Babies in public: Don't touch my baby!

Every time I take Olive out in public, it's inevitable that some well meaning person comes up to us and wants to say hello to her. And why wouldn't they?! She is an adorable chubby baby, probably staring them down over my shoulder. Saying hello totally ok if they keep it as just that, waving and talking to her, chatting to me, asking questions....but lots of people often don't. They want to touch her hands and face and stroke her soft skin. This is just not cool! Babies do not have the same immunity to viruses and diseases that adults do and are incredible susceptible to getting sick via touch. A simple virus that wouldn't bother an adult, or have us in bed for a few days, will wreak havoc on a babies tiny body, cause serious long term problems or even kill them!

Recently there was an outbreak of smallpox in Perth. Smallpox was, until recently, all but eradicated. But unfortunately because of a growing movement of parents who are anti-vaccine this terrible disease has returned.  If a baby contracts smallpox it can be fatal. It is spread by touch and symptoms don't usually appear for 10 days. So even if someone has been in the vicinity of an infected person they may not know they are infected for days. For this reason it is vitally important NOT to touch someone's baby that you don't know. And if you do know them make sure you are up to date with your vaccinations. You also never know if that baby is immune deficient because they were premature or have a health issue like heart surgery. Babies like this can't have their immunisations until later and can be even more susceptible because of their illness.

Another thing that can be a problem for babies is smoking. Now we all know that smoking around pregnant women and babies is a big no no, but did you know that even touching a baby after you have smoked can be bad for them. Smoking leaves a chemical residue on skin, clothing a surfaces that can then transfer onto a babies delicate skin via touch. It isn't known exactly how much this effects babies, but it can cause things like respiratory problems and asthma in the long run. 

When ever someone touches my baby in public I go into a state of mild panic. I don't really like confrontation so I never know what to say when someone is in my personal space touching the most precious and fragile person in my life. And frankly it seems like bad manners to not even ask first. I always wipe her hands and any object touched with an antibacterial wipe, but it still doesn't clear my mind. Sneezes, coughs and throat clearing near my baby sends a tiny spasm of concern down my spine. I think this is a totally normal reaction, and I just try to do the best I can to keep her safe until she has a better immunity. My child health nurse recommends, for the majority of the time you're out and about, if baby is sleeping, simply peg a light linen blanket over the pram. Then at least while they are in there they wont be touched!

I think knowledge is power and having a good awareness of things like, what viruses are going around and ways to counter them can really help to alleviate "Mum stress"
But something I have to work on is telling people No. Please don't touch my child, she hasn't had all of her shots yet. And if they get angry, that is their problem. I would rather have a well child than make everyone else feel comfortable.
Lastly, keeping your baby up to date with their vaccinations is vitally important to protect them from everything from gastro to whooping cough. Make sure you speak to your GP or child health nurse to check!
Just a short one today! Thank you for reading!

Comments

Popular Posts