Tips for a Smooth Visit with Relatives with Your Baby

It seems that mothers are quite a bit more mobile than previously. My sister birthed a child and two days later she was out showing the baby to family and friends. I firmly believe that it is not a good idea to bring the baby out too soon. Although most parents don't want to admit it, for the baby's health and safety, as well as the bonding process, it is good for mothers to spend the first two months staying home and bonding with their baby. Afterall, friends can come and see the baby. If they want to help, they can do laundry and other household chores that the new mother can't seem to accomplish because she is busy with the baby. While friends and family may want to hold the baby, the mother should take this time to bond with the baby. Thus, if the baby needs to be rocked to sleep at the same time the dryer goes off, the friend should respectfully offer to fold clothes while the mother rocks the baby.

I understand that mothers have claimed boredom and want to travel as much as they use to. After the eight week bonding process , the baby has a good secure foundation and is ready to travel.

When planning the trip, don't cram too many things into one visit. Remember that the baby is not use to traveling and a move might make him/her feel quite insecure. Start small. An overnight trip should only be considered after the baby has been successful with a few day trips.

When packing for the trip, remember to bring things that will make the baby feel secure and comforted. It is important to note that although you are going to see friends and you are quite excited, you have to find and do something's that provide that consistent feeling for the baby. Pack the baby's favorite toys; blanket and any other things that you think will make the baby feel comfortable. A few of the baby's old favorite toys, as well as some new ones will occupy the baby and provide some stimulation and comfort. The baby's favorite CD - or the one that he/she hears most often might also sooth him/her.

It is quite possible that the car or plane ride will lull your baby to sleep. When you begin visiting with your friends, then your baby will become cranky. This is the time he/she might need to hear that music or play with familiar toys.

Don't change your feeding or sleeping habits. It is easy to want to change them according to your friend's lifestyle. You want to feel carefree and go with the flow. However, this is not good for the baby. If you normally nurse the baby, then don't try to introduce the bottle because you are traveling and it might be uncomfortable for your friends to see you nurse. Just ask for a discrete place and bring a nursing blanket. This will also give you time to bond with your baby regardless of the excitement with friends and family. Try not to introduce any new foods to the bby. His/her stomach might already be a bit upset because he/she is anxious. A normal feeding time with the familiar foods is best. Introducing foods should be done at home in a familiar environment. Since this is foreign to the baby, he/she will probably want to be as close to you as possible. Resist the temptation to allow the baby to sleep on a strange bed in a strange room without you being nearby. Your baby will wake up without any knowledge of his/her surroundings. If you don't feel comfortable sleeping with your baby, at least sleep in the same room. He/she needs to hear your breathing and familiar voice. If he/she cries in the night, you can easily calm the baby if it is close in proximity.

Your baby is not like that wonderful engagement ring, your new car or tattoo of his name on your stomach. It is not a possession that you must proudly show off. Your baby will need some time to get acclimated. Introduce your baby slowly to others and help your friends not to be offended if he/she is in a less than social mood. Don't expect your baby to accommodate your friends. Don't use this time to help your baby become independent. I mean, if the baby starts crying, pick him/her up. This is not the time to reinforce the premise of teaching your baby to calm him/herself. Friends might get annoyed at all of the attention that you are giving the baby. But, you can't ignore the baby's needs because your friends are around. And, many times, your baby does not want a stranger holding him/her. Remember even though your friends and family are important to you, the baby is just getting acquainted with them.

Make sure that you have a variety of medicine, just in case. Bring some baby pain reliever, teething medicine, diaper rash medicine and medicine to calm an upset stomach. Bring some extra wipes and some hand sanitizer, as well. Your baby might experience stress from this visit and it is helpful to understand the effects that this stress might have on his/her body. It is a good idea to be prepared for an upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, the inability to sleep or fatigue.

Visiting with your baby takes lots of preparation. Just planning for that first visit can be overwhelming. These tips won't ensure a fantastic visit with family and friends, but it will make it easier for you and baby and it will provide some groundwork for the next visit. You will get use to all of the preparation and you will notice how much more smoothly yours goes when your cousin or another friend has a baby and does not take these precautions.