From newborn introductions and their first birthday party to morning playdates and family get-togethers, there are many opportunities for friends and family to take pictures of your child and — within moments — share them online.

Nearly all the time, at least when it comes to family and friends, this is done with love.

If you're like me, and you have chosen not to post photos of your kiddo (or faces, at least), you see that little notification you or your child has been "tagged" or perhaps you scroll by it in your News Feed, and all of a sudden your heart sinks.

In a previous blog, I shared a few thoughts about what you can do in this type of situation (check out, "When it comes to your kid's pic online, speak now or forever hold your peace - but do it politely").

Today, I want to help parents be proactive about letting others know before an image of their child posts or shares. And also avoid that whole "sinking heart" thing.

Remember: If you do not share your wishes, no one will ever know. It's up to us adults to let others know children’s photos should not be posted online.

--> Please feel free to share and pass along to any expecting friends or family, or other parents with young children, who might find this useful.

And if you're struggling with how to "naturally" post these graphics, think about doing so before baby is born, prior to a child's birthday party or baptism, ahead of a special get-together you are hosting, etc. Below is a sample message that can go along with these graphics. You could also send it as an email/text before the event, or even include it in invitations or birth announcements.

If you have other ideas, feel free to share those, as well!

"Hey, family and friends! As we head into [insert ‘event’ such as your child's birthday, family holiday, etc.], just a friendly reminder that I/we prefer to keep [insert child's name]'s online profile to a minimum for safety and privacy reasons. Thanks in advance for keeping photos of him/her off social media and helping me/us keep his/her online footprint small. Please feel free to send any pics my way via [insert preferred mode such as email, text, shared drive or other] and I'll do the same for you!"

1. Expecting parents asking others not to mention when baby is here on social media (1 of 2).

2. Expecting parents asking others not to mention when baby is here on social media (2 of 2).

3. Parents who wish to tell others, "Pics are fine, but please ... let my child choose when to put his or her smiling face online."

4. Parents asking others, "Do not post your photos online."

5. Parents who wish to keep their child's face offline.

Here's another example of how some parents may wish to ask family and friends to hold off on posting about the new baby. Via The Birthing Tree's Facebook Page:

Birth announcements.

Friends and family won't know not to say anything, or that it's a big deal to you, if you don't warn them beforehand. Feel free to share this graphic to gently let them know you'd like to announce your baby's arrival first -- and on your own timing.

Tag a pregnant mama you know who might find this useful. ♡