For the parent, the health of a newborn is the most precious thing. Not just that it is a challenge to keep the baby away from free radicals, infections, and most importantly, visiting guests. While it is quite inevitable that after a baby is born in the household, he or she will be visited by family, friends, relatives, neighbours, colleagues et al, it can get extremely difficult for the parents to keep the baby unaffected and healthy despite the many visitors touching it, kissing it and simply breathing down its face.
A newborn until it is at least six weeks old is vulnerable to contacting bacterial infection or other diseases as the immunity at these times is quite low. Some people complain that the parents are being overprotective about their baby. But it is okay if you are the mother of a newborn and are particular about your baby’s hygiene and health.
For the sake of politeness you do not have to compromise with your baby’s health. Make sure no one kisses your baby’s lips.
There is a horror story of a UK mother Claire Henderson whose baby, Brooke, got kissed on the mouth and then ended up in the hospital with herpes on the chin, cheek and lips.
If you have cold, refrain from going close to a baby or holding it in your arms. Else you are apt to infect the baby too, as the baby will come down with cold and flu in no time.
Facebook/Claire Henderson
There are have so many infant deaths due to infection and spread of germs. Ideally if you still have to hold the baby in your arms or even touch it, make sure your hands are freshly washed or sanitised. The baby’s immunity is very low in the first six months, particularly in the first three, you cannot further make it susceptible to diseases by being reckless.
After about a year the baby’s immunity gradually builds, and then it is perhaps okay to get close to a baby, but until such time you are putting the baby at high risk. Children who have been vomiting, have runny nose or any other kind of sickness should also not be allowed close to an infant.
If you are the mother of a newborn you should be mindful of the people you allow close to your baby. It is even alright to be polite but firm about the fact that you are open to people visiting you and asking after the baby’s health, but no getting physically close to the baby or even kissing it.
Your baby will grow up healthy and disease-free this way.
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