Keep Those Nasty Germs at Bay

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Welcoming a new baby into the world is an amazing experience. I’ll never forget the joy I felt, meeting my baby for the first time, each time I gave birth.  However, all new babies are sensitive and fragile so there are some basic steps that parents and others who will be handling the baby should take.

Consider these tips from Rebecca Mcswain to keep those nasty germs away.

Follow through on the old standard rule and wash your hands frequently. If water is not available because the baby is enjoying some time on the road, use a hand sanitizer. Sanitizer can also be used at home right after changing a diaper. One other important step that parents of young babies may want to consider is protecting them while in crowded locations. Even if the crowd is only family, protection is still important.

Wash Your Hands

The act of hand washing is something that humans learn at a young age, and some may only perform this task quickly. But to protect against germs and possible illness this task should not be rushed. Instead, there are some important but simple hand-washing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These guidelines include:

• Wet.
• Scrub.
• Rinse.
• Dry well to avoid skin problems and ensure a safe grip.

Not only is washing your hands beneficial to you, but also to those around you.

Sanitize Please

Hand sanitizeris a waterless barrier against germs and the infections they can introduce. Some sanitizers are alcohol based while others such as this one manufactured by The Honest Company are specifically formulated with antibacterial components. They all have a varying degree of effectiveness, according to ABC News. There is a chance that some formulas can cause skin sensitivity and irritation, so it is important to find the type that you can use without side effects.

Keep bottles of this waterless barrier on the changing table, so whoever changes baby can find and use the hand cleaner quickly. Among the other locations that are good places to keep this product are:

• Diaper bags.
• Purses.
• Cars, just not in direct heat.

By placing bottles in various locations, you are ensuring a layer of protection for everybody.

Keeping Baby Protected in Crowds

Hand washing and using hand sanitizer can go a long way toward protecting baby’s fragile health. However, there are other important steps that parents can take. Keep baby protected in crowds, even if the crowd is made up of trusted family and friends, according to What to Expect.

• One suggestion is to restrict access to baby. If someone is ill or on the verge of becoming ill, politely ask that person to hold off on visiting until the illness has passed.
• Have young children supervised by an adult.
• Request immediate hand washing or sanitizing if people sneeze or touch their hair. Handling a baby is like food service: cleanliness is extremely important.
• Dress baby for the weather if going outside. Just as the weather can affect an older child or adult’s health if they are not properly prepared, it can also impact baby.

One way in which to control who actually touches your baby, is to wear them in an age appropriate sling or baby carrier when out in public or in a crowded setting.  It is a great way to keep them close and protected, limiting the access to your baby if necessary.

Another way to protect baby is to stand by the old saying: if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. This means that if you are not feeling your best or baby is not quite himself, then wait until another day to go on the outing. If it is a trip that is required, such as a visit to the doctor, then try to create as much space between you and baby and everyone else in the waiting room. Distance can act like a barrier, even if there is no physical barrier available. It can limit baby’s exposure to any germs others in the office may have. It can also limit others’ exposure to your baby’s illness.

Products for Safety

Beyond sanitizer, soap and water, there are a few other purchases that can help keep those nasty germs away.

• Blankets for an extra layer of protection against the elements.
• Disposable gloves to protect any open sores from coming in contact with baby.
• Disposable paper masks to protect baby from a cough that you may have. Although it is recommended that you not handle your baby when you are coughing, this may not always be an option.
• Proper weight clothing for the season, according to the Daily Press. Wardrobe choices are not only important for you, but for baby as well.

No one wants to see a baby fall ill. Even if it is just a simple cold, baby can quickly become miserable which raises the level of concern for parents and other caregivers. There are a variety of different ways that parents can keep those germs at bay. It is likely best if you combine as many methods as possible.  Besides asking for products like appropriate clothing, a baby sling and blankets when you fill out your baby registry, consider stocking up on products like hand sanitizer and disposable gloves and paper masks in advance. This way you can guarantee supplies are always on hand to keep baby protected.