One of the many challenges facing new parents is navigating the waves of people all wanting to come and visit, see the new baby, help where they can… and sometimes… overstay their welcome!
The question is, when and how do you want your loved ones to visit the new baby and how can you best communicate this with everyone?
Do you prefer short scheduled visits? Are you more the type to want your visitors to kick off their shoes and stay awhile? Or – would you prefer everyone stay away at the beginning all together (perhaps only stopping by if they’re bringing food)? Regardless of how you want baby’s early visits to go, the constant challenge is how to best communicate your preferences.
Here are a few ideas to help you get your message across politely, clearly, and with a firm hand.
Thanks to Etsy (among others), there are 
an absolute multitude of darling handmade signs with messages ranging from “knock softly” to “do not disturb”. By choosing the wording on a door sign, you already are indicating to potential visitors whether or not you prefer company at the moment.
Two of my favs can be found here and here!
If you don’t want any visitors at all (especially unannounced), say so! Post a sign at the door with any necessary info and keep it fun. One great idea I read suggested a message like, “The baby would love to see you, but her parents really need a nap, a feeding, and a time out. Call for an appointment. Preference will be given to visitors bearing meals.”
One last creative solution – try a whiteboard at the door. Post a time for “visiting hours”, and encourage people to leave a note on the whiteboard to let you know they stopped by. Plus – this allows you to change your message easily and as often as you like as your preferences for visits change.
Most importantly – just tell your friends and family what you prefer. Odds are, most people will respect that and try to keep things as easy as possible for you!
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