IYKYK: Why One Mom’s Visitor Boundaries for Her Newborn Went Viral

As a friend, sister, and aunt, I’ve experienced the excitement you get when a loved one calls to tell you that their baby has finally arrived. I recently experienced this, and it’s hard not to rush to their bedside right at that instant. It’s good to respect boundaries—although, I admit, I did look up flights. And as a mom who had a baby in the middle of the pandemic and a child hospitalized with RSV, I completely understand. I don’t want to contribute to giving a baby any germs, especially if a mom asks me not to. These conversations can be a little tricky. Respecting and having visitor boundaries when it comes to newborn babies is a top priority as a person on the other side. After all, newborn babies are the most vulnerable in the first few months of life.

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However, there are some creative ways to introduce a newborn to the family—without introducing all the germs and without completely going into full-on isolation. Summer Jackson’s (@summerrosejackson) sister recently gave birth. As an aunt, she posted on TikTok how her sister introduced her newborn baby to friends and family. With over 2.9 million views and over 6,000 saves, it has people talking. So, if you’re needing a creative way to introduce everyone to your baby—while still respecting your boundaries—consider trying this out.

The Video on How to Introduce a Newborn Baby

In Jackson’s video, her newborn niece is being introduced to her cousins—through a window. The family is seen gathering right outside the home, waving “hello” and talking to them right through the window. Jackson or her sister jokingly says it’s like a “wildlife exhibit.” Her caption reads, “ITS A REAL LIFE ZOO OVER HERE in the best way😅🥹💖.”

Why This Newborn Introduction Is Sweet

Before you think this method of introducing your baby is sad, one TikTok user @kristinaajohnston commented, “To the people who say this is sad: those kids will have YEARS to snuggle this baby. Clearly she is so loved, by a big family. Which is such a blessing. Nothing sad about it. The kids can wait.” Although Jackson’s family can’t physically share all their kisses with her niece just yet, like @uhlisquit said, “All the smudges and hand prints on the window are exactly why 😂 this is so sweet.”

It Shows Visitors Respecting Boundaries

One TikTok user @belenromo90 commented, “The fact that [the] family respected this and still showed up to meet the newest member 🙌🏼” is commendable. “That’s a very supportive [family]🥰,” said TikTok user @nevanov.

Why Some Moms Wait to Introduce Their Newborn

Becoming a mom or bringing a newborn home can be an overwhelming feeling. You’re learning your baby’s sleep schedule, how to feed them, what to do, and so much more. And one of the last things parents want is for their new little bundle of joy to get sick.

Newborn Babies are Vulnerable to Illness

If you are wondering why some moms wait for their newborn to meet friends and family, newborns don’t have a developed immune system to fight off infection. “Babies need at least 12 weeks of protection before they need germs to build their immune system,” said @aubreynvp. According to Dr. Shannon Glenn-Otto, a pediatrician at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, newborns are more susceptible to germs and viruses and recommends parents to consider “having extended family and friends wait two to three months until your baby’s immune system is stronger.”

Sometimes, Waiting Can Be Out of Your Control

Can you really control all the germs? TikTok user @garcia_alfredo pointed out in Jackson’s video, “The other newborn being outside lol,” while Jackson’s newborn niece is inside. @mkilcher responded, “That’s clearly a mom of multiple kids. 😂 Your stress level decreases a LOT more after your first. I learned that I can’t keep my other children away from the newborn. 🤷🏼‍♀️.” As a mom of two, I understand. But like @be.latina stated, “It’s okay to protect our newborn babies! 👏❤️.”

Final Thoughts on Waiting to Meet a Newborn

As a seasoned mom, I think it’s great to acknowledge that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all way on how to navigate visitors meeting your baby. @aquababy077 commented, “Until you become a mother you truly don’t understand this.” What works for you and your family is priority. I’m here to support Jackson’s sister’s decision on supporting her boundaries. We can still support moms’ boundaries and still show up as the village that parents need, which is what we see in Jackson’s video. Like @Lexx💛 said, “Wait this is soooooo cute while respecting boundaries 😭.” The only thing I’m wondering is how long it took to clean off all the smudges and kisses. If they’re still there, I get that, too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant

As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.

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