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Keep Your Germs Away from Newborns!
When my little ones were infants, I wasn’t one of those parents who bathed them daily, and if it wasn’t freezing outside, I’d often skip the newborn hat (I know, I know!). Sometimes their nails were a bit too long, leaving scratches on their delicate faces, and I wasn’t always diligent about wiping off every last bit of spit-up (on them or me).
I never subscribed to the idea that a baby should be confined to a germ-free bubble for the first three months. Seriously, how would that work with more than one kid? But one rule I stuck to was this: “Keep your germs to yourself!” I carried my baby in a sling everywhere, partly because they were clingy little Velcro babies, but also to shield them from well-meaning adults who thought it was okay to swoop in, scoop up my baby, and shower them with unsolicited kisses.
I get it. Babies are adorable, irresistible little bundles of joy. But here’s the deal: don’t touch a newborn without asking first. Don’t pick them up without washing your hands. And for goodness’ sake, don’t slobber all over them or sneeze in their direction and play it off as allergies or some other flimsy excuse.
And here’s the kicker: if you show up at my door with “just a cold” or “a little tickle in your throat,” you better believe you’re getting turned away. No exceptions. If there’s a newborn in the house, you need to be in tip-top shape to come inside.
You might think your sniffle is harmless, but that “nothing” cold could land a newborn in the hospital, and that’s no joke. Your immune system has had years to toughen up, but babies haven’t had that luxury. What seems like a mild cold for you could be a serious threat to a newborn, risking conditions like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which could require medical intervention just to keep that baby breathing.
Don’t just take my word for it; experts agree. Pediatrician Dr. Amy Johnson notes that infections can escalate quickly in small infants. For this reason, taking extra precautions during the first few months—sometimes up to six months—is crucial.
Of course, no matter how careful you are, life happens. Your older child might bring home a nasty cold, and it’s nearly impossible to keep them away from the baby. I have a friend whose one-week-old baby ended up in the hospital because of germs brought home from a sibling. Thankfully, such incidents are rare, and most babies get through just fine (even though it terrifies their parents). But why risk it when a simple solution exists: stay away from newborns if you’re under the weather?
As much of a germaphobe as I may be, I do think it’s essential for kids to be exposed to germs as they grow older. Once they’re mobile, there’s little you can do to prevent them from crawling around and licking whatever they find. However, this exposure usually happens when they’re better equipped to handle it—after they’ve received some vaccinations.
Until that time comes, please keep your germs away from newborns. If you’re even a little bit sick, stay home and recuperate. Trust me, it’s for the best.
For more tips on navigating the world of parenting and all things related, check out this post on home insemination. And if you’re looking to enhance fertility, Make a Mom has some excellent resources. For a deeper dive into pregnancy and home insemination, Progyny offers valuable insights.
Summary
In summary, keeping your newborn safe from germs is crucial. Parents should enforce strict hygiene rules for visitors and ensure that only healthy individuals come into contact with their infants. The first few months are a critical time for a baby’s immune system, and even mild illnesses can have serious consequences.