When my little ones were infants, I wasn’t the type of parent who bathed them daily. If the weather was decent, I often skipped putting a hat on them (I know, I know—major faux pas!). Their nails sometimes got too long, occasionally scratching their delicate faces, and I wasn’t always diligent about cleaning up every bit of spit-up from their clothes (or mine).
I also never subscribed to the idea that a baby should be kept cooped up in a germ-free bubble for the first three months. Seriously, how can anyone manage that, especially with more than one child?
But let me be clear about one thing: “Keep your germs away from my baby!” This was my unwavering rule. I often wore my baby in a carrier wherever we went, not only because they were clingy little bundles of joy but also to shield them from well-meaning adults who felt entitled to swoop in and smother my baby with unsolicited kisses.
I understand the temptation—babies are irresistibly cute and cuddly. But please, don’t touch a newborn without consent. Don’t hold them if your hands are unwashed. And certainly, don’t shower them with kisses or sneeze near them and pretend it’s no big deal.
Now, here’s the deal breaker: if you’re feeling under the weather, whether it’s “just a cold” or “just a tickle in your throat,” don’t even think about visiting my newborn. There’s simply no justification for it. If there’s a baby in the house, you need to be in perfect health to come inside.
You might believe your sniffle is insignificant, but that minor cold could put a newborn in serious danger. Your immune system has had years to build resilience, but babies haven’t had that luxury. A common virus like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may seem mild for you but could require serious medical intervention for a newborn.
Don’t just take my word for it—pediatrician Dr. Lisa Turner agrees, stating that infections in young infants can escalate quickly. For this reason, extra caution is vital during a baby’s first few months of life, and in some cases, even up to six months.
Life happens, though. A sibling might come home with a nasty cold, and despite your best efforts, it can be challenging to keep them away from the baby. I know a mom whose week-old baby needed hospitalization because of germs brought home from an older sibling. Thankfully, these situations are rare, and most babies recover well, though it can be a terrifying experience for parents.
So why take the risk? A simple solution exists: if you’re sick, stay away from newborns. I know I sound like a germaphobe, but I believe that as kids grow, exposure to germs can be beneficial. Once they start moving around, there’s little you can do to prevent them from exploring the germ-infested world.
Still, the time when babies start to encounter germs on their own usually aligns with when they’ve received some vaccinations and are more equipped to handle illnesses. Until then? Stay away if you’re feeling unwell. It doesn’t matter if you’ve traveled across town to see that baby; if you’re sick, just stay away until you’re completely better.
For more insight on the journey to parenthood, check out this excellent resource on in vitro fertilisation. And if you’re looking for ways to boost fertility, make sure to read about our fertility booster for men. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, take a look at the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo.
Summary
To protect newborns from harmful germs, it’s essential for visitors to be in good health. Babies are vulnerable, and even minor illnesses can pose serious risks. Maintaining hygiene and keeping sick individuals away is crucial for their safety during the early months of life.
Keyphrase: Keep your germs away from newborns
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]