Newborn - visitors

I think it’s more kisses on the lips or cheeks that would be risky. You can always wash baby’s forehead after if you are that worried x

Almost all viruses that affect babies are airborn. They’re as likely to catch it from being held as a kiss. The concern with kisses on the face is herpes. If the person doesn’t have a cold sore there’s no concern, just as if they don’t have any respiratory symptoms risk of RSV/flu etc is minimal. Baby will also still have a lot of immunity from your antibodies from pregnancy

The same thing happened to me mama! If you’re breastfeeding, just keep giving baby your milk because their saliva communicates with your nipple to create antibodies for everything they are exposed to!! Its amazing! My MIL came over to hold the baby and it turned out she had covid, we were all exposed and most importantly the baby and I was ssooo mad!! Luckily, none of us ended up getting sick, and I think it’s because I take a lot of vitimin C and I’m solely breastfeeding. If you’re not BF, don’t worry. I’d say just put your foot down and stay strong in those boundaries with family, it might hurt some feelings but let them know that the baby’s health is more important than their feelings. And they should agree with that!

My MIL did the exact same thing to me when my baby was 2 weeks old. I completely lost it. They had literally just recovered from covid too. My baby ended up being fine but it’s very upsetting at the time. Just keep an eye on your little one and like said above, if you’re breastfeeding then feed away as it’ll help their immune system.

We asked everyone far in advance and reminded when passing baby to them please not to and MIL kissed forehead and my dad kissed his cheek. It’s as if people don’t care or fully realise the dangers. All I can say is keep repeating yourself… I unashamedly wiped baby’s face with a water wipe both times in front of them.

@Jessica that’s exactly what I did with a water wipe but I’m still freaking out over it. 😓 It would be way worse if it was the mouth or cheek for sure.

Don’t freak out hun - the baby will be okay.

@Ariana I was just about to stop BF and just do formula but will be continuing now for sure. 😳🤍

@Tara It’s the worst, I’ve been so anxious since having her but was just starting to feel ok and then this happened! I definitely will, thank you that made me feel a bit more at ease. ❤️

@Micha I know, it’s so frustrating and all I hear is ‘well, you turned out just fine’ ‘back in my day there was none of this carry on..’ 😩 I did the exact same thing, I wiped her straight away. 😓

I'm sure they'll be fine. As Ceri-Ann said. Most viruses affecting babies are airborne so if she's held her or being near her it's pretty much the same thing. If she's not got a cold or anything I'm sure they'll be done regardless. Just give it a wipe. Your mum isn't wrong either. It's a personal choice. I won't be stopping my mum kissing my baby, because I trust her not to come here if she's ill or been ill in the first place.

Maybe just keep reminding them, i get your concerns and boundaries i would be the same and especially people who have the cold sore virus but i think sometimes people can forget what you say because they aren’t used to it. These days because i know a lot I’m conscious to use babys fist to check its hungry, or just give cuddles not kisses. Sometimes people are really excited with newborns but you are right to want your boundaries met and both sides sometimes need help with adjusting and or new ways to communicate whilst protecting boundaries. I most definitely would have my baby back or use a wipe if I didn’t feel ok with what was happening. I also like how some people stay at home for four weeks to. Try to stick with your gut and not get to stressed, theres only so much you can control 💖🙌🏼