Winter Babies

mwhipple77 · October 2013

I am pregnant with my first baby, due 11-12-13. Since she is going to arrive so close to the holidays, in the middle of cold and flu season, I'm wondering what other mommies of winter babies have done to help avoid their baby with such a weak immune system to keep from getting sick. We have told our parents that we aren't going to be going to the big family Thanksgiving and Christmas functions, which has upset some. I figure this is our baby, we make the decisions, and it's time for new traditions. Just looking for other opinions I guess? Maybe we're being too protective of her already?

happywifemomofone · October 2013

My baby is due Dec 23. I got MY flu shot, which protects baby from flu for this flu season. Plan to encourage hand washing across the board before holding him and avoid anyone, and/or any household that has been sick. Plan to have Christmas shopping done so there's no need to take baby to crowded places.

mlamping · October 2013

I had my first in Jan 2011. We made sure everyone entering our house or hospital room washed hands and took their coat off. Also we told people to wear if possible clean clothes and if not used cleaned blankets to place her on. She made it ok.

I have my second baby due the exact same time this time, and I have a toddler, so it will be a bit harder. I did get my flue shot and so did my DH.

Good luck

Geeps2 · October 2013

I had my daughter in February 2012 and I went so far as to skip Easter because I had relatives that didn't know how to control their kids and they would have literally been up in her face and they are ALWAYS sick. I really tried to limit people coming into the house and forced the ones that did come over to wash their hands before they held her. I don't think you are being over-protective at all. I know 2 people that didn't heed the Pediatricians warning to try and avoid germs and their newborns had to go to the ER and have a spinal tap due to fever. They felt horrible afterwards because it was in some part avoidable. I know some won't agree and see it as being over protective but I would rather err on the side of caution then have to risk my newborn getting a spinal tap. I am due shortly after you with my second (11-21-13) and plan to do the same thing. I may even limit where my almost 2 year old daughter goes (limiting her time at story time at the library for a short time) I just don't want to deal with sick kids. Here is an article about why a spinal tap is ordered. https://pediatrics.about.com/od/fever/a/0707_baby_fever.htm

Good Luck, stick to your guns. I know I had quite a few family members and friends talk about my "bubble parenting." and I could give 2 poops less. I was doing what was best for my daughter and I don't regret it in the least.

rcbuko · October 2013

My third child was born November 7th during a snowstorm in New York. He brought in the winter season. Even though he is my third kid, we still were pretty careful with his exposure to germs. I made sure I got the flu shot and pertussis shot while pregnant even though my pertussis shot wasn't expired yet. We also wore him a lot to keep him close to us and away from sneezing, coughing, etc. we did take him on walks and outdoors because I think fresh air is good as long as the baby is bundled. Even with two older sisters in preschool, he didn't get sick. Don't fell like you are being overprotective. People will have opinions on how you parent no matter what so you may as well go with what you feel is right and have them judge you for it if they like.

sweetky_06 · October 2013

My first was born in Jan 2012 and I was the one who got sick from my niece - and it was miserable being so sick with a 2 week old.

You know your family the best - I would be totally comfortable going to family functions at the holidays, but my extended family is very considerate of not coming around when people are sick - my 82 grandmother skipped Christmas and was all alone a few years ago because she had a sore throat.

I would just suggest to everyone that the first 8 weeks you are making no commitments and do not be afraid to do what you think is best. But there's no point in antagonizing people by telling them you absolutely aren't coming at this point.

ScorpioMum · October 2013

My first was a January baby. Just made sure everyone washed their hands before holding the baby (all did without reminders), breastfed, stayed away from crowded places as much as possible, and when out in public I would wear him in a sling. Planning on the same with this one. I don't do the flu shot normally so I'm not getting it this year either.

butrfly110 · October 2013

I was just at a breastfeeding class last night and the certified lactation nurse said breastfeeding gives them the immunity they need for different illnesses before they can be vaccinated.

Maelien · October 2013

***Coming out from lurking***

I'm not pg (yet!) but with my first (born Mid November 2011) and he was a preemie I was super paranoid. However, we have a huge family and I was completely over run with them at the Holidays. The best and least offensive thing I did with him was to strap him on tight in the Moby and give people a peek. Wearing a baby really deters most people from asking to hold him....especially if it's a cumbersome and confusing (however awesome) looking carrier like a Moby.

****going back to being creepy lurker now****

psychgalbride · October 2013

I had my first in January 2011. I should have been more strict with visitors to the hospital. Both my very tiny 4lb 8oz baby and I ended up with bronchitis from a so called "friend." Luckily breastfeeding did help ease the illness with my daughter. I did not take her out much the first two months. Get your flu shot and insist that anyone in the home or will have frequent contact with newborn does as well since baby cannot get a flu shot.

Hand washing/limited exposure is key. Good luck!

3sthecharm · October 2013

My first daughter was a premie at 35w 2 days born on Dec 23rd. She cam home to a house with two dogs a set of grandparents great uncle and Aunt and my brother and his wife and child. We doused everyone in handgel. I had my flu shot and I breastfed. She didn't get her first cold until she was 18 months old. I didn't want all those people at my house when I came home, but my dad had cancer and was getting chemo and showing off his granddaughter to his brother took his minds off his troubles for a while ( I couldn't say no)

KatieKT · October 2013

Breastfeed and babywear!

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