What’s the etiquette when meeting a baby?

Lots of good advice here but one thing I've not seen mentioned yet is breastfeeding/ bottle feeding etiquette. At 6 months old, they'll still be getting the majority of their nutrition from breastfeeding/ bottle feeding. Things to remember for breastfed babies: - If mum starts breastfeeding baby while you're chatting, you don't need to look away unless she asks, just carry on looking at her face and don't stare at her boobs at it'll be fine. - Some mums are pretty slick at breastfeeding by 6 months old and can get baby on the boob without missing a beat in the conversation. Some will still find it a faff (I was in the latter category). If mum is having a faff getting baby on the boob, pause the conversation long enough for her to do so then carry on when she seems ready. When my little one was that age, if anyone was chatting she wouldn't latch on because she'd want to look at them and then she'd still be fussy because she was hungry. I'd feel really rude having to ask people to pause for a second so I could latch her on and then I'd stress that they'd think I was bad at breastfeeding. - If mum talks about any difficulties breastfeeding then saying something like "that sounds really tough, you're doing really well" is much better than "have you considered formula?" Everyone knows formula exists, mum has chosen breastfeeding for her own reasons, let her talk about the difficulties without invalidating her choice. If baby is bottle fed then I've not got personal experience but hearing from friends who have bottle fed: - Most parents by 6 months old will be slick at making up a bottle while still holding baby but it doesn't hurt to offer to hold baby while mum makes up a bottle, most things are easier two handed! - Feeding is a bonding experience for parents and baby. Be careful not to muscle in on that. If mum offers to let you give baby a bottle and you feel comfortable doing it then great! But otherwise don't push to feed baby yourself, this is a baby, not a lamb feeding experience at the local farm - DO NOT make any comments along the lines of "it's a shame you couldn't breastfeed". Invalidate feeding choice is one of the most upsetting things you can do to a new parent even if you don't mean it to be I think all other baby etiquette things have been covered in other comments so not going to repeat any. Good luck and have fun! 😊