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My 5-year-old is sick. How do I keep him from infecting our infant?

Brenda posted January 21, 2020

We have a 5-year-old at home and are expecting a baby girl next month. Our son is excited to be a big brother, but I’m worried about keeping those kindergarten colds and germs from our newborn. I didn’t go out and about to many public places with our son when he was a young infant for the same reason. Tips on how to handle without upsetting big brother or worse, getting baby sick?

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Jesse posted January 21, 2020

Start talking more often to your 5-year-old now about washing his hands, covering his mouth when he coughs and being aware of his germs. I have the kids in my daycare sing the Happy Birthday song twice while they wash their hands because it times it out perfectly for the recommended length of washing. Explain that the baby will be extra sensitive. Don’t overdo it, though. You don’t want to cause him to develop too much fear or anxiety around germs.

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Tashawna posted January 21, 2020

When the baby comes, remind your son to avoid touching the baby’s face and hands until she gets a little older. Instead, he can give her toes and feet a gentle squeeze hello. Make a game out of handwashing before seeing the baby, too. You don’t want to separate them too much, of course, both because they need to start bonding early and because it would drive you completely nuts!

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Denise posted January 21, 2020

It’s important to be cautious with your newborn and protect her from germs, but make sure that you continue routines and life as usual when you can - for the whole family’s sake. You can still enjoy outings and public places, just be smart when doing so and avoid tight, indoor crowded spaces.

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Jessenia posted February 18, 2020

If they are actively sick. Then keep them seperated in different rooms, some illnesses are airborne and others are bacterial. Until you know which you do not want your baby exposed to the same air. No gentle squeeze if toes bc babies put those things in their mouth. Use a nosefrida to remove mucus, a humidifier, and whatever the doctor prescribes. Disinfect every toy as soon as it's out down and the surfaces it is laid on. Ince they move to a new room, disinfect all surfaces. Make sure they wash their hands regularly and don't share food. Wash blankets and sheets nightly. Disinfect yourself after each encounter. If sneezed on or vomited on, change clothes so the other child doesn't touch soiled clothing.

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My 5-year-old is sick. How do I keep him from infecting our infant?

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