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Fight Against Germs

Protecting your infant 

Newborns are more susceptible to infections due to their immature immune systems, especially in the first 4 months of life.  It is your responsibility to take necessary precautions to protect your baby.  

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(Kirkby et al., 2016)

Tips & Recommendations

Taking these precautions are especially important in the first 4 months of life and can become less strict as your baby's immune system strengthens.  However, if your baby is immunocompromised (weakened immune system), it may be necessary to continue strict precautions.

At Home

  • Wash hands as soon as you get home â€‹

  • Keep hand sanitizer in every room

  • Change into clean clothes upon returning home 

  • Regularly sanitize phones, remotes, door knobs, keyboards, refrigerator/ microwave handles, etc. 

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In Public

  • Take precaution & limit exposure to crowded places 

  • Limit outings during cold/flu season 

  • Have hand sanitizer handy at all times 

  • Try to plan public outings while your infant sleeps to reduce interactions with strangers 

  • Add a car seat  & stroller cover

  • Add a hanging sign that reads "Please wash your hands before touching me!" to your stroller/ car seat handle to deter strangers from touching 

  • Be ready to speak up! 

**If you DO go out in public with your baby, this is a great night to declare a "bath night" 

Rules for Visitors

  • No sick people â€‹â€‹

    • This includes the slightest case of the sniffles, scratchy throat, skin rash, etc. ​

    • Should be up-to-date on flu & pertussis vaccines

  • Restrict the number of people who hold your baby

  • Keep the number of guests to a minimum 

    • especially in the first 6 weeks! ​

  • Place a sign on the front door that instructs all visitors to immediately wash hands & put on a clean t-shirt 

    • keep a stack of clean & ​large t-shirts by the front door for your guests to borrow 

  • No touching of the baby's hands or face​​

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(Karp, 2019); (Kirkby et al., 2016); (Murkoff, 2013); (Skolnik, 2010)

The information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care or advice from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may have specific recommendations based on your child's individual circumstances. 

References

Karp, H. (2019). The best germ hacks for protecting your baby. Happiest Baby. Retrieved from https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/baby/baby-germs

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Kirkby, S., Biggs, C., Ikuta, L., & Zukowsky, K. (2016). Cell phones in the neonatal intensive care unit: How to eliminate unwanted germs. Advances in Neonatal Care, 16, 404-409. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098.ANC.0000000000000328

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Murkoff, H. (2013). Health rules for baby's visitors. What to Expect. Retrieved from whattoexpect.com/first-year/video/health-rules-for-baby-visitors.aspx

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Skolnik, D. (2010) Must-know germ fighters. Parents Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/baby/health/sick-baby/must-know-germ-fighters/

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