How to Arrange Custody for a Newborn in New Jersey

Deciding on how to split the custody of your children is always difficult as neither parent likes the idea of losing time with the children. It is especially difficult when you are dealing with the custody of a newborn. A newborn needs stability in his life and requires more care than an older child. The judge in a custody case involving a newborn needs to consider the ability to care for the baby, bonding and stability.

Instructions

1

Consider how the newborn baby is fed. If the baby is breastfeeding it is unrealistic to expect the baby to spend more than a couple of hours away from her mother. The only exception is if the mother is able to pump milk and the baby is capable of drinking from a bottle. Some babies do not transition well and some mothers are unsuccessful with pumping. Newborn babies who drink formula or breast milk from a bottle can handle longer visits but should still have daily contact with the primary caregiver.

2

Determine which parent is better able to provide a consistent schedule for the baby. Newborn babies are beginning to establish bonds and require a routine to thrive. Any visitation that is given to the other parent should be consistent to allow the baby to develop a routine.

3

Evaluate the parenting abilities of both parents. Many mothers naturally fall into the tasks required for caring for a baby, while many fathers must work at these tasks. However, just because fathers typically have to work at these tasks does not mean he is not capable of caring for a newborn.

4

Set up frequent, shorter visitation times. Newborn babies have short attention spans. Three-hour visits spread over three days are better than allowing one visit a week for nine hours.

5

Allow the baby's father to visit in your own home if you are comfortable. This allows the baby to maintain stability and familiarity while establishing a relationship with her other parent.

6

Arrange for visits to become longer and less frequent as the baby gets older. The visitation set with a newborn will no longer be appropriate as the baby ages, even at six months or a year old. Setting up a step-up visitation plan ensures that you do not have to return to court in the future to modify the visitation plan.