When is it ok for visitors to come over to see my newborn?

I've been asked often when it's ok let my newborn mingle with the adoring crowds?. Can I take him to the mall with me? How about for a walk around the block? Can my best friend bring her two kids over to see the infant? Who do I listen to for advice about this?

Babies are remarkably resilient creatures. They survive bumps, rolls, and tumbles, and fortunately, have a relatively strong immune system. But, babies are not fully immunized against many scary diseases, and are somewhat more susceptible to viruses and bacteria roaming our planet. You're probably OK taking the baby out around adults, who tend to wash their hands. But children (and worse, adults!) tend to fingers in eyes, noses, mouths, or worse, putting their hands on baby hands. Children are not capable of remembering to wash their hands before handling the baby. Babies and kids often stick their fingers into their noses, eyes and mouths, which encourages the spread of germs.

I didn't take mine out much, or at least I tried not to. Yes, they had older brothers around, but I wouldn't let them touch the baby unless they had clean hands. You don't need to maintain a clean containment room for the baby, but it's best to keep visitors away from baby's hands, and have the visitor wash their hands before holding or touching the baby. In addition, be sure that sick friends and family wait to visit if they have a cold.

Far more important than visitors for baby's health are ambient germs that you may pass along unaware. For example, it is important to always wash your hands after using the restroom (many people forget!), rubbing and blowing your nose, or changing the baby's diaper. Do not smoke around the baby, and do not allow others to smoke around the baby either. Do not give the baby over the counter cough medicines or herbal tinctures, ever. Cough medicines have been known to cause death in infants. Discuss with your pediatrician about whether other over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, for example) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) are acceptable to give if baby has a fever.

Also, to give baby a fighting chance against disease, breastfeed. Breastmilk contains antibodies that are specific for fighting off your infant's particular illness.

Good luck with your newborn and your visitors!