- Accept offers of help
Here’s how to help a new mom or dad! If family and friends are desperate to help you out, don’t refuse their kind offers. Use it to your advantage and delegate tasks you just simply don’t have time for at the moment. Ask them to clean your house, cook some meals, or even run to the grocery store for you.
- Be prepared for unwanted parenting advice
Along with unwanted visitors, unwanted parenting advice—whether that’s from strangers in public, friends, or family—can be frustrating and confusing when you’re a new mom or dad. While everyone believes their advice and opinions are helpful, you may end up feeling judged as a parent, criticized and like you’re doing the wrong thing for your baby. The best response? “That may have been right for you, but we’re doing it like this.” See our best breastfeeding comebacks here.
Related articles
Your baby proofing action plan
Protect your baby with effective baby proofing strategies. Discover essential tips to make your home safer as your little one begins to explore and grow.
6 mins to read
How To Help Baby Sleep Better
Learn the importance of baby sleep for growth and development. Discover red flags in your baby's sleep patterns and ensure they get the rest they need.
5 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Discover how to emotionally prepare for parenthood, recognize red flags, and manage challenges to ensure a smoother transition into motherhood.
5 mins to read
How to handle toddler sleep problems
Learn how to address toddler sleep problems with expert tips, identify red flags, and promote healthy sleep habits for your little one's well-being.
5 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Explore helpful techniques to calm your crying baby, from addressing basic needs to create a peaceful environment, fostering comfort and connection.
5 mins to read
5 myths about motherhood and having a successful career
There is so much judgement when it comes to motherhood. Moms across the world have fulfilling and rewarding jobs. And yet, myths about motherhood and having a successful career prevail.
3 mins to read
Questions to ask at your 12-week scan
Finally, your 12-week scan is here! This pregnancy scan is an important one. It can also be very emotional, so it helps to have a list of questions pre-prepared.
2 mins to read
Tips on planning a toddler birthday party
Planning a one-year-old’s birthday party can be surprisingly tricky.
3 mins to read
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
3 mins to read
Top tips for a perfect family vacation with a baby
Do you believe that taking a family vacation with a baby is impossible? It isn't. It takes a little more planning and might restrict your destination choices slightly...
4 mins to read
Your maternity leave and maternity pay checklist
It might seem a while away, but once you’ve made your pregnancy announcement, it’s a good idea to begin maternity leave preparations and find out if you’re entitled to maternity pay.
2 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Once your little one has arrived, it’s easy to forget about you—but a happy mom means a happy baby.
2 mins to read
Baby immunizations—a parent’s guide
Immunization time—gulp! Your baby’s first injections can be upsetting parents and babies. If you are anxious, your baby may pick up on your feelings so try to stay calm.
3 mins to read
What to ask at my baby’s health check?
A baby health check will be carried out soon after birth to ensure baby’s development is on track.
1 min to read
Tips for potty training toddlers
Wondering how to potty train or when to start potty training? Read our potty-training tips and tricks to help toddlers hit the spot.
1 min to read
Pregnancy Cravings 101: Everything you Need to Know
Learn all about pregnancy cravings, from common causes to effective management tips and recognizing warning signs, for a healthier pregnancy experience.
5 mins to read
Baby names help
Need baby names inspiration? Here comes the fun bit! You may already have a favorite, or perhaps you’re waiting until you meet junior face-to-face.
2 mins to read
How to Solve Baby’s Tummy Problems
Empower yourself with the knowledge to provide comfort and relief for your little one's digestive discomfort.
5 mins to read
Bath time checklist: How to bathe a newborn
Washing a newborn for the first time can be nerve-racking as well as a lovely bonding moment. Follow our tips on how to bathe a newborn safely.
3 mins to read
