VISITORS

Newborn babies do have some protection from infection given to them from their mother's antibodies and they receive extra from mother’s breast milk. But they are still prone to infection and having more severe infections than older individuals. Even the youngest infant can catch a cold. For these reasons, you must be very careful in the first few months of your baby's life. Viral and bacterial infections are spread by touch, ingestion of food and inhalation of small water droplets expelled in coughs and sneezes. Anyone can spread an infection to your child including yourself. Viruses are present in high numbers in the eye, mouth and nasal secretions that we touch on average 2 to 3 times a minute. Therefore, be especially appreciative that every friend and relative wants to touch and kiss your new baby, but those with any signs of illness should be asked to look from a distance and not to touch. Good hand washing is especially important also, but even more important is the thorough drying of your hands. The drying is what actually kills the viruses and a few bacteria on hands that are not completely dried are still infectious. Most people are contagious up to 24 hours before their symptoms start, therefore all visitors should wash their hand thoroughly before touching your baby. You can take our baby anywhere you wish, just keep your baby away from people…...sick or otherwise.