Our terrible Irish weather makes it easy to pick up a cold at the office and a cough at the gym especially at this time of the year but usually we get over these illnesses pretty quickly, often without even taking a sicky.
Yet, this cannot be said for newborn babies, who are extremely susceptible to bacteria and viruses that come with the autumn territory.
Newborns have immature immune systems, which makes it easier for germs to make them sick.
Therefore, as a parent it is important to steer clear of those pesky germs to keep your newborn healthy. Here’s our advice when it comes to battling the germs.
Your baby is much more vulernable to germs than you
Keep Them Clean
After a day at the office or at school, our hands are often crawling with germs. That’s why it’s important to instill a good hand washing routine in your children and to wash your own hands with hot soapy water on a regular basis. This limits the germs that can be transferred to your tot.
Forget Kisses!
The chubby cheeks of a baby are very tempting to smooch, but if you’re feeling under the weather avoid laying your lips on the baby. Saliva and mucus are often carriers of bacteria and it’s best not to leave traces on your baby’s skin if you are ill or have been in contact with someone who has.
Avoid all contact with friends who are or have been sick recently
Send The Snotty Visitor On Their Way
To keep your newborn away from germs it is important that you avoid close contact with any friends who may be displaying signs of the sniffles. If they have a fever, a sore throat or a cough, send them on their merry way.
If another family member is ill, avoid close contact with the baby.
Keep Your Newborn At Home
For the first few weeks of your baby’s life it is best to keep your rambling to a minimum. Lugging your new baby around town to restaurants and grocery stores can open them up to a host of germs so it’s best to keep them at home for the first few weeks as much as possible.
Do Not Apply The Five Second Rule
Although it may be tempting sometimes, it is never okay to give your baby a dummy or bottle that is unsterilised, has fallen on the ground or has had contact with another surface.
Remember that bacteria can live on your surfaces for up to a month but can transfer onto your babies dummy or bottle in less than five seconds!
