15 essential rules for visiting a newborn during this holiday season

Canva/Motherly
6. Don't kiss the baby.
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The holidays are a time for joy, family, and togetherness – especially when there’s a new baby in the mix. But for parents navigating their first holiday season with a newborn, the risk of germs and illness can turn festive gatherings into a source of stress. With RSV, flu, and other viruses on the rise, it’s more important than ever to approach visits with care and respect for the parents’ wishes.
I know you love the new parents and baby and want the absolute best for them. It’s just that when there’s a new baby, extra precautions are always necessary—but especially during the winter cold and flu (and other viruses) season.
How to support new parents while keeping the baby safe
1. Get vaccinated
If you haven’t yet, vaccinating yourself against Covid and flu (and RSV and Tdap if you’re a grandparent or caregiver with frequent access to the baby) is the best method for preventing illness in a newborn. Because infants aren’t eligible to get a flu shot until 6 months of age (and Covid vaccines start at 6 months and up), it’ll provide a baseline of safety that I’m sure the parents will be ever-grateful for.
It’s also important to remember that you’re not fully vaccinated against Covid (or flu) until two weeks after your final dose, so making an appointment ahead of time can mean you’ll be ready once the holidays roll around.
2. Wash your hands
This is always important—but even more so now. The holidays are smack in the middle of the cold and flu season. And new babies are particularly susceptible to illnesses—they likely haven’t had vaccines yet, and their tiny immune systems are just firing up.
Combine all of these factors, and you get parents who are anxious about germs. Reduce their stress level by washing your hands without them having to ask. A simple, “let me just wash my hands before I pick up the baby” will show them that you are aware of the concern and doing your part—and that means they’ll be more willing to give you plenty of baby-snuggle time.
And now to be the real Scrooge: If you’re sick, please stay home. Passing an infection to an adult is one thing, but it can genuinely be life-threatening to a newborn.
3. Don’t kiss the baby
Pediatricians tell new parents not to let other people kiss their newborns. Kissing is one of the easiest ways to pass an illness on to a baby (even when you don’t have any symptoms yet). The parents are likely feeling awkward about this—they do not want to ask you not to kiss the baby.
So, do them a favor and say, “I won’t kiss them, I promise.” If they do ask or need to remind you (we get it, the baby is SO kissable!), please try not to be offended. It’s not you at all.
4. Respect the sleep schedule—yes, it really is that important
It can be tempting to want to throw schedules and routines to the wind during the holidays. But for parents of new babies, it may not be a possibility. These new parents know all too well that skipping that nap and delaying bedtime (by even 20 minutes) can wreak total havoc on their baby’s sleep and the parents’ well-being.
Support new parents as they hold firm to their routine. Don’t ask them to “relax” or “break the rules just this once.” Instead, offer to help them in their routine! Maybe you can assist with the baby’s bath, or even take a feeding. Instant family hero.
5. Don’t comment on how she feeds her baby
Feeding choices are personal. Whether she’s breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or both, trust that she’s made the best decision for her family. Avoid comments unless she brings it up – and if she does, offer support, not criticism.
Here are a few comments to avoid:
- “Why aren’t you breastfeeding?”
- “You’re not going to breastfeed until they’re a toddler, are you?”
- “Are you sure you’re giving them enough milk? The baby looks small.”
Here are a few great comments (if she brings it up first):
- “Oh, my baby had colic, too! We loved this style of bottles for that.”
- “Where would you feel most comfortable feeding the baby? There’s a comfy chair right here, or you can use my bedroom upstairs.”
6. Anticipate last-minute changes
Babies and unpredictability go hand-in-hand. Feeds, diaper blow-outs, fussiness and the inevitable “wait, I thought you packed the diaper bag” moments are bound to happen.
Keep in mind that there’s a good chance that new parents will be late, or have to leave early; or both. They may also need to escape for bits of time throughout the event. Remember that this is stressful for a new parent, so do your best to respond with understanding and grace. They will appreciate your compassion.
7. Consider your gifts
I know, I KNOW! There is nothing more fun than shopping for a new baby. By all means, go for it, with a few considerations.
- Check their registry. If the baby was born recently, there’s a good chance there are still un-purchased items on the registry. Check there first so you can be sure to get a gift that they really need.
- Size-up. You are not the only person who has been excited to shop for this new baby! She may have drawers full of clothing with the tags still on them. If you want to buy sweet baby clothes, buy a few sizes too big so that the baby can grow into them.
- Ask. Surprises are such fun, but new parents are often pretty strapped for cash—there may be something they really need but can’t afford. So instead of going for that adorable-but-not-super-necessary blanket, text the new parents and ask what they might need.
- Consider the parents. Let’s be honest, the baby has no idea when you’ve given them a gift. Do you know who does? The parents. Instead of buying the baby something, what about getting the parents something that they may not treat themselves to? Let them know you’re thinking about them too, and that they are still important (albeit not as cute as the baby).
Related: Pregnancy’s hidden superpower: scientists discover natural flu defense that protects moms and babies
8. Give the new baby and mama some space
Some new mamas may want to be in a constant cocoon of love and support. Others may feel a bit overstimulated and crave some downtime. If you notice that the new mom and her baby have separated from the group, you can definitely check on them (in fact, it would be a nice gesture to do so).
But then, give them some space.
The new mom may need a few moments of quiet, or she may be trying to give her baby a break from the noise and stimulation. They’ll come back to join you soon, recharged and ready for more attention.
9. Offer help, but don’t overwhelm
While it’s tempting to jump in and offer to hold the baby or assist with chores, remember that new parents may not be ready for extra help or interruptions. Respect their space and only offer assistance when appropriate. Instead of just saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” try offering specific help, like “I’d love to grab groceries for you” or “Can I help with folding laundry?” This gives them the chance to say yes without feeling overwhelmed, while also allowing them to maintain control over their day-to-day routine.
10. Remember her
A good friend spent her first Christmas as a mama at her in-laws. She had a great time, but after she went upstairs to nurse the baby and came back down, she found that they had opened almost all of the presents without her.
No one wants to eat cold food and delaying present opening can be tough. But remember that new moms often feel invisible, so do what you can to make sure the new mom feels included. Wait a few extra minutes so that she can be involved with as much of the festivity as possible. Ask her questions about her, not just the baby.
Let her know that she’s still important, as a person, not just the baby’s mama.
Related: Is it the flu, RSV, a cold, allergies or Covid?
11. Limit the number of people who hold the baby at one time
Rotating only a few trusted people through close contact with your newborn helps lower the risk of virus transmission. Even well-meaning relatives can unintentionally pass along germs that are more dangerous for infants. By creating a small circle of “holders,” you can keep the baby’s environment more controlled and manageable. It also ensures the baby isn’t overstimulated and allows parents to monitor who is interacting closely at all times.
12. Disinfect high-touch surfaces before and during visits
Viruses like RSV and flu can survive on doorknobs, tables, toys, and other surfaces that guests touch throughout the day. Wiping down these surfaces before visitors arrive and periodically during longer visits helps reduce the chance of indirect transmission. Parents don’t need to go overboard, but a quick clean of shared spaces can make a meaningful difference. Keeping hand sanitizer or wipes nearby also encourages guests to clean their hands before holding or touching the baby.
13. Ask visitors to arrive freshly dressed or leave “outside clothes” at the door
Even clothing can carry germs picked up in public spaces, so having guests change into clean clothes or cover outer layers with a fresh layer reduces potential exposure. This simple step is particularly helpful after someone has been in crowded areas like grocery stores, offices, or public transportation. It also provides peace of mind for new parents trying to protect a fragile immune system. Combined with handwashing and masking, it creates a more controlled, safer environment for the newborn.
14. Consider RSV protection for your baby
Talk with your pediatrician about new preventive options for RSV, including monoclonal antibodies like nirsevimab, which can help protect infants during their first months. RSV can be especially dangerous for newborns, causing serious respiratory illness that sometimes requires hospitalization. While not every baby will need this intervention, asking your pediatrician ensures you understand whether your child is eligible. Taking preventive measures alongside careful visitor management gives families extra peace of mind during cold and flu season.
15. When in doubt, ask visitors to wear masks during close contact
Still nervous? Even healthy friends and family can carry respiratory viruses without showing symptoms, so having visitors wear a well-fitting mask while holding or leaning over the baby adds an important layer of protection. Masks are especially important during cold and flu season, when RSV, flu, and COVID-19 circulate more widely. This simple precaution helps reduce the tiny newborn’s exposure to potentially serious illnesses. Pairing masking with handwashing makes the visit safer for everyone, while still allowing bonding time.
Related: This family is at war over relatives lip-kissing each other. Who’s in the wrong?
A version of this post was originally published on Nov. 16, 2020. It has been updated.

















































































