Protecting Newborns: When Should Kids Come To Visit?

how long should kids wait to see a newborn

There are differing opinions on how long children should wait to see a newborn. Some sources suggest that children should wait three months before meeting a newborn, as this gives the baby time to build up their immune system and reduces the risk of infection or illness. However, other sources suggest that it is ultimately up to the parents to decide when they are comfortable with their newborn receiving visitors.

Characteristics Values
Time to wait before letting people meet your newborn 3 months
Who to choose for early visits People who will help, such as with cooking, cleaning, or chores
Hospital visitation Limited or no visitors
Post-hospital visits Only by invitation
Masks for visitors N-95 or KN-95 masks
Vaccination status of visitors Up to date on vaccines, including COVID-19, flu, and pertussis
Visitor illness Should stay home if feeling unwell, even with minor symptoms
Kisses for the newborn Avoid kissing the newborn on the face, suggest kissing the toes instead
Hand hygiene for visitors Wash hands before and during the visit

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Visitors should wear masks

When a new baby arrives, it is only natural for family and friends to be eager to meet and hold the newborn. However, newborns have a higher risk of developing infections from bacteria and viruses as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. They are also more susceptible to serious infections such as sepsis and meningitis. Therefore, it is important for new parents to set boundaries and take precautions to ensure their baby's health and safety.

One such precaution is to ask visitors to wear masks, which can help reduce the spread of germs. This is especially important if the visitors are displaying any signs or symptoms of illness, such as a fever, runny nose, cough, or diarrhea. In such cases, visitors should refrain from visiting the baby until they have fully recovered.

Some people may find the idea of wearing a mask around a newborn excessive or unnecessary. However, it is a small and simple request that can go a long way in protecting the baby's health. It is also worth noting that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was standard practice for medical staff and visitors to wear masks around newborns in hospitals, especially in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

  • Protection from Germs: Masks act as a physical barrier, preventing the spread of respiratory droplets that may contain viruses or bacteria. This is especially important when visitors are speaking, coughing, or sneezing, as these actions can propel droplets into the air, potentially reaching the newborn.
  • Reducing the Risk of Infection: By wearing masks, visitors reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as the flu, COVID-19, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These diseases can be dangerous, and even life-threatening, for infants with developing immune systems.
  • Peace of Mind for New Parents: Asking visitors to wear masks can provide new parents with peace of mind, knowing that they are taking proactive measures to protect their baby's health. This is especially important during the first few months of the baby's life, when their immune system is particularly vulnerable.
  • Respecting the Parents' Wishes: Ultimately, it is the parents' decision to set the rules for visitors. Visitors should respect their wishes, even if they may not personally agree with the request to wear a mask. The health and safety of the newborn should always come first.
  • Following Medical Recommendations: In certain situations, medical professionals may advise new parents to have visitors wear masks, especially if the baby was born prematurely or has underlying health conditions. Following the advice of healthcare providers is crucial to ensure the baby's well-being.
  • Setting Clear Boundaries: By requesting that visitors wear masks, new parents can establish clear boundaries and demonstrate their commitment to their baby's health. This can help deter unwanted behaviour, such as kissing the baby, and reinforce the importance of maintaining a sterile environment.

In conclusion, asking visitors to wear masks when meeting a newborn is a reasonable and effective precaution to protect the baby's health. Newborns are vulnerable to infections, and masks provide an additional layer of protection during the critical first months of their lives. While some people may find this request inconvenient or unnecessary, the benefits of mask-wearing far outweigh any potential discomfort or disagreement. The health and safety of the newborn should always be the top priority for both the parents and the visitors.

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Visitors should be up to date on their vaccines

Newborns are too young to be vaccinated against illnesses such as whooping cough, influenza, and COVID-19. As a result, they are highly vulnerable to infections and can become much sicker than healthy older children or adults. In fact, a fever in a newborn is considered a medical emergency.

To protect newborns from these diseases, it is critical that all visitors and caregivers are up to date with their vaccines. This includes the Tdap/DTaP vaccine for whooping cough, the flu shot, and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pregnant women should get the Tdap shot early in the third trimester of each pregnancy to give their babies some protection before birth. Other caregivers should also get vaccinated to reduce the likelihood that they will expose a newborn to the flu or COVID-19. Babies cannot receive these vaccines until they are 6 months old, so it is important that those around them are protected.

In addition to being up to date on vaccines, visitors should also practice good hygiene when meeting a newborn. This includes washing their hands thoroughly and wearing masks to reduce the spread of germs. It is also important to ensure that visitors do not have any signs or symptoms of illness that could be passed on to the baby.

By taking these precautions, parents can help to keep their newborn healthy and safe during the critical first few months of life.

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Avoid kisses on the face

Newborns have developing immune systems, and their bodies are more susceptible to infections. Their immune systems are not fully developed, and they may not have received all their vaccinations, making them vulnerable to certain illnesses.

Kissing a newborn on the face or lips can pose serious health risks, especially if the person doing the kissing is sick. A lot of viruses are spread easily through saliva. If an infected person kisses a baby's face, they are giving a virus an easy opportunity to enter the baby's body.

Children, especially school-going kids, are prone to frequent viral infections due to low immunity and close contact in school. It is advisable to keep symptomatic siblings away from newborn babies. School-going children are constantly exposed to various environments and close interactions with classmates, picking up germs, infections, and colds.

It is recommended that newborns are kept in a clean environment as they catch infections faster. Their sensitive skin is also more prone to rashes caused by chemicals in lipstick or lip gloss.

Therefore, it is best to avoid kisses on a newborn's face, especially during the first six to eight weeks, which is a very vulnerable period for them.

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Wash hands regularly

It is recommended that children wait at least a month or two before visiting a newborn. This is because newborns have weak immune systems, and so it is important to protect them from germs during this period.

One way to do this is to ensure that anyone who comes into contact with the newborn washes their hands regularly. This is especially important if the visitor is a smoker, as toxins will remain on their breath, skin, and clothing after smoking. It is also important to keep newborns away from crowds and anyone who is unwell.

Handwashing is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of germs. When washing their hands, individuals should use soap and water, and be sure to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. They should pay close attention to the backs of their hands, their wrists, between their fingers, and under their fingernails. It is also important to dry hands thoroughly after washing, as germs can spread more easily on wet hands.

If soap and water are not readily available, individuals can use hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. They should ensure that they cover all surfaces of the hands with the sanitiser and rub their hands together until they are dry.

By ensuring that everyone who comes into contact with the newborn has clean hands, you can help protect the newborn from illness and infection.

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Hospital policy

Hospitals have their own set of rules and regulations regarding visitation, especially in the case of newborn babies, who are highly susceptible to infections. Here are some standard hospital policies that you can expect:

  • Limited Visitation Hours: Hospitals often specify particular hours during which visitors are allowed to meet new mothers and babies. This helps maintain the peace and quiet needed in the hospital setting, especially in postnatal wards.
  • Restricted Number of Visitors: To prevent overcrowding and ensure the new mother and baby get adequate rest, hospitals usually limit the number of visitors allowed at a time.
  • Hand Hygiene: All visitors are required to wash their hands thoroughly with soap before touching the newborn. Hand sanitiser or hand rubs may also be provided as an alternative.
  • No Touching Medical Equipment: Visitors are generally not allowed to touch any medical equipment in the room to avoid accidental contamination or disruption of equipment settings.
  • No Sitting on the Bed: Visitors may be asked to refrain from sitting on the new mother's bed to minimise the risk of transmitting any pathogens and to maintain the cleanliness of the bed space.
  • Maintain Quiet: Visitors are expected to be mindful of other families and babies in the ward and avoid loud noises and conversations.

In addition to these standard policies, hospitals may have their own specific rules, which will be communicated to visitors. It is important to respect and adhere to these policies to ensure the safety and well-being of the new mothers and their babies.

Vaccination Requirements for Visitors:

Before planning a visit to a newborn in the hospital, it is essential to ensure that you are up to date with your vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone wishing to meet a newborn get the following vaccinations at least two weeks in advance:

  • Flu Vaccine: This will help protect the newborn from influenza, which can be dangerous for infants.
  • Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Vaccine: Pertussis can be very serious in infants, so it is crucial that visitors are vaccinated against it.

Other Precautions for Visitors:

When visiting a newborn, it is important to be mindful of the baby's vulnerable state and take the following additional precautions:

  • Avoid Visiting if Unwell: If you are feeling unwell, even with mild symptoms like a sniffle, it is best to postpone your visit until you are completely well. Wait for at least a week or two after recovering to ensure you are not carrying any viruses or bacteria that could be harmful to the newborn.
  • No Kissing the Baby: As mouths carry a lot of germs, visitors should refrain from kissing the baby, especially on the face. If you want to show affection, you can gently touch or cuddle the baby instead.
  • Remove Hand Jewellery: Before holding the baby, it is advisable to remove any jewellery from your hands, such as rings or bracelets, to reduce the risk of transmitting germs.
  • Wear a Mask: Wearing a face mask, preferably an N95 or KN95 mask, can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets and protect the newborn from diseases like the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

By following these hospital policies and taking the necessary precautions, you can help create a safe environment for the newborn and support the new parents during this exciting yet exhausting time.

Frequently asked questions

It is recommended that kids and other visitors wait at least three months before visiting a newborn as this gives the baby time to build up their immune system and helps to protect them from serious illness.

Newborns have a very underdeveloped immune system, meaning they are not equipped to handle a wide variety of infections and diseases. This means that relatively minor diseases for adults, such as RSV or influenza, can be very serious and even deadly for newborns.

In the first three months, newborns are getting used to the world outside of the womb and are bonding with their parents. This can include a significant amount of skin-to-skin contact. Constant visitors during this time can be intrusive and tiresome for the parents.

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