Newborns and nursing home?

boodapug77 · June 2013

I am getting induced this week. My grandmother was recently put into a nursing home which is 45 minutes away. I really want her to meet my baby girl but I am worried about bringing her to a nursing home. Is it safe to bring a newborn to a nursing home? I am so worried about germs but there is no other way for my grandmother to see her. She can't leave the building and I don't want to wait too long because if something happens to my grandmother before than...I will be so upset. I am more worried about other patients coming up and touching my baby. What should I do?

barnwife · June 2013

I'd take baby to visit. It wouldn't even worry me if other people were touching baby.

If it does worry you, leave baby in the carseat (not in the car) or wear baby in a carrier if you are in a public part of the nursing home.

karen0477 · June 2013

Yes, baby will be exposed to germs, but keep in mind that this is their home, so its not necessarily that people are there becausevof typical illness.......and yes, people will want to touch, I would suggest wearing baby and then if grandma has a private room, or if there is a family visiting room, let your grandma see her then.........when my dd was about one, you should have seen the joy people had when I brought her into visit.........

cinderin · June 2013

I would take the baby to visit when the baby is 1 or 2 months old, not right away.

BrideMay2005 · June 2013

Could you meet her in her room or could she come outside to see the baby? Otherwise is keep the baby covered or wear it in a carrier to keep people from touching it.

girlmama83 · June 2013

somerandomchick:
I would consider just calling the nursing home and asking what it's like there re contagious illnesses. Do they make sure all their residents are vaccinated against pertussis etc.

The most vulnerable populations, as far as getting REALLY sick when they get sick, are infants and the elderly. So I would be surprised if a nursing home doesn't try very hard to keep their residents safe from the flu, pertussis, etc... All the same things that are bad for your baby.

All of this. Also nobody can touch your baby if you don't allow them to. If someone asks there is no reason to feel rude saying no.

Jasmineeelizabeth · June 2013

somerandomchick:
I would consider just calling the nursing home and asking what it's like there re contagious illnesses. Do they make sure all their residents are vaccinated against pertussis etc. The most vulnerable populations, as far as getting REALLY sick when they get sick, are infants and the elderly. So I would be surprised if a nursing home doesn't try very hard to keep their residents safe from the flu, pertussis, etc... All the same things that are bad for your baby.

Vaccines aren't as effective in elderly people because their immune systems don't build up the antibodies as well, but I'm fairly certain that most nursing homes have strict vaccination policies for staff. Even so there are usually tons of illnesses being passed around because of their weakened immune systems and the amount of visitors.

Personally I would wait a bit for my baby's immune system to build up a bit before taking him anywhere I know contagious illnesses are more prevalent.

Can you take her out for lunch or something instead?

thatoneredhead · June 2013

Lurking- I equate nursing homes with hospitals. Im sure they have an outdoor place where you visit. I wouldnt bring my newborn into one.

fabk · June 2013

MH and I had this conversation the other day. His Grandmother just got moved to a new nursing home a couple of months ago. We live 8 hrs away and will be at the cottage (only 2 hrs from her) hopefully a few weeks after the babe is here.

We did some research and decided not to take the babe into the nursing home when we are down there. He won't have very much immunity, and since moving into the home, G-ma seems to be constantly sick.

We may try and take her out to IL's for lunch to meet the babe, but we shall see closer to the date.

I would call the nursing home though and see what they say.

headgear03 · June 2013

I have worked in nursing homes and can say that for the most part there very clean and try to keep up on illnesses but that can change in a day. I still remember when they found out a resident had scabies . I spent the whole day stripping beds then disinfecting them then making them agian while the cnas gave every single resident a bath with very powerful prescription meds . Then we had to shower with the stuff when we got home . If you really want her to meet the baby ask to meet outside if possible or in the dining room and be aware that even your own grandmother could have something so make sure she washes her hands and does by kids the baby. You shouldn't have to worry about others wanting to touch them of you meet at either of the two places mentioned. I'd avoid her room since she most likely has at least one room mate and more then likely your grandmother is going to want to get out of her room anyway.

SarahinMD · June 2013

For work (I'm a pastor) I took DD with me to hospitals and nursing homes. If there is an outbreak of anything really contagious, they'll have signs telling you not to visit if sick or weak immune systems. Otherwise, I kept DD in. A carrier (I use a Moby), and never had an issue with someone touching her. I breastfed DD and since immunity is passed through breastmilk, I generally felt that as long as I was exposed to anything DD was, it was ok. Knock on wood, I never had issues, and DD has a great immune system. But everyone has different preferences, and different comfort levels with having baby out, so whatever you're comfortable and makes sense for you and your family. If you wanted to wait a bit before taking LO would could always try sending videos (most nursing homes will have a DVD player easily accessible for residents, and maybe send her one of those recordable books to record for LO.