When my children were little, I certainly wasn’t the type to bathe them daily, and if the weather was decent, I might skip the newborn hat (I know, I know!). Their nails sometimes got too long and left scratches on their delicate cheeks, and I wasn’t always diligent about cleaning up every bit of spit-up on their clothes or mine.
I never subscribed to the notion that you shouldn’t take a baby out of your meticulously sanitized home for the first three months. Seriously, how is that even realistic, especially with more than one child?
However, there was one principle I stood firmly behind: “Keep your germs away from my baby!” I often carried my newborn in a carrier wherever we went. This was partly because they were clingy and preferred to be close to me, but it also served as a barrier against well-meaning adults who seemed to think they could just scoop up my baby and smother them with affection.
I understand the allure—babies are adorable and irresistible. But please, don’t touch a newborn without asking first. Don’t hold them without sanitizing your hands. Don’t shower them with kisses. And please, don’t sneeze on a newborn and make excuses about allergies.
The Importance of Health Around Newborns
Here’s the deal: Don’t even think about visiting my home with “just a cold” or “a little tickle in your throat.” If there’s a newborn present, you need to be completely healthy before stepping inside.
You might believe your symptoms are trivial, but even the mildest cold can have serious repercussions for a newborn. While your immune system has had years to strengthen, a baby’s is still developing. A common virus could lead to severe complications for them, requiring medical intervention.
As pediatrician Dr. Emily Johnson states, “Infections in newborns can escalate rapidly.” She emphasizes that viruses behave differently in infants compared to older kids and adults, making it crucial to exercise heightened caution during the first few months of life.
Of course, despite our best efforts, exposure to germs is sometimes unavoidable. I have a friend whose week-old baby required hospitalization due to germs brought home by an older sibling. Thankfully, such instances are rare, and most newborns handle the occasional bug well, but why take any risks when it’s easy to avoid them? Just stay away from newborns if you’re feeling under the weather.
Germs and Growing Children
As much of a germaphobe as I am, I do believe that as children grow, it’s beneficial for them to encounter germs. Once they’re mobile, there’s little you can do to stop them from exploring all the filthy surfaces around them. Babies will eventually reach a stage where they can handle germs better, especially after receiving some vaccinations.
But until that time comes, please keep your germs to yourself. No matter how far you’ve traveled to see the baby, if you’re feeling unwell, stay away until you’re completely recovered.
Additional Resources
For more information on navigating the world of pregnancy and home insemination, check out this insightful piece on intracervical insemination. And if you’re looking for reliable resources, Make A Mom has comprehensive information on the topic, as does CCRM IVF, which is an excellent resource for everything related to pregnancy.
In summary, prioritize the health of your newborn by maintaining strict hygiene protocols, especially around visitors. It’s essential for the well-being of your little one.