and i have never even changed a diaper before?
I am scared ...am I over reacting?
I also have two dogs ....What if the baby has an unknowen allergy?
2007-06-21 16:10:02 · 17 answers · asked by ™ ♥♥♥ 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
i would say "listen i really dont feel comfortable because she is so young and i dont know how to take care of her by myself"
but promise that when she gets older you will
2007-06-21 16:23:28 · answer #1 · answered by Mimi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally at five weeks, pet dander is not a concern. I would be more concerned about how the dogs feel about having the baby in "their space". Some pets are jealous.
What I would suggest is that you have your friend come over for a few hours, and stay with you while she essentially shows you the ropes. That way your dogs can get to know the baby, and you can get to know the baby. Have her show you how to change, feed, burp, bathe the baby and how to put baby to bed. Most of the time babies this age sleep for about four hours and then are up long enough to eat. It's not hard to learn. The thing I found was that I just wanted to sit and cuddle the baby...they're addictive! :)
2007-06-21 16:16:20 · answer #2 · answered by Fotomama 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell her you would love to watch the baby, but are uncomfortable with your lack of skills. Have her come watch while you babysit, and if it goes well, then schedule a short break for mom. Lengthen the time as you're comfortable with caring for baby.
One of a woman's most stress-filled times is right after the birth of a baby. No sleep, no shower, no food... You're an angel for helping her out. I guarantee she really needs it.
P.S. If you have a spot where the dogs will be kept away from baby, baby will be fine. Unless she breaks out in an awesome rash on her tummy, she's probably okay.
2007-06-21 16:20:45 · answer #3 · answered by TX Mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spend some time with her and the baby, and ask her to show you how to care for him/her. She'll feel more comfortable leaving you sitting if she knows you will do things the ways she wants.
as for the dogs, babies seldom have allergies yet. The best place to babysit is in her home, anyway, since all the supplies, etc., are right there.
2007-06-21 16:16:07 · answer #4 · answered by Patsy A 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you are overreacting. If you've never taken care of a newborn before, I would just tell her that you do not feel comfortable with a baby who is still so delicate. Older babies aren't so 'breakable'.
BTW, the two dogs can always be put in a room away from the baby.
2007-06-21 17:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe you could spend some time with her and the baby first so you can learn a few basic child care tips...as far as the allergies if you have been around the baby then he should be okay b/c you would probably have had dog hair or dander on your clothes in the baby's presence...you friend should know if the baby has an allergy
2007-06-21 16:15:03 · answer #6 · answered by pocahontas80_1999 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would explain your discomfort with the situation. It's better to be honest. Try to offer an alternative. Perhaps a babysitter you know of that you can recommend.
Or you can start spending more time with the baby, while in the company of mom, prior to babysitting. This will give a little prep training.
2007-06-21 16:21:12 · answer #7 · answered by annabelle75 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-18 07:57:11 · answer #8 · answered by wallin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
babies that young are very delicate and hard to take care of if you don't feel capible or comforable doing it i would tell her as a mother she wants whats best for her baby (i hope) and would'nt want someone being in charge of her for hours on end without knowing 100% what to do.Maybe you could ask her for some lessions ahead of time to make you more familiar with it or take care of the baby with her their or have your mom come over and help the first few times.BUT if it's that you don't want to do it TELL HER because once a parent has someone to watch the baby they will keep asking and asking and it will become your new hobbie one you might start to resent!!Ask her if theirs any other way you can help her out instead!
2007-06-21 16:17:00 · answer #9 · answered by Dax r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Her baby is only 5 weeks old. I am assuming you don't know much about babies if you haven't changed a diaper so tell her that you don't feel comfortable!
2007-06-21 16:18:45 · answer #10 · answered by Stephanie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suggest a much shorter trial first. Everyone's scared around infants for the first time. Make sure mom has a cell phone and can be reached if needed.
2007-06-21 16:14:27 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋