When my children were little, I wasn’t the type to bathe them daily. If the weather was mild, I often skipped the newborn hat (I know, I know, a total faux pas!). Their nails sometimes grew too long, leaving scratches on their delicate faces, and I didn’t always manage to wipe off every bit of spit-up from their clothes—or mine, for that matter.
I never subscribed to the notion that a baby should remain secluded in a sterile home for the first three months. With multiple kids, that just isn’t feasible! However, there was one principle I held dear: “Keep your germs away from my baby!” I often carried my little one in a baby carrier, not just for the closeness, but to protect them from well-meaning adults who felt entitled to scoop them up and smother them with kisses.
I understand the allure—babies are irresistibly adorable. But please, don’t touch a newborn without permission, and certainly don’t hold them without washing your hands first. Avoid showering them with kisses or sneezing near them while pretending it’s just allergies.
Here’s the deal: if you arrive at my door with “just a cold” or “a tickle in your throat,” don’t expect to be welcomed inside. No excuses will cut it. If there’s a newborn in the house, you must be in perfect health to visit. You might think your mild sniffle is insignificant, but it could land a newborn in serious trouble.
Unlike adults, babies don’t have robust immune systems. A simple virus, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), may seem trivial for you, but it can be life-threatening for an infant, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, emphasizes that infections can escalate quickly in young babies and that extra precautions should be taken during their first few months.
Of course, accidents happen. A toddler might bring home a cold, and despite your best efforts, keeping them away from the baby can be impossible. A friend of mine had to rush her week-old baby to the hospital due to germs from an older sibling—a terrifying experience, though most babies recover without complications.
But why risk it? It’s simple: just stay away from newborns if you’re feeling unwell. While I may be a bit of a germaphobe, I do recognize that as children grow, exposure to germs becomes essential for their development. Once they start crawling, there’s little we can do to stop them from exploring every dirty surface they encounter.
Until then, it’s crucial to keep unhealthy individuals away from newborns. It doesn’t matter if you traveled far to meet the baby; if you’re sick, stay away until you’re completely better. For more insights on this topic, check out this excellent resource regarding pregnancy and newborn care. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination options, visit this link for more information on the CryoBaby kit.
In summary, when it comes to newborns, the priority is their health. Keep your distance if you’re unwell, and respect the boundaries of new parents.