Do...
Show up at the hospital with balloons and fresh flowers.
Volunteer to babysit.
Pick up baby when he/she's crying.
Use the hand sanitizer, soap or whatever else Mom asks you to before holding the baby.
Change diapers.
Remind Mom that she doesn't have to do it all on her own.
Plan to visit your new newborn niece or nephew on a semi-regular basis.
Try to act normal when your sister-in-law is breastfeeding in front of you.
Say the baby's cute—even if you think she looks like a mini version of an old man.
Don't...
Arrive an hour after the baby's born, madly shooting away with your Canon.
Be surprised or upset if they say no.
Expect the baby to stop crying.
Make a face and go on a rant saying it's no wonder kids have allergies, they're not exposed to germs anymore.
Complain about it.
Repeat it over and over. She heard you the first time!
"Pop-by" every day (or sans food for the tired parents!).
Make up some reason to leave the room or stare at the floor.
Say she looks just like Grandpa...especially when she does that li'l baby sneeze.
-- The Nest Editors
Jan 20, 2011
See More: Family & In-Laws