Setting Boundaries with Visitors

Having a new baby is exciting for the whole family! Everyone wants to meet the new baby as soon as they possibly can. This excitement is absolutely understandable, but this time can also be quite stressful for the parents. Whether this is a first baby, or if baby was welcomed by several siblings, a new baby always bring a change from previous routines and a need for rest and recuperation.

Setting boundaries with well-intentioned through the first few days or weeks can be a healthy way to ensure the family is able to recover and bond as needed. It can feel difficult to set new boundaries, especially with family members. It’s important to remember that boundaries are not placed to harm your relationship or to cause feelings of harm to your family and friends. The intention is to help ensure that your new family has time to bond and recover from the overwhelm that birth often brings.

Parents may choose to share their chosen guidelines ahead of time, whether directly or through social media posts. I’ve attached a free, printable door sign and social media graphic of guidelines below; feel free to share!

What boundaries or guidelines did you set postpartum? Let us know in the comments; your ideas may help other new families choose their own!

Kids Eat FREE (or Cheap) Around Columbia

Did you know that many local restaurants offer Kids Eat Free (or cheap) nights? These nights can be great budget helpers for families who want to enjoy a meal out. 

Here is a list we've compiled. Know of anyone we're missing? Please let us know! 

*Generally, each of these deals does require the purchase of an adult meal. Many use 12 years old as the cut off, but age restrictions may vary by restaurant.*

Applebees
Kids eat for $0.99 on Tuesdays after 4pm. 

Atlanta Bread
One child eats free after 4pm per purchased adult entree

Beef O’Brady’s
Kids eat free on Tuesdays between 4pm-8pm

Bogarts
Kids eat free after 6pm.

Buffalo Wild Wings
One child eats for $1.99 between 4pm – 9pm per purchased adult meal

Captain D’s
Kids eat for $0.99 

Carolina Ale House
Kids eat for $0.99 on Tuesdays between 5pm-10pm

Carolina Grill
Free buffet for kids 4 and under

Carolina Wings
Kids eat for $1.99 on Tuesdays between 4pm-10pm 

Denny’s Restaurant
803-781-7422
342 Harbison Blvd, Irmo
Kids eat free Tuesdays and Saturdays from 4pm – 10pm

East Bay Deli
Kids eat free on Wednesdays

Fatz Cafe
Kids eat free after 4pm

Firehouse Subs
Kid’s meals are $0.99 on Wednesday and Sundays. 

Fuddrucker’s
Kids eat for $0.99 on Mondays & Thursdays

Fusion Bowl
Kids eat for $0.99 on Saturdays

Hudson’s Smokehouse BBQ
Kids eat free on Wednesdays; drink is not included

Knead Pizza
Kids eat for $0.99

McAlister’s Deli
Kids eat free Tuesdays after 5pm

Mellow Mushroom
Kids get a free slice of pizza and a pretzel on Wednesdays after 4pm

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids eat for free OR $0.99 on Tuesdays, price depends on location. 

O’Charley’s
Kids eat free ALL DAY!

Pawley’s Front Porch
Kids eat for $1 after 4pm

Red Bowl
Kids eat for $0.99 on Saturdays

Ruby Tuesday
Kids eat free after 5pm

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
Kids eat free on Mondays after 5pm

Shealy's BBQ
Kids eat free or with a discount (depending on age) Tuesdays-Saturdays

Smashburger
Kids eat free on Wednesdays

Sure Fire Tacos and Tortilla Grill
One child eats free per qualifying adult purchase

Texas Roadhouse
Kids eat hotdogs with mac & cheese for $0.99 between 5pm – 8pm

Tijuana Flats
Kids eat free on Sundays

Uno Chicago Grill
Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 3pm

Urban Cookhouse
Kids eat free on Mondays between 4pm-8pm

Which Wich
Kids eat free on Thursdays; *not all locations participate*

Zaxby’s
(LEXINGTON) - Kids eat free on Tuesdays from 5pm-9pm; Dine in Only
(IRMO) Kids eat free on Wednesdays from 5pm-9pm; Dine in Only

FREE Printable Hospital Packing List

Deciding what to pack in your hospital bag can be a daunting thought for many parents. Here is our list to get you started! Check here for the printable file. 

For Mom

• Insurance and ID card

• Birth plan, if you have one

• Cell phone and charger

• A couple pairs of comfy socks (the hospital also has non-slip socks)

• 2-3 bras (Nursing bras without underwire are great!)

• If planning to breastfeed:

  • Nursing pads

  • Lanolin cream

  • Nursing cover (if desired for visitors)

• Chapstick or lip balm (labor tends to cause dry lips)

• Toiletries

  • Toothbrush, tooth paste, deodorant, hair brush

• Contact lenses, case, and cleaning solution or glasses if needed

• Elastic pony tail holder and/or headband

• Mints, gum, or hard candy to keep mouth moist

• Snacks or Change for vending machine

• Camera, memory card, extra battery or charger cable

• Pillow and comfy blanket, if you want specific ones from home

• Comfy pajamas

• Change of clothes and toiletries for partner or other family member

• Music and a way to play the music (plus batteries or charger)

• Slippers and/or flip flops

• Any medications you need daily

• Book or Magazines if you want to read

• Pen and notebook

For Baby

• Car seat, already installed in the car

• 2-3 onesies (helpful to bring newborn and 0-3 size)

• Soft blanket for the ride home

• Weather appropriate gear (socks, snowsuit, hat, mittens, etc.)

For After the Delivery

• Change of clothes to go home in

  • NOT pre-pregnancy clothes! You will probably still need maternity clothes for now

• Extra large, loose underwear

• Maxi Pads (the hospital has these as well)

Extras, If Desired

• Hair dryer

• Makeup

• At least one pack of Depends Underwear (they may be more comfy for postpartum bleeding than hospital undies)

• Robe or nightgown if you do not want the hospital gown

• Massage tools, oil, or tennis balls

• Dermoplast spray or witch hazel pads (for comfort postpartum)

• Flushable wipes (may be more comfortable than regular TP)

• Baby book (some nurses will do footprints directly in the book!)

• Extra snacks for the nurses is always a pleasant surprise