I am concerned about my baby getting sick (cold or flu) because of being handled by people who have not washed their hands. I understand that kids need to be exposed to germs in order to build immunity, and I'll be much more willing to let this happen when she is a few months older, but at this time, I want all visitors to our home to wash their hands before holding her. Would it be appropriate to put a sign on the front door indicating this so that I don't need to have the same conversation over and over again? Any other suggestions?
2006-11-25 14:39:20 · 11 answers · asked by Heather B 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The sign seems a bit much, but I totally understand your concern. I have a three month old and I carry Purell wherever we go. Hopefully people will ask before grabbing the baby from you and you can say, "Sure you can hold her. Here is some hand sanitizer." If they object or seem put off, too bad, it is your daughter's best interest you need to be concerned about.
2006-11-25 14:59:19 · answer #1 · answered by C.D.N. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best way is to have some hand sanitizier around; just ask visitors to use it before handling the baby. Most people will comply. Remember, however, that the baby has a considerable amount of immunity from you for the first several months of life, and is unlikely to pick up common infections like colds or flu. If you are breast-feeding, the baby's immunity is strengthened even more. Before you know it, you won't blink twice when someone else holds her.
2006-11-25 14:45:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are very wise. Forget the hand creams and santizers because they simply do not work. The only thing that works at all is washing your hands just as if you are preparing for surgery - hot water and soap scrubbed on the palm for 30 seconds and then scribbed on the back of the hand for 30 seconds and then finally cleaned under the nails.
Clinical articles have just come out in Science News and other medical periodicals and they make the clear case that no matter how hard you may clean a surface that you are just moving germs around. My wife is a micrbiologist and for her and her staff to clean their bench top they soak them in a Clorox solution for 10 minutes. I doubt that any of you company would be willing to do that but it is the scientific way to kill all bacterial and virus.
I commend you for asking a very good question and if you can get your friends to wash their hands before holding the baby you may reduce the bacterial that is transfered by unclean hands.
Good Luck Ma
2006-11-25 14:54:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's totally acceptable to ask people to please wash their hands before handling the baby. A good friend of mine has bottle of hand sanitizer ALL over her house so you can't not see one. She said that people see the sanitizer and squirt a little onto their hands without her even having to ask. If you can do this and ask people I would think that you have your bases covered! If you're really concerned about it then I don't think a sign on the door would be harmful, perhaps try asking and stuff before and if it doesn't work than put up a sign.
2006-11-25 16:17:15 · answer #4 · answered by Michelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where I see your concern, and hand-washing is the best defense against colds and flu, I think it might be tacky to put a sign on the door.
Personally, I'd make sure the baby was in the crib or baby seat everytime someone comes over - even if you rush to put her there before you answer the door - and make a big show of washing your own hands before you touch your child. (Monkey see, monkey do.) Otherwise, keep a bottle of hand sanitzer handy and offer it to anyone who goes to pick him up.
2006-11-25 14:50:14 · answer #5 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a courtesy, keep the baby wipes and/or hand sanitizer near the baby and offer it to the handler before the baby. If it bothers you, then wipe the baby with it later.
It isn;t a terrible habit anyway, but your instinct is right. the baby needs to get mild germ exposure to develop immunity. There is plenty of opportunity for that. .
2006-11-25 14:50:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you have visitors, be sure you are holding the baby and just ask your guests to wash their hands. You could also keep out some sanitizing gel.
It's completely normal to request this and most people will even offer before trying to pick up your child.
2006-11-25 14:43:15 · answer #7 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a great idea. I wish I would have thought of that when my son was born. Also, that way, no one feels like you are singling them out to wash their hands. Personally, I would go with hand washing rather than sanitizing because I don't think I would want hand sanitizer all over my baby either.
2006-11-25 19:09:21 · answer #8 · answered by Amy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes of coarse that is appropriate! i myself am 7 months pregnant, and i am going to make everyone wash their hands before they can hold my lil one. this is the flu season, and you dont want your baby to get it. its your child. so people must respect and do as you say
2006-11-25 14:48:11 · answer #9 · answered by hotty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy and use it. People who love you wont mind and those who don't shouldn't matter.
2006-11-25 14:42:08 · answer #10 · answered by D-lo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋