Grandma Has a Cold...What to Do?

Question

Currently 40+3 and docs anticipate babe will arrive this weekend-ish. My mom has a brutal cold so in anticipation of babe's arrival trying to research what the best way to handle this is when she arrives to snuggle him. Every mom I ask says one of two things...1) don't worry about it...babies build up strong immune systems by being exposed to germs, and 2) everyone visiting your baby should wash their hands, and anyone with a cold should stay away or wear a mask...babies shouldn't be exposed to germs until they have breastfed for a few weeks. It's mostly FTMs who are giving advice #2, and moms of many kids giving advice #1...anyone happen to know for sure which is correct?

Answer

I have 2 kids and another on the way and I just had this talk with my husband. I already made it clear that if anyone is sick, then they just need to wait to see the baby. I'm not going to risk my baby getting sick just to make others happy. It sounds mean but I'm the one that will have to deal with a sick baby, not them.

Answer

I'm a third time mom and I would just have to keep her away.  Newborn babies shouldn't be exposed to bad sicknesses if you can help it, it would be awful for that baby to get sick first thing :(

Answer

Personally, I wouldn't let someone with a cold around my baby just yet. Especially in the hospital just because of other baby's and who they could come in contact with through the visit. Plus you yourself don't want to get sick either. Being sick and just having a baby would be miserable as well :(

Answer

A cold or illness in babies under 3 months is very risky. I would keep anyone who is sick away from a baby under 3 months.

Answer

I totally understand the thought behind number 1. I think it's important for babies to build up a strong immune system and to avoid trying to raise them in a protective bubble. However, I personally wouldn't knowingly expose my newborn to a brutal cold. I'd feel awful seeing a little baby struggle with that knowing I could've possibly prevented it.

Answer

Well I'm a FTM and I can tell u that I've heard #1 also mainly by my mom who let us pick up food we dropped on the floor and still eat it and I'm like perfectly fine I'm actually really healthy, I almost never get sick

Answer

I'm guessing by the time she comes to visit she'll be over the worst bit and no longer contagious? Good luck!

Answer

I'm a FTM and I get #1 but I would not feel at all comfortable letting someone with a brutal cold around my brand new baby. They need time to build up there immune systems. Maybe ask your doctor? All the best with your delivery!!

Answer

My hospital won't let anyone that's sick in the room. They're then walking through the halls with their germs when there are many babies in and out. I wouldn't let any family see and hold my baby if they were sick. They would just have to wait til the sickness is gone. But I know they'd understand.

Grandma Has a Cold...What to Do?

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