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By
Elizabeth Pantley, Author of Gentle Baby Care
Babies
love new places! There’s so much to investigate and new things to
touch. But many people aren’t too happy to have your little one
crawling or toddling freely about the house exploring everything in
sight. While you think its adorable that Baby found the Tupperware,
your host may not think it’s cute that her tidy cabinet has been
rearranged by sticky baby hands. If your host has a big heart she’ll
let you know that your baby’s exploring is okay. But even then, you
run the risk of your baby breaking or losing something.
Bring
toys!
The
best thing you can do is bring along a bag of toys to seize your
child’s attention. You can purchase new items, or dig through your
baby’s toy box to put together a collection of forgotten favorites.
Avoid bringing loud toys that may annoy others, and bring toys that
will hold your baby’s attention for a long time.
Bring
your own supplies
Think
about things that keep your baby happy at home or in the car, and
bring these with you, such as your sling, a favorite blanket, a
Boppy pillow, or a special lovey. If you are prepared, then your
baby will be more content.
Safety
issues
Visits
with a mobile baby are tricky, especially if you’re at a home that
isn’t childproof. If you want to avoid physically shadowing your
baby around the house, bring a few safety tools, such as outlet
plugs and a folding baby gate to section off stairways. When you
arrive, assess the area and ask if chemicals, medications, or
fragile vases can be put away during your visit. Remember that
you’re certain to miss some hazards, so keep a close eye on Baby
during your entire visit.
Food
and eating
Whether your baby is new to solid food or has been eating it for a
while, bring along a few favorites. If you don’t bring snacks with
you, your baby may not touch the dinner that’s served and may cry
for her favorite crackers. In any case, don’t feel you must push
your baby to try something new to the point of a temper tantrum.
Politely requesting something simple like toast or cheese is
perfectly okay and will be welcomed more than a loud and tense test
of parent/child wills.
What
if you’re breastfeeding and your baby is hungry?
Do
what comes naturally: Feed him! Breastfeeding is the most natural
way to feed a baby. If your hosts aren’t used to seeing a mother
breastfeed, then you’re doing our world a favor by introducing one
more person to the beauty of baby feeding. Be thoughtful about
other’s sensitivities. This doesn’t mean you need to hide, but your
efforts to be discreet are a courtesy for those around you and may
help others feel more comfortable about seeing you breastfeeding
your baby. Using a sling, blanket or nursing shirt are easy ways to
accomplish this.
Changing Diapers
Bring
a changing pad; this will protect the surface you’re using. If you
don’t have a pad, ask for a towel. Ask where your host prefers that
you change the baby, or suggest a location: “Do you mind if I lay
the towel on your bed to change the baby?”
Bring
along (or ask to use) plastic bags to store messy diapers. Make sure
that they are sealed so that they don’t create odors. If you use
disposables, put used diapers in a sealed bag and offer to take them
out to the trash. People don’t like stinky diapers in their bathroom
trash.
Sleeping and napping
If
your little one sleeps in a cradle or crib you may want to bring
along a portable crib. If you don’t have one, or if you co-sleep at
home, this is a time when “anything goes.” If your baby will sleep
in your arms, then go ahead and enjoy an in-arms nap. If your baby
is flexible, put a blanket on the floor and set up a sleeping nest.
Don’t leave Baby alone, since the area probably isn’t childproof.
A
great nap solution is to bring your car seat into the house and
strap your baby in securely, or fashion a bed from a large box or an
empty dresser drawer. Keep your baby close by or check on her
frequently.
For
co-sleepers, your first order of business is to create a safe
sleeping place. Inspect the furniture placement in the bedroom. If
you know that pushing the bed against the wall would make the
situation safer for your baby, then politely explain to your host.
Let her know that you’ll move it back before you leave (and then
remember to do so).
Be
prepared for anything
Life
with a baby is filled with surprises. Take a deep breath, and do
your best to keep your baby content....and if things don’t go as
well as you’d hoped, remind yourself that “This too shall pass.”
Show
your appreciation
If
you’ve had an overnight stay, if your host is helpful, or if you
made special requests during your stay, remember to send a thank you
note that expresses your appreciation.
This
article is an excerpt from Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth
Pantley. (McGraw-Hill, 2003)
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