My husband has a large extended family and they all want to come over to hold our 2-week old baby. The pediatrician has instructed us not to bring him in public for 3 months due to cold and flu germs. Of course, we have welcomed our parents and siblings to hold the baby (as long as they are not sick and they wash their hands), but we want to keep the rest of the relatives off for a while. Why take the risk with our child's health? Of course, we are being pressured tremendously by relatives who just want to meet the precious baby, and we don't blame them for that. What is a reasonable amount of time to wait to invite them over?
2007-03-13 08:53:49 · 13 answers · asked by ♥Lucky♥ 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I suggest you wait until the baby is about 2 months. Just tell your husband to politely tell his family and others that
"mom and baby are resting and getting use to one another but we gladly welcom visitors in ____week. We'll call you soon." There is nothing wrong with limiting guests, I did and I'm glad for it. My husband really helped by answering the phone and being "the bad guy," even though it's not really being mean. Good luck!
2007-03-13 09:59:14 · answer #1 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your comfort level. The reason you shouldn't go in public is because you can't screen people who want to come up and say hi to your baby even though they know they have the flu. If you don't mind seeing that many people just make sure no one has a cold and tell them they all have to wash their hands before they can hold the baby. I let people hold my baby the first two weeks but the routine was to pet the dog (so she wouldn't be jealous of being ignored) then wash your hands and then you can see if the baby if I don't detect any sniffling. Petting the dog helped b/c then it didn't seem so weird for them to have to wash their hands but even if there's no pet for a newborn I'd still direct everyone to wash first. Good luck holding off all the excited relatives! I liked the bbq idea too, that would keep them off your backs.
2007-03-13 09:08:54 · answer #2 · answered by A W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Listen my dear, I had the same problem. My mom is from Cuba and told me that she never took me out for 40 days after I was born nor allowed visitors because until that time a baby's immune system is not developed enough to fight off infections. My Canadian in laws thought that was ridiculous. I think you can find a middle ground. Definitely don't let people in that are sick of course. As for the rest, they should respect your choice. Blame it on your doctor if anything. Follow the doctor's advice and keep the baby away from germ-filled people until they say it's safe. If you don't want people touching your baby, it is what you think is best for your baby and what will keep it healthiest so just do what is best for the baby and forget what everyone else thinks. There will be many, many times in the future when what you think is normal for your child others will ridicule you for and say you are overprotective or neurotic. Well, better neurotic than sorry, right? Do what you think is best for your child and stand firm about it. It will be the first of many battles to come.
2007-03-13 09:17:36 · answer #3 · answered by Astrogal 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem when we brought our son home . Be honest with them tell them what the doctor said. Its all to much the first couple of weeks they should understand that you and husband have to do whats best for the baby and you also have to adjust to being parents. If they still insist in coming over and wanting to nurse the baby make sure they wash their hands before handling the baby. I also asked my friends and family if they had a cold or was not feeling well to stay away . Some peoples noses will be put out of place but OH WELL its what is best for baby and parents. Good luck it will settle down. Enjoy your baby
2007-03-13 11:06:31 · answer #4 · answered by pumpkin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My baby was visited by every tom, dick and harry I knew whilst I was still in the hospital. I took him out with me the day I got home, we walked to the shp to buy dinner. I don't see there being a problem taking the baby out in public - they wouldnt let you go home from the hospital if the world wasnt safe. I can understand if the baby is a premmie as they do need extra time, but I've never heard of holding the baby within the 4 walls of a home for a specific period of time. People who come and visit shouldn't come around if they have any form of sickness, out of courtisy. Even if you didn't have a baby they shouldn't come around and spread their germs to you. If you don't want the family around just yet, just say you need to rest and you will organise something to get everyone together once you have settled in. Personally I welcomed visitors as life turning 100% baby baby baby drove me mad.
2007-03-13 14:53:12 · answer #5 · answered by three_red_shoes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is your show, do it at your pace...! Some peoples think it's a race, but it's not. Send pictures of the baby on a weekly basis by email if you can, so they wont miss a thing and let everybody know how much you appreciate their interest shown for the new family member. Just let them know now that you intend to organize a family gathering around let's say Eastern, that you can't wait to get together but that your pediatrician has told you (insisted) to wait ( the good ol' good cop - bad cop - system...) so no-body's feelings get hurt. Congratulations by the way :-) and all the best to you and your family.
2007-03-13 10:01:49 · answer #6 · answered by Lucas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok first of all this is your baby and you say what goes there will always be time for them to see the baby it does not have to be now. Be firm. What you can do is send them all a card and a pic of your baby so they know what he looks like and then maybe when he is past those three months you can have a family get together and show off your baby. But in the end it is all up to you and what you feel best for your babies health. Best Wishes & Congrats.
2007-03-13 09:07:05 · answer #7 · answered by Nay 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that you should wait the 3 months and tell the family the truth. Which is that his doctor does not want him in public for a while. They can't really argue with a doctors orders. In the meantime send tons of pics to everybody's email. I think that they will understand that it's for the health of the baby.
2007-03-13 09:23:46 · answer #8 · answered by lilacdelight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wait a couple of weeks, and invite some of the family over for dinner or a bbq, to introduce the new baby the everyone. That way it is something that is planned by YOU, and they will stop asking to come over until the party. Have fun!
2007-03-13 08:59:41 · answer #9 · answered by *Logan's Mommy* 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think that you should wait. not only does the baby need time but you need time yourself. people can be so selfish sometimes and only think about oh i want to see the cut elittle baby. i feel that first of all you just gave birth. what makes these people think that you are up to any company.? second of all you have a newborn. that means constant feedings, crying ect. things are hectic with newborns especially if you are breastfeeding and want some privacy and theres all these people around to see your baby unless of course that doesnt make you uncomfortable. i say to just let everyone know that you are not up for company at this time and when you are ready you will either have them over or whatever but if they are being pushy just tell themgosh i just gave birth and am really exhausted. i know you want to meet the baby but i want to get to know my baby first. give me time to bond with my child and you will have your turn when we are ready.
2007-03-13 10:08:13 · answer #10 · answered by mamamia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋