Being Around Others Who Are Sick

I would go. Of course don't sleep in the same tent as any of the sick families. And try to keep her away from the other kids. If the kids already have the cold now they probably won't be contagious by the time you see them. Many people catch colds and other illnesses)from others before they are symptomatic so there really is no avoiding illnesses. And by knowing the kids have a cold you have a heads up. I would relax. Kids develop immunity by being exposed to germs. While I wouldn't have everyone kisses her on the mouth, etc. I think you need to live your life. I was not a germaphobe and mom oldest went to daycare for 3 years. She got sick every so often, as did my son, after he started preschool. My kids are rarely sick. Important not to be overly cautious or ignore reality, but to strike a good balance to the extent you are able. Let us know what happens.

I would definitely keep your baby away from the sick kids. He/she doesn't even have all of their shots yet. I think as long as you keep your baby away from the sick kids and make sure they don't share cups, etc. it should be ok.
A.
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You don't want your baby to catch a cold. My son had his 1st cold at 5 months and it was really aweful. He was just misserable. I would stay away from sick people if at all possible. I don't think it's being over paranoid, you are just looking out for your child's health.
Good luck!

K.

From one germaphobe to another - stay away from sick people if you, indeed, know they are sick. Don't be afraid to say, kindly, to other children "I noticed that you have a cold, so it's probably better not touch the baby". I know that you can't keep all germs away from your child and, eventually, your baby will develop some immunity to illness but... 4 months is young. Bring lots of wet wipes and do be careful having the baby around any kind of campfires that could irritate your little one's lungs. Don't worry about others making fun of you being a "first time mom and being too paranoid".. I'd be just as paranoid with ALL my children! It's your baby and your instincts. Hopefully your husband feels the same way.

Have fun and good luck.

Hi Rachel!

First off, I am a germaphobe too! So this may really sound odd from me! lol I would totally go and enjoy yourself and not worry too much! I had my daughters Dr warn me that by using sanitizers on the carts and every little thing we touched I was setting her up to be VERY sick when she gets older. That she needs to be exposed to illnesses and germs. I still occasionally use it on the carts but most often now I just wash our hands after shopping.

A few experiences I have had have shown me that you want to help build your childs immunity... and what other way to do that than to be gradually exposed to it! No, you do not want anyone with a cold kissing or blowing snot all over them! But to be around them is just fine! Just like when you are at the store and walking past someone who has a cold.

My daughter was a preemie- 34 weeker. Within a week of getting out of NICU her brother was in the ICU with a brain bleed. We spent atleast 18 hours a day up there and sometimes overnight also for over a week. Who knows what she was exposed to then! She never once got sick from it... I was told to not put her carrier on the floor though by a nurse and I listened about that! Also- every nurse there held the baby and again, who knows what was on them- they did wash before touching her though! I made sure of that :)

Then about 6 months ago my son ended up in ICU again for 2 weeks with a broken back and some crushed vertabrea. Countless hours up there again and she was even running around barefoot (she hates shoes)all over the place. Touching all kinds of things in the ER where they had games she could play and all the coloring supplies and coffee machine etc. People constantly stopping and touching her (lots of people take comfort in a baby/young child I found out then). I just constantly was washing her hands and feet!

She has been in the hospital numerous times herself for anaphylaxis/shock since she was 11 months old. Again who knows what she was exposed to since you know what is in the ER. Ewwwwwww... I am creeped out thinking of it! lol

Also, I always go over to friends homes when they are sick or thier children are. Have always done this! Her therapists also would call before coming if they felt sick and ask if I would rather them not come... I had no problem with them coming as long as there was no fever.

One thing to think about... what if it was you or your hubby that had a nasty cold? How would you keep your baby from yourselves? You would not be able to! You would just use normal caution- cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and hand washing. Bring some hand sanitizer with you and just ask anyone who wants to touch the baby to use it. There is also a natural one at Target called CleanWell. It is awesome! My daughter is allergic to alcohol so we use this all the time- only thing is you smell like pizza kindda til it dries!

My daughter just turned 3 in August. She has NEVER once been sick! Maybe we are just lucky?!?!? I have no idea! But I do honestly believe it is because of exposing her to it gradually! I am not saying to go sit in the ER and ask everyone to come and cough on her of course, just gradually allowing her to be around it. Also, now that she is older (i started this at 2.5 years) I do give her zinc and echinacea for a week if we have been in the ER just to help even more! It will be awhile before you can do that though!

If you are really uncomfortable give your ped a call and ask him/her. That is what they are there for and they should be able to put your mind at ease! Have fun making memories with your family!
Blessings to you and yours!

If it were me, I'd stay home. Are you breastfeeding? If you are, you can be a little less nervous.