Why do strangers feel the need to touch my baby?

Question

Whenever I go out with baby, people approach and at least one to two strangers reach out and touch my baby. Why do they do that? For me it's like they're invading my space. Not to mention that it is flu season and I don't want my baby getting sick. Am I just being overly protective?

Answer 1

I asked this a lot when my son was younger. I got really irritated with people but I found out that in the Hispanic culture that if you dont touch a baby you think that is precious you will be cursed with what they call oho its something bad apparently. I dont know all the details. I ended up making sure I carried antibacterial wipes around and when we got in the car anywhere that a person had touched him I simply wiped that area clean. It made me feel better and my son was a preemie so he was more susceptible to get sick.
Hope this helps!

Answer 2

This day in age who can be too careful. You have every reason to be concerned for your childs health and well being. Not mention babies are more suseptable to colds and flu. Its not unreasonable to ask that strangers refrain from touching your child. You don't know their hygenic practices, if they just blew their nose and have a bad cold or if they just went and took a crap and didn't wash their ecoli infested hands before going and rubbing your childs lips doing that funny sound thing. Whatever, what gives them the right to just reach in a touch your baby!?! Especially w/out asking? How rude of them!?! What makes them think your child's space isn't just as precious as their own space? They touch your baby, I say reach in and touch them back and see how they like it. If they look at you funny, just say what, I thought you were so cute too that I just couldn't help but squeeze your cheeks w/out asking.

Answer 3

You are perfectly right to feel the way you do. But try not to be too critical. People just can't help themselves and I guess most are too self-involved to think about asking permission.

I have been away from my two young children for a month or more at a time. I find myself trying to be friendly to babies because I connect my own experience of taking care of my kids with those I run into. But I don't touch other peoples' kids because I don't like others touching mine.

Answer 4

I don't have any kids but I've noticed that too. Some people just take liberty when they see an adorable baby. Me, on the other hand, I know that I can say "hi" and smile at them but I know not to touch. Some people are just really friendly. I don't think they mean anything bad by it though, you should take it as a compliment. And no, you're not being overly protective. It's your duty and right as a mother to protect your child and your reasons are very valid!

Answer 5

The baby represents a gift from God(It is),and people want to touch it.The good news is that you are not the first or only mother that this happens to regularly,and.people have been doing this since the beginning of time and you're no differrent than all the others who wondered the same thing.

Answer 6

They touch our babies because it brings out warm and loving feelings in them. They reconnect with their softer side. It may even bring back memories also. But how can anyone not see a baby and see the innocents of life. It makes people feel good for a short while. But it is rude to touch anyones child without permission. You could ignore people when you are out in public, act like you haven't seen them take an interest in your child. If you don't engage with them they usually won't interact with you.

Answer 7

~This is obviously your first baby. I was the same way. They just find your baby adorable and can't help themselves. Some newer mothers are aware of your feelings and won't touch, but really, they aren't thinking.
I'm sure they aren't purposely trying to invade your space or get your baby sick.
Try to relax.~

Answer 8

Obviously your baby is cute, soft and beautiful. But you are right not to want strangers to touch it, you can politely tell them not to. On the other hand, babies develop antibodies like this, so don't over-react, avoid total strangers that you don't know what illness they might have, but let your friends and family hold it.

Answer 9

Yes and No- I wouldnt want some weird guy on the street touching my kid.

but people love babies and yes they might want to touch the little baby hands or go in for the famous pinch on the cheek. Its normal- you sound a teensy bit over protective.

Anyway its good that kids get exposed to some germs, thats how they will build up thier immune systems.

personal anecdote:
my parents took me to south america when i was a baby from (sterile) Germany and they say i just about died from the influx of germs i wasnt used to.

Answer 10

I feel the same way. If they start touching your baby just tell people that he is ill and you wouldnt want them to get sick. That way your really not hurting their feelings.