Question about holiday germs

lwmooney87

Most of DH's family is from California. This Christmas, his brother, sister-in-law, neice, and grandmother are all coming to visit. They haven't been home since our wedding- 3 1/2 years ago. So, obviously they have never met DD.

I have asked my family (everyone who is in contact with DD) to get a flu shot and pertussis vaccine. My question is, should I email DH's family that's from California and ask them to get the vaccines? Also, I'm so worried about them being on an airplane and getting germs. Obviously, I can't keep DD from DH's family but I'm so worried about her getting sick. Also, what should I do about his nieces and nephew (ages 5,6 & 7)? I know they will want to hold her and I don't want to tick anyone off but I want to make sure she doesn't get sick ( or at least try my best). Should I just tell them kids can't hold her? I may be making this more stressful than it should be, I'm not sure. We are going to avoid the large family crowds during the holidays but I can't avoid them all. I'm just not sure how to handle this.

kaylaaimee

Talk to your pedi. Mine said she preferred no contact w/kids but absolutely no kids holding/touching/kissing the baby. I don't think it's at all out of line to say no kids holding her.

I also don't think it's out of line to make sure everyone showers/changes clothes before being around her after coming in from the airport. My husband has to every time he comes home from a flight. 

Our pedi also asked our family to get the pertussis shot b/c there's been a lot of reports of it in our area so we did ask. No one was offended, everyone seemed really willing to do whatever was necessary to keep S healthy. The few people that didn't want to get it were understanding about not getting to touch/hold her during the winter. 

I just tell people "Here are the rules from her doctor, they may seem extreme but we are going to follow them" - just saying "the doctor said no" is a little easier sometimes for people who don't quite get it or might have hurt feelings HTH!

JakesBride07

kaylaaimee:

Talk to your pedi. Mine said she preferred no contact w/kids but absolutely no kids holding/touching/kissing the baby. I don't think it's at all out of line to say no kids holding her.

I also don't think it's out of line to make sure everyone showers/changes clothes before being around her after coming in from the airport. My husband has to every time he comes home from a flight. 

Our pedi also asked our family to get the pertussis shot b/c there's been a lot of reports of it in our area so we did ask. No one was offended, everyone seemed really willing to do whatever was necessary to keep S healthy. The few people that didn't want to get it were understanding about not getting to touch/hold her during the winter. 

I just tell people "Here are the rules from her doctor, they may seem extreme but we are going to follow them" - just saying "the doctor said no" is a little easier sometimes for people who don't quite get it or might have hurt feelings HTH!

 All of this exactly!