my boyfriend and i are supossed to go to his niece's 1st birthday party today but his mom and the b-day girl have both been sick this past week and still aren't over it yet.I told my b/f this morning that i wasn't sure about taking our 9 day old with us because i didn't want to expose him to the germs. He got mad at me for saying that because his whole family is expecting to see the new baby. He told me just to make everyone wash their hands and use germ-x before holding him. Then about 15 minutes later he told me that it was up to me if we took him or not(but i know that if we don't that he will be ticked) Am i just being too paranoid about this or am i right to be concerned about taking our baby over there?
2006-12-10 02:08:17 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It is not wrong to be concerned for the baby. And for yourself for that matter. It is possible to take your son to the birthday party - but it is a matter of rules and standards. Your son may have to stay in the car seat (hopefully you have the kind that releases from the base) or in your arms. Plain and simple.
The parents at the birthday party should be respectful and understanding of your position. For 'touching' the baby - allow only the feet for younger kids. I would think it's a great idea of having the Germ-X around, but not stationed right next to you and your son. That smell can be really annoying and irritating. If he's still at the point where he likes to be swaddled in his blanket that would also help. You could even toss that blanket off of him and put another one on him before he gets back into the car.
Adults will understand your protective nature considering the illness. You're going to need their help with the younger kids that will be at the party. Also, you have a great line: This is "child's" birthday party and we don't want them to feel left out. Let's not keep to much focus on my son.
If you're close to any of his family you will like having the chance to get out.
If you're not close to his family....stay at home. If this isn't going to be any fun for you there is no sense in doing it. It's the holiday season and there will be plenty more opportunities for his family to see your son.
That being said, make sure that if you do stay home - You keep the same rules for when you are visiting your family. If someone has been sick don't go to see them. That would be really unfair to the baby, and to your boyfriend.
Like I said, it's the holiday season. Lots of gatherings and lots of 'germs'.
p.s. I did almost the same thing when my daughter was almost 2 weeks old. It was either deal with being called names for not going or being called names for going and not letting everyone hold her. :-) Well, that's what I thought anyway.
Once I was there everyone 'said' they would have understood either way. That did help me feel better. But if I'd known I would've stayed home. My head still wasn't clear from *everything* going on, I wanted a nap, etc. My daughter did sleep the whole time though. It was nice to see everyone. And no one made me do anything. :-) There's a first for everything.
2006-12-10 02:37:05 · answer #1 · answered by kris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're not paranoid, and your BF is selfish.
There's a virus going around ..my niece and nephew both have it.
The pediatrician said it will last a week to 10 days. They are puking like crazy...and now my brother in law is sick.
My granddaughter is 6 days old, and my sister wouldn't THINK to even come over, much less bring the kids over.
They love her, and want to see her too, but BECAUSE they love her...they wouldn't DREAM of getting her sick.
9 Days is still young. Send a picture, and rest...you just had a baby.
It's cold, it's winter, germs, flu...out in the world... he'll get there... don't risk it. Doing so would be horrible.
If my daughter tried to take my granddaughter out "visiting" I'd have her shot. But she wouldn't think of it... and you're doing the right thing.
2006-12-10 02:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by amanacer99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right to be concerned. Baby has a certain amount of immunity passed on from you; even more if you are nursing, but it just makes good sense not to expose your baby to viruses. Nine days old is too young for both the baby AND YOU! Send your boyfriend to the party with your best wishes and regrets that you are still post-partum and it is too soon for you and baby to venture out. Sensible people will understand.
Congratulations on the baby!
2006-12-10 02:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would also be concerned and since you can not gaurantee that all will wash there hands do not let them hold him if you are unsure. Once they get him you may not knowe who has or has not washed their hands. You have to be careful with a 9 day ols they are fragile and can get sick easy. At 9 days are you sure you are feeling up to going you know cramps and stuff from giving birth. i mean if he does not understand your concern for the baby what about his concern for your well being. Good luck and enjpy your bundle of joy. God Bless
2006-12-10 02:13:35 · answer #4 · answered by wolfy1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are soooo right!! He should try to understand your point of view. I'm sure he's thinking it will be okay but remember you child has no antibodies. Just the little bit he got from you which isn't a lot. The way I look at it. Something that made his niece cough could hospitalize your child and them being able to see him or her isn't worth all that. I'm sure they are more than welcome to come by individually during the week. If you do take him just don't let people touch him. Require that they wash their hands or use antibacterial lotion. Definitely keep away from the birthday girl and her mom.
2006-12-10 02:52:04 · answer #5 · answered by Kennedy & Kevin's mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are right to be concerned. It's natural for a mother to care and worry about the health of her child. Just explain how you feel about this, and explain that you're worried not about the germs on their hands but the germs that may be in the air that he can breathe. Compromise and say that you'll bring him at a later time or that you can bring pictures.
2006-12-10 02:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by Rewind 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No if it were me I would not take my baby, because they are all still sick. Tell youre boyfriend that you are only thinking of the baby and trying to keep it from getting sick, and if he gets ticked he will get over it. Be sure to explain to the family why you are not coming, or you might hurt their feelings.
2006-12-10 02:14:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldn't take her and if u go make sure that u wash ur hand and change u clothing before u hold her cuz the baby can Get it just by the clothing and there is not a lot they can do for that young of a baby and it can get very serous quick i would rather him be mad than have my baby sick
2006-12-10 02:22:57 · answer #8 · answered by bird 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, the baby can really get sick. You might just want to get a babysitter or just have people use germ-x. that still might not clean all the germs in the air. Good luck and Congrats.
2006-12-10 02:12:23 · answer #9 · answered by Miz.Thomas 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your the Mom. You make the decision on what is right for your baby. The family can wait a week to see the baby, he isn't going anywhere. Your job is to protect your baby and I would keep him home. If the bf is mad, he'll get over it.
2006-12-10 02:17:17 · answer #10 · answered by kny390 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋