Why It's Ok to Say No to Someone Holding Your Newborn Baby

When you have a baby, it seems like everyone wants to hold them. Friends, family members, and even strangers all want to get their hands on your new little one. While it's certainly flattering that people are so interested in your baby, you don't always have to say yes when someone offers to hold them. In fact, there are times when it's perfectly ok to say no. If you're not comfortable with someone holding your baby, or if you just don't feel like giving them up for a while, don't be afraid to speak up!

​Here are a few times when it's ok to say no to someone holding your baby:
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• If you don't know the person well: If you're not comfortable with someone you don't know very well holding your baby, there's no shame in saying so. In fact, it's probably best to err on the side of caution in this case.
• If they're not being gentle: Newborns are fragile, and it's important that they're handled with care. If you see that someone is being too rough with your baby or not being gentle enough, it's ok to ask them to hand them back.
• If they aren't vaccinated against whooping cough : Whooping cough is a serious illness that can be deadly for newborns. If someone hasn't been vaccinated against it, they shouldn't be holding your baby until your baby has had the chance to be vaccinated.
• If they have a coldsore: Cold sores are a common and contagious infection that can be dangerous for newborns. If someone has a cold sore, they shouldn't be holding your baby.
• If you're just not feeling it: Sometimes you might not feel like giving your baby up, even to a close friend or family member. There's no shame in that! You're the only one who knows what's best for your baby, so if you don't feel comfortable with someone holding them, say no.
• If you're just not ready: Having a baby is a big adjustment, and it's normal to feel like you need some time to get used to parenthood before you're comfortable sharing your baby with others. If you're not ready to let someone else hold your baby, don't hesitate to say so!

The bottom line is that it's ok to say no to someone holding your baby if you're not comfortable with it. You know your baby best, and you should always do what feels right for both of you.

Saying no doesn't have to be rude or ungrateful. Just explain that you're not comfortable - most people will understand, or make a polite excuse. You can always say that they're due for a feed or sleep, or say that you aren't letting anyone hold them until a certain amount of weeks. Remember, it's your baby and you have the right to make decisions about who holds them!
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As long as you're honest with yourself and others about why you're saying no, there's no reason to feel guilty or uncomfortable. Remember that your baby is precious and deserves the best possible care - which includes being in the arms of those who love them most. Hold your ground mama - you'll never regret loving your baby!