All Topics > Family > The new mom's guide to handling houseguests >

The new mom's guide to handling houseguests New Jersey

During pregnancy, you probably fantasize about the few days after delivery when you can show off your baby to a slew of family and friends.

Local Companies

Maximillian Boutique
(201) 395-1670
107 Christopher Columbus DR
Jersey City, NJ

A B A Pediatric
(201) 386-0353
341 4th St
Jersey City, NJ

Horizon Health Center
(201) 451-6300
710 Bergen Ave
Jersey City, NJ

Levinson Franklin N Dpm
(201) 963-5557
142 Palisade Ave
Jersey City, NJ

Hudson Podiatry Center
(201) 792-6444
3630 John F Kennedy Blvd
Jersey City, NJ

Isaac Michael R Dpm
(201) 459-1177
216 Palisade Ave
Jersey City, NJ

Medical Dental
(201) 435-0504
8 Baldwin Ave
Jersey City, NJ

Li'l Inspirations
908-369-5840
Hillsborough
Hillsborough, NJ

Buttigheri Foot Care Center
(201) 653-7030
2761 John F Kennedy Blvd
Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City Pediatrics
(201) 420-1317
1 Journal Sq
Jersey City, NJ

The New Mom's Guide to Handling Houseguests

By Kristyn Kusek

During pregnancy, you probably fantasize about the few days after delivery when you can show off your baby to a slew of family and friends. But after the big day arrives, it's hardly uncommon to realize that the last thing your exhausted body needs is a houseful of well-wishers. Here's how to handle in-house visits, courtesy of Lauri Berkenkamp, author of Go Parents! (Nomad Press) parenting guides:

Be prepared
Organize extra linens and towels for overnight guests. Also, make a list of chores that will be tough to get done once the baby's born. When mom asks how she can pitch in, you can hand her the list instead of shrugging your shoulders.
Make overnight guests work for room and board
If close relatives or family friends stay at the house after your delivery, make it clear ahead of time that you will be enlisting their help, and they won't be allowed to simply "ooh and ahhh" over the baby while you cater to them.
Be proactive instead of reactive by setting rules
Before you suddenly find your house overrun with relatives, friends, the entire neighborhood (and their kids!), set some ground rules for "baby visitation time." Berkenkamp says, "Let close in-house guests, like your mother, be the enforcer." Some good boundaries to set: Guests shouldn't bring their kids along unless you're sure you won't have to watch after them; no visits are allowed during "transition times" such as when your partner gets home from work; guests shouln't expect to be fed when they arrive.
Be flexible -- and expect the same from your guests
A new baby means there's little you can predict in your household, so don't try to plan visits out too much. Even if you've arranged for a friend to come by at a specific time, ask her to call first; you never know when you might end up awake all night with the baby -- and comatose when it's time for your pal's AM visit.

Top

About The Author

Kristyn Kusek is a regular contributor to Your Baby Today. She's also written for Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Parenting, The New York Times, and Lifetime TV Online.

Featured Local Company

Maximillian Boutique

(201) 395-1670
107 Christopher Columbus DR
Jersey City, NJ

Read more about The new mom's guide to handling houseguests

- Outings with Dad New Jersey

To ensure the time dad spends with the kids is not only fun but seemingly easy for him to pull off on his own, careful planning is crucial. Here are some tips to get started

- How to make bed rest bearable New Jersey
- Soothing Baby Music New Jersey
- A man's guide to surviving holiday shopping New Jersey
- New mom's guide to baby laundry New Jersey
- A new mom's guide to getting the sleep she needs New Jersey
- Holiday shopping on a budget New Jersey
- Finding Activities for Children New Jersey
- Extraordinary Easter Egg Hunts New Jersey
- Baby Boy Clothes New Jersey

Regional Articles

- Soothing Baby Music New Jersey

Choosing music for your newborn is easy and fun. Here are a few tips to get you started building your library of soothing baby music.

- Baby Boy Clothes New Jersey
- A new mom's guide to getting the sleep she needs New Jersey
- Extraordinary Easter Egg Hunts New Jersey
- New mom's guide to baby laundry New Jersey
- Outings with Dad New Jersey
- A man's guide to surviving holiday shopping New Jersey
- Finding Activities for Children New Jersey
- Holiday shopping on a budget New Jersey
- How to make bed rest bearable New Jersey

Related Local Event

Sports Card, Comic Book, Beanie & Toy Expo
Dates: 7/3/2009 - 7/5/2009
Location: Wildwoods Convention Center
Wildwood, NJ
View Details

Advertising	Food & Beverage	Nightlife
Business Services	Franchise	Online Database
Career	Health	Pets
Cars	Holidays	Real Estate Resources
Computer Hardware	Home Appliances	Retail & Consumer Services
Construction	Home Electronics	Software
Education	Home Services	Technology
Entertainment	Industrial Goods & Services	Telecommunications
Environmental	Insurance	Trade Shows
Family	Internet	Travel
Fashion	Legal	Weddings
Financial Services	Miscellaneous	World History

Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History