We are so excited to welcome baby girl in about 6 weeks! It is going to be difficult to start over with an infant, but I am really looking forward to it. One thing that I know I will worry about is keeping baby girl healthy. When TJ was born, I worried constantly about him getting sick. I always had a bottle of hand sanitizer available for anyone who wanted to hold him. I am convinced this helped keep him the healthy boy that he is today. We could have been lucky, or maybe we prevented him from getting sick. It was very difficult for some of our family and friends to understand why we so paranoid, but we just wanted our little boy to remain healthy.
Baby etiquette has become increasingly important, seeing as certain illnesses, such as RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), are extremely dangerous and contagious for babies within the first six months of life. Premature infants have a higher risk of serious complications or death from RSV due to their underdeveloped lungs and compromised immunity.
A few facts about RSV that all parents, caregivers and loved ones should know:
- Almost every baby will contract RSV by age 2, but only 1/3 of moms say they’ve heard of the virus.
- Serious RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
- RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
- There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take preventive steps to help protect their child (e.g., wash hands, toys, bedding frequently; avoid crowds and cigarette smoke).
- Certain babies are at an increased risk of developing serious RSV infection, so it’s important to speak with a pediatrician to determine if a baby may be at high risk for RSV, and discuss preventive measures.
- Symptoms of serious RSV infection include: persistent coughing or wheezing; rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths; blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails; high fever; extreme fatigue; and difficulty feeding. Parents should contact a medical professional immediately upon signs of these symptoms.
Sometimes it can be hard telling those closest to us how we are feeling. If you need some help with this, feel free to take this open letter and plug in your own information to let your loved ones know how you feel about your little one!
Dear [Loved One],
I know sometimes people think I go to extreme lengths to protect [Baby], and I understand my methods may seem strange. I wanted to send this note to you to give you insight on what life is like when you’re perceived as an “overprotective” parent.
[Baby] was born [prematurely or with X condition], which puts [him/her] at an increased risk of developing a serious infection from many common, seemingly harmless, germs and viruses. For example, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an extremely common virus that all babies contract by their second birthday. Most infants have the immune system and lung strength to fight off the virus, but in high-risk babies, it can cause a very serious infection. In fact, serious RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization. Note: For more information on the dangers of RSV, you can check out www.RSVprotection.com.
Because [Baby] is so vulnerable to RSV and other illnesses, it’s important to us to avoid exposing [him/her] to these germs. Viruses like RSV are highly contagious and can live for hours on objects like countertops, doorknobs and toys. Frankly, the idea that visitors may unknowingly bring in these dangerous germs is very scary to a new parent!
So I’m asking that you please be patient with me and my precautions to keep [Baby] safe. Please contact me before dropping by for a visit, and know that while I hate turning you away or asking you not to come over, it’s always for a good reason and never personal.
And when we’re eventually ready for visitors, please remember that prevention is key to keeping [Baby] safe.
- Please refrain from visiting when you are sick or if you’ve been around someone ill.
- Please make sure your clothes are clean and you haven’t smoked or been around smokers recently. Smoke can be very dangerous for underdeveloped lungs.
- Let’s wait until [Baby] is strong enough to be introduced to your little one(s), You know I love seeing [him/her], but toddlers and school-aged children are very likely carriers of germs and viruses.
- Wash your hands immediately when you come into the house, or sanitize during your visit – this is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash, wash, wash!
I hope this helps to explain a bit better why I’ve been keeping [Baby] in and, often, visitors out. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing [Baby] grow stronger and healthier everyday with your help!
Best,
[Mom]
(Open letter courtesy of RSVprotection.com)
To learn more about baby etiquette or RSV prevention please visit RSVProtection.com.
Not only do I think the Dear Loved One requests such as staying away when you are sick, washing hands, and make sure your clothes have not been exposed to cigarette smoke apply to babies, I would apply them to all children. Nothing makes me more furious than someone sending their child to school sick, or telling me at a play date someone in your house was vomiting all night. Great post, hopefully it will be a friendly reminder to those who don’t think about the dangers they pose to a new baby.
Thank you! I know, I am constantly surrounded at school with kiddos being sent who are sick. I am surprised that my son has stayed as healthy as he has with me bringing home all these germs!
That’s a great letter template, thank you for sharing it with us. 🙂