Would you allow your newborn to be watched in a house where somebody is HIV positive?

Question

We're having a newborn baby coming up in June. One of our friends has the ability to watch our baby while we work but her boyfriend, who also lives there, is HIV+ and has been for 20 years. The girl gets tested monthly and doesn't have it.

Would you want your newborn watched in a house with him there?

What about with the agreement that he doesn't touch the baby?

Any smart thoughts or comments on this?

Answer 1

No I wouldn't. I know all the research on it and that it's an unfounded worry, but there's no way I'd be comfortable with it. Accidents happen, strange occurences happen, and I wouldn't want my baby around to chance it.

Notice all the people who say the risk is "virtually nonexistent" or there is "little chance", etc? What does that tell you? That no matter how small, there IS A CHANCE. And that chance increases if your baby is around the virus all day long. Your baby's too precious, don't risk it, no matter how small the risk is.

Answer 2

Yes, I would let my child be watched there, even a newborn, provided they were both trustworthy, and responsible people. AIDS and HIV are not spread through touching. It is spread through contact with bodily fluids, (Blood, sperm, vaginal fluids). Even if he bled on the child, his blood would have to have an entry point to the child's blood stream/body. The chances of the child being infected by the man are pretty much nonexistant. There are millions of people with the AIDS/HIV virus, and you cannot possible shield the child from coming into contact with somone who has it forever. Unless you plan on keeping the child in a tupperware bowl, at some point chances are that the child would probablly shake hands with someone who has the disease, and if not come into direct contact with the person directly then definitely indirectly. People touch doornobs, railings, go out in public...If you went to the mall today and carried the child, chances are more than likly you passed somone w/the virus. Obviously if the girl hasn't been infected with it they must be pretty responsible about caring for the disease and the safety of others. I know I would rather have my children knowing about it and understanding such a devastating disease than sheltering them from it's existance. Teaching the child about the facts of the disease will give the child the information they need on how the disease is spread and what they can do to prevent further spread to others and themselves, and not that people with AIDS are somehow bad and should be avoided. The major ways the AIDS/HIV virus is spread is through unprotected sex, and sharing of intravenus needles, not casual contact.

Answer 3

Unless the baby's blood mixes with his you don't have to worry about the baby getting sick. HIV cannot be transmitted through touch. If you trust this person not to hurt your baby then you shouldn't worry. If he's had HIV for 20 years like you've said I'm sure he knows how to take care of himself and not harm others. The only way for HIV to be transmitted from one person to another is through blood transfer and bodily fluid (ie. semen). It cannot be transmitted by touching the same thing, through the air, or through saliva. Women who are HIV positive can have children that do not carry the virus. Read up on HIV a little. You shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Answer 4

Of course your baby won't get HIV just because he touches the baby but, and this is the question, could you absolutely guarantee that the baby would never, under any circumstances, be exposed the the guy's blood or other body fluids? The answer is, of course not. There is no guarantee no matter how much they would sincerely wish to avoid it.
You have to make the choice here so I'm not going to tell you what to do. They could watch the kid for years and never expose him to any danger. You decide.

Answer 5

I would be okay with it. Since the man has had HIV for 20 years, he is obviously very aware of what situations are risky and how to protect others from the disease. He will not be exchanging blood or semen with the baby, of course, so there should be no danger. I don't think it's too fair to ask him personally not to touch the baby, but you could bring it up privately with your friend.

Answer 6

As HIV can only be spread through direct blood or sexual fluid contact, I see no reason for you to be concerned as long as it's a friend. There's no reason for him not to touch the baby, he can touch the baby all he wants without ever transmitting HIV as long as he's not spreading blood or semen on wounds or into the baby's body, and if you were woried about THAT he obviously wouldn't be a friend and you wouldn't be asking this question.

To the uneducated, potential HIV transmission can be quite scary, but for someone who understands it, as I'm sure your positive friend does, it's not something that proves much of a concern. Worst case scenario, you ask him to wear vinyl gloves while bathing or cleaning your child.

Answer 7

I would if they were trustworthy people. HIV is only transferable by blood to blood contact, semen or intercourse. It is not in sweat or tears. So your friends boyfriend would have to cut himself and then bleed into an open cut on your newborn to infect the baby.

I really don't think a 'no-touch' contract is needed. If he is trustworthy enough to be around your newborn while you are not there, and he has been conscious enough to not infect his girlfriend, he will be super careful around your baby.

Answer 8

Unless a complete freak accident occurs, there's little to no risk of your baby contracting HIV from your sitters boyfriend.

That being said, I'd advise you to find another sitter if you're not comfortable with his being around the baby. Asking him not to touch the child could be very offensive, both to him and your friend. It's a potentially awkward situation that will leave your friend and her boyfriend feeling snubbed and you feeling constantly worried.

Answer 9

A well educated person on HIV would have no problem with it.A person who lacks education would.He could touch the baby and all be well.He has to be tought not to help the baby if it is ever hurt and Im sure he already knows that.You would be surprised at how many teachers are HIV possitive.Even daycare workers are.Atleast you know he is,teachers and daycare workers does not have to tell you they are.

Answer 10

if you had verifiable proof that universal precautions were going to be used and youre absolutely sure this man isnt a child predator or anything like that and your friend can show you proof that she is negative I dont see the problem. If hes on one of the new cocktails out there his viral load may be quite low otherwise hed have gone to full blown aids by now and one would assume shed be more susceptible to it. Im no expert though, consult a doctor in your area and see what they say on the matter. Unfortunatly in this day and age were exposed to this sort of thing every day, whos to say were more likely to catch it at a friends then in a public restroom or a playground and we let our children use those.