now im 19 weeks pregnant, and when the baby is born i want people to wash their hands with soap & water before touching my baby, that means everyone, including myself... what is a polite way to ask everyone to do so??? also how long should i ask this of people??
2006-11-20 08:01:06 · 28 answers · asked by miss me! 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
tell the people coming to wash their hands before they arrive.
:> peace
.
2006-11-23 16:26:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had this same issue when my child was born.
Simply tell people that it's nothing personal, but that you ask 'everyone' to wash hands before handling the baby. Most people will understand.
Carry a container of antibacterial hand cleanser in your diaper bag and pass it to whoever wants to hold your baby. As people get to know you better in your new capacity as a mother, they will not be offended but simply will consider this caution a part of your style.
Don't let people make you feel silly for your health concerns. This is your baby and your decisions should be respected, whether they relate to hand washing now or any future family rule.
I even know some people who put a sign on the door of the house/apartment so people get a heads up before even coming in. Thus, when you mention it they're already aware of it and not insulted at all.
As for how long, I'd say that 6 months is probably a good amount of time. By then most people will already be in the habit of washing up first and besides, the baby needs some germs to help his/her immune system grow
2006-11-20 08:05:58 · answer #2 · answered by DominusNox 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While newborn babies are tougher than you might expect, I too have been reserved about people touching my children when they are under 1 month old. I suggest just making it very easy for people to wash their hands, including have some of that Purell type hand sanitizer ready. The other trick is to tell people before they even get close to picking up the baby -- it will seem rude if you tell them right as they're grabbing the baby, but if you do it before and make it convenient they have no right to complain or feel insulted.
2006-11-20 08:04:50 · answer #3 · answered by Julian A 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I felt the same way, and still do. I leave mini bottles of hand sanitizer all over my house - kitchen, bathroom, several in the living room. I had so many of them, everyone pretty much got the hint. And if they don't, surely they will understand the importance of clean hands while handling a new baby. I'd say you can slow down on the excessive hand washing after about 2 months or so - - whenever you feel comfortable.
2006-11-20 08:05:53 · answer #4 · answered by mms1575 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell them politely saying the doctor advised to do so since your would be baby has sensitive skin and cant be exposed to any form of external germs. So that they dont really feel odd And keep a napkin beside you for them to clean before they touch. Or you can buy some baby wash to free hands from germs beside you for the people who come to visit you and baby.
2006-11-20 08:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anne H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just ask politely they will understand,i have a suggestion why dont u buy some purell sanitizer and when they come by have it ready by the door and have them use it or put it by the baby's crib somewhere convenient and close where the baby will be and they shouldn't be mad u never know what kind of germs there carrying around ur baby i completely understand i was the same way and my family was totally understanding of my request.
2006-11-20 08:28:59 · answer #6 · answered by cacast_572005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just kept (and still do) a bottle of hand sanitizer with me all the time and when people ask to hold her I tell them that the hospital recommended that everyone wash to keep her from getting sick.
2006-11-20 09:12:58 · answer #7 · answered by totspotathome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its understandable. I would ask them the first month maybe not even to wash up before handling the baby. I guess there isn't a nice way to ask. Its your baby and you're only looking out for him/her. Congrats by the way.
2006-11-20 08:04:45 · answer #8 · answered by electra_lutteur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your newborn's skin will be sensitive. Have you ever thought of the baby having an allergic reation to the soap or the harsh chemicals in hand sanitizer? My advice, let only immediate family members hold the baby for a month, that should comfort your anxieties. The baby needs to build an immune system, so let him/her be.
2006-11-20 08:41:25 · answer #9 · answered by Ophelia 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
tell them "make sure your hands are clean" or just ask them "are your hands clean"
but it's really common sense to wash your hands when dealing with a new born so you shouldn't worry about it too much. you should probably ask them that until your baby is a half a year old to a year if you want.
2006-11-20 08:12:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could always get some of that lotion they use in hospitals--it's antibacterial. It's in all the rooms and in all the halls, and people use it before entering hospital rooms and as they are leaving. It's really good.
But here is something you might want to think about. Kids who are "over-protected" from germs aren't given the chance to build natural immunities to things. You're going to have to start finding a pediatrician soon anyway, so you might discuss this with him/her.
2006-11-20 08:08:39 · answer #11 · answered by kj 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋