I know this might be a strange thing to worry about, but I'm scared about having visitors over to see the baby (we're due in March). I really don't want friends over for AT LEAST the first month, but keeping family away is impossible. I'm really concerned with our nieces and nephews all coming over with their germs and wanting to be all up on the baby. How did you all handle this? Am I just being a crazy germophobe?
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I don't think it's a strange thing to worry about at all! Or maybe I just think that because it was a concern of mine as well. As much as I enjoy people, the harbor germs and I don't want germs around the baby! Most people are understanding about it. So just be honest. Those that have children are most understanding.
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If you're worried about guests, I would let your family know that you are going to wait until you and your SO are more comfortable with the baby before you have visitors.
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Also, have people wash/sanitize their hands as SOON as their coats and shoes are off.
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@cyneswith: Agree.
I was semi nervous about it when DS was born, but it didn't really bother me so much after he was born. When my girlfriend brought her twins home from NICU, she just had everyone sanitize when they walked in.
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Its normal to worry about this, but I dont think you can tell your family NOT to come see the baby for a month. If you had an older child they would have just as much germs as your nieces and nephews, and you wouldnt be able to avoid them touching the baby for a month. Just have them use sanitizer before picking up the baby. Babies are a lot tougher than you might think.
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@Mrsbells: Oh yes you can tell your family not to come for a month! I have had three friends do this recently. They wanted their time to bond with the babies before other people got their grubby hands on them and started making suggestions and comments to them about how to raise them!!
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@mediagirl: That is my opinion.
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I absolutely worried about this. I still do, especially with all the stomach flu cases I've been hearing about...
Every other weekend I re-live this too, my stepdaughters come over and are in daycare and always sick with colds. We've gotten two since Thanksgiving from them, ugh. -
You can certainly try to hold them off, but it may not be worth the hurt feelings (depending on how understanding they are). It is absolutely worth telling them (nicely) to keep their kids from poking/prodding the baby too much, and yes, keep sanitizer at the ready.
So glad I had a summer baby. I didn't have to worry about this quite so much!
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We worried a bit about this with 7 nieces and nephews here locally. We asked to make sure they stayed away from the babies face and just touch the babies feet.
I will say, make sure you have told their parents your "rules/wishes". Often it was my SIL holding the baby when her kids would come over so she was the one to oversee their interactions.
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I would just always have sanitizer ready, and like pp said tell the kids they can only touch the feet.
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@Mrsbells: I agree.
I think it's normal to worry, but you have to remember babies are more resilient than we tend to think. And if you plan on breastfeeding the baby will be pumped full of germ fighters!
I don't think it would be worth the hurt feelings to try and keep people away when you could just as easily ask everyone to wash their hands before they approach the baby. And like PP have mentioned, just make sure you express your concerns to the adults before they get there.
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I'll be doing two weeks with just my husband, mother, step-father and I... and my best friend. Basically those who live in the same city. Past that I think I'll have had enough time to bond with Cameron and will allow family that has to travel to come up. My step-mom when she comes up will be staying with us and she'll need two weeks notice, and I'm not sure about the in-laws. Guess we'll see what happens there.
In my eyes though the first few weeks should be bonding time with only immediate family.
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