Toddler has a cold

lindzed

Hey girls, so my toddler has a cold.  I took him to the doctor today and she said its just a cold but no direct contact with the baby.  Now I am very nervous about him being at home with the new baby.  I could call my Mom and see if she minds keeping Adam overnight.  What do you all think?  My DH of couse thinks I'm worrying too much, but I really don't want a sick baby and toddler.

myrall

Just think of it this way, there's no way to keep your toddler away from the baby every time he's sick. I wouldn't ship him off. I would just make sure to wash hands a lot and not let him have "direct contact" with the infant. No kissing or hugging. It's all part of the sibling experience.

Now, if it were chicken pox, I might reconsider.  

Good luck!

Louise06

Was your daughter a premmie? If so, I would def send him to your mom's. Lauren was basically sick the first 4 months of Ryan's life and only picked up a mild cold from her. I think breastfeeding had a lot to do with keeping him healthy. Also, I was a handwashing Nazi. Remember she also has your antibodies for the first 6 months to protect her!

lindzed

Thanks!  I think I'll chance it and be careful.  I'm more worried about me holding Adam to comfort him then holding the new baby.  Adam still hates is sister so he will not go anywhere near her. She was a premmie (born at 36 weeks) and I formula feed so not as many antibodies.  I realize they both are bound to make each other sick, but I would rather avoid her getting a fever before she hits the 2 month mark.  Thanks for the advice.

Daisy22

I just tough it out even when Bailey was sick when Bryce was 2 wks old. It's part of having siblings. And don't worry about the antibodies. I BF Bailey and that kid gets sick all the time. He even had swine flu at 8wks old. Sometimes you just can't help it. I make Bailey wash his hands quite a bit and kept him away from bryce was much as possible. I also tried to keep a fresh burb cloth on shirt when I was holding bryce when Bailey was sick. That way hopfully the germs did not  get on bryce.

lindzed

Thanks!  You all have made me feel much better.

mrsd0907

Ditto pp. Derek had a cold when P was 3 weeks old and we just washed our hands like crazy and kept him from hugging and kissing all over him. Good luck lady! I hope things are getting better with him and the baby.

slwprincess

I wouldn't send him off except for maybe 1 night.  I mean, if you have the option, might as well use it.  But is it necessary- I don't think so.  Gavin got sick when Sophie was 2 weeks old.  I called the nurse line and she told me to send him to grandmas house that night and bring both kids in the next morning for Sophie's well appointment, but to keep them separate until they knew what his was (this required my mom coming along).  They checked him out in one room and Sophie in another.  Pedi diagnosed an ear infection/cold and pedi said it was fine for him to be home but not to let him get too close to her and wash wash wash those hands.  BF would protect her.  Sure enough, Sophie stayed healthy.  Of course, that darn ear infection/cold turned into toxic synovitits and crippled him for 2 weeks right at Christmas.  I seriously thought I was going to lose my mind.  I think I did, actually for a while there.  I mean, I have ZERO recollection of Christmas.  Nothing.  Nice, huh?  I am so sorry, I really do sympathize.  This is not fair.