By Elizabeth Pantley
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 bab'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 others sensitivities. This doesn't mean you need to hide, but your efforts to be discreet are a courtesy for those around you.
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.
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