Please Don’t Touch the Baby

Please Don't Touch the Baby | Houston Moms Blog

Tiny fingers and little toes. Squishy cheeks. Chunky thigh rolls. And, oh my goodness, that smell.

A new baby just begs to be snuggled, kissed on, and maybe squeezed a little. But can we all agree that unless you’re a family member or close friend, you should just keep your hands to yourself?

I admit I’m a slightly overprotective NICU momma. With my first baby, we didn’t leave the house for a month, with the exception of doctor’s appointments. I was too scared that her health we’d fought so hard for would somehow be compromised. With my second baby now, we’ve been out and about more {with his doctor’s blessing}, and I’ve been more comfortable.  But between the lady that walked up and lifted his carseat cover {she just *needed* to see him} and the ladies grabbing at his hands in the grocery store, my comfort level has been surpassed multiple times.  

I genuinely appreciate the “oohs and ahhs” over the baby, but please ask before moving in to touch.

Here are three reasons you should think twice before touching newborns…

  1. Germs :: Thanks to the fact that I’ve had two babies in the NICU, I’m overly paranoid about germs. We just said goodbye to a time when I had to scrub my hands and arms and wear a hospital gown — just to hold my own baby. I’m obviously a lot more laid back than that now, but I’d prefer we kept the contact to a minimum. Touching the baby’s tiny hand may seem innocent, but guess where that hand goes the second he gets hungry? Add in the fact that it’s flu and RSV season, and well, it’s best to just keep your distance. 
  2. Allergies :: When’s the last time you washed your hands? Was it before or after you drank milk? Or ate eggs? Or touched nuts? Those are just a *few* of the allergies represented by children here on the HMB Team alone. That simple touch could lead to serious consequences involving hospitalization for these little ones.  
  3. Sweet baby sleep :: Sure, your babies may have fallen to a peaceful slumber with little effort on your part, but the baby at the grocery store may have just finally fallen asleep after a ton of effort on her momma’s part. Lifting the carseat cover “just to take a peak” could undo all of her hard work and leave her with an overtired, screaming baby.

Exercising a little common courtesy and asking the parents if it’s okay to touch the baby can make all the difference. Although their answer might be no, it’s their right as parents, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they have anything against you. They could also just ask that you use hand sanitizer first, and that is okay too. Just ask.

2 COMMENTS

  1. two solutions; mosquito netting over the baby carrier ( or blanket seems to be popular too) – kept the grannies at bay. With little kids we trained them only to touch the babies feet. They really want to touch and it also reminds grown ups around to take care..

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