My daughter is three weeks old. I don't want her being exposed to viruses and germs from strangers, but I don't want to be stuck in the house all winter long. When will she be old enough to take out with me in public?
2006-12-05 05:57:49 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Whenever people see babies, they feel like they can just touch them, squeeze them, and even kiss them! That's what I'm worried about... strangers passing on gross germs to her.
2006-12-05 06:09:40 · update #1
Uncrowded stores & malls are just fine. As you mentioned, the risk is people handling her. There is nothing wrong with thwarting strangers' efforts to pinch cheeks. You can simply say she's fighting a cold or something.
Fresh air and sights & sounds are great for both of you. Take advantage of this time - you can take her anywhere!
2006-12-05 06:27:39 · answer #1 · answered by eli_star 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
PLEASE.....I took my daugher out after a week. Then again, it was early fall, an the weather was nice. I think that if you stay inside you will become depressed....you need to get out too, even if it is just a short trip to the grocery store. I always kept her in her stroller with both the visoers over her in order to try to protect her from some of the germs. YOu can't keep baby in a bubble...I know it is scary the first few times out in public.....but they are more resiliant than you know. I never let strangers touch my baby...I politely say Thank you for the compliment, you can look at her, but please do not touch her. I really don't care if someone thinks I am *****...I am thinking about my babies health. I also always have wipes on hand just in case someone touches her hand. I wipe her hand off right away.
Ultimately the choice is yours, but I think you should go for a short excursion even just to get some fresh air.
2006-12-05 21:43:45 · answer #2 · answered by Krysta M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can take the baby out whenever you want. I understand your concern but did you ever stop to think that those gross germs on strangers are the same that are on you?(the shopping cart, the door handle, the bathroom stall) i mean come on. if you really have that much worry about your baby catching something from all of the dirty people around you, carry some sanitary wipes with you and sanitize the baby after someone gets too close. im not being rude and with you i certainly wouldnt want someone i dont know putting their hand near my babys mouth-though patting the belly i wouldnt mind. anyways, in an uncomfortable situation say politely, im sorry but were really in a hurry.
2006-12-05 15:41:28 · answer #3 · answered by ♥mama♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is best to wait a month or so. It is okay to have the baby around family and friends...people who would respect you enough to stay away if they were sick, and people you know are not sick. The risk at stores is that you have no idea what the people around you are carrying, and the general public tends to think babies are fair game. I am a mother of a 6 month old and it still amazes me how perfect strangers can walk up to my son, touch his face and hands, and act as if it is totally acceptable.
Also, since it is winter and the cold/flu season, be extra careful who touches your little one.
Good Luck and Congratulations!
2006-12-05 14:02:22 · answer #4 · answered by Lauren728 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i had my son in december cold snowy an wet... i took him out when he was 3 weeks old and nothing happened just bondle her up to keep her warm and go... My doctor said that the sun light was good for my son and all that and if you are worried about germs don;t let anyone touch her or get to close when looking at her they cant gt sick from someone saying you have a pretty baby...
2006-12-05 14:09:43 · answer #5 · answered by evil_fallen_angel41 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right to be concerned. People are way too touchy feely with newborns and it drives me nuts. I was told by my pediatrician to wait a month before taking the baby out in public. I had a car seat/stroller combo that had a visor that would completely cover the baby and I used that a lot. If someone looked like they were getting ready to poke at my baby then I would just say thank you and walk away. Good luck.
2006-12-05 22:45:07 · answer #6 · answered by TRUE PATRIOT 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
People sure do love to touch other peoples babies, I don't get that! I found that if I carried the baby on me in my baby bjorn no one touched her because they were too close to touching me. Also you could put her in her carseat carrier with one of the bundle me accesories that are like a blanket/coat and if you cover her all the way no one tends to bother the baby either.
I think that we took our little ones out at about 3 weeks maybe sooner...
2006-12-05 14:23:32 · answer #7 · answered by Michelle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I felt better getting out of the house! Even if it was for a walk around Target or the mall. The sights and sounds may be good for her. New things to see and hear! It would not be considered rude if you asked someone to not touch her. Just smile and keep on walking! Good luck!
2006-12-05 15:19:34 · answer #8 · answered by Terrie D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 children & as long as they were healthy my DR told me at 2-3weeks it is safe to take them out. Their immune system should be strong enough by then. Granted you need to make sure she is dressed properly. Don't be afraid to politely tell people not to touch your baby & to stay out of her face. As a mother that is your right.
2006-12-05 14:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by Cstout 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same fear and I found that if you carry your baby in a sling across your body that people are alot less likely to touch the baby
2006-12-05 14:16:36 · answer #10 · answered by Summer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋