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Having a baby comes with a whole lot of responsibilities, no doubt. But these are not pertinent only with the baby. As a new parent, you have to protect your baby from over-excited friends and family who will want to hug, kiss, and cuddle your little one. No doubt, this stems from a place of excitement and love, but during a time like this, it’s best to limit the interaction your baby has with a lot of people. Besides, as a new mom and dad, you are figuring out how to juggle between a new baby, sleep, chores, work, and several other responsibilities that are already too much for you. With the holiday season here, guests, relatives, friends, and family will come to visit you and your baby. Still, it’s crucial that you establish some boundaries that work for you, your partner, and your baby.
How To Establish Healthy Boundaries?
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Setting boundaries with loved ones can be tricky. It’s a sensitive issue that needs to be tread lightly, but it’s essential for you and your baby. So here are a few tips to follow to manage the holiday season with your newborn while maintaining healthy boundaries:
- Discuss Priorities
You and your partner should discuss a list of things that are important for you and your baby. What things should be given priority and what is allowed when it comes to your baby are things you and your partner need to discuss ahead. You have taken on a new role as a mother, and there are things that you would be struggling with. It’s the same with your partner. So communicating what you need with your partner is essential.
- Your Baby Comes First
Your baby is your priority. Make sure that you set aside time for your baby’s schedule. Babies require a fixed routine for feeding, sleeping, bathing, and playing. You might have guests who visit your home to meet your baby, and that might interfere with your little one’s schedule. Therefore, tell them to inform you before visiting rather than dropping by unannounced because there is nothing more important than your baby.
- Set Expectations
It’s essential to set expectations for the people who come to visit your baby. They must wash their hands and ensure that they are not spreading any germs to your baby. Your guests must also be prepared to fend for themselves when they come home. Make them aware. For example, if you want a glass of water, they will have to get one from the kitchen because you might not be able to leave your baby’s side.
- It’s Okay To Say No
It can be hard to say no to visitors, but it would be now if you ever had to start. Managing time once you have a baby can be difficult. Apart from taking care of the baby, you need to set aside some time for yourself to catch up on sleep, rest, and to catch a break. Therefore, there is no harm in telling visitors that it’s not a good time to drop by.
- Managing Grandparents
The bond your baby develops with their grandparents is beautiful and special. Grandparents play a crucial role in a child’s life, and it’s a relationship that cannot be ignored. But that does not mean that you cannot establish boundaries with grandparents. They might get too involved with how you raise your baby, and it’s okay to step in and politely refuse to take their advice. Discuss with your partner how involved you want grandparents to be and set those expectations right from the start.
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Raising a baby is not a walk in the park. It takes dedication, patience, and commitment. You might have to refuse visitors or reschedule your relatives dropping by, and doing that might be uncomfortable. But once you have a baby, nothing is more important than your little one and their comfort. We hope our article helped you. Share this article with your family and friends.
