Every winter season, mothers of newborns and infants cringe at all the germs their babies are exposed to. Well-meaning adults and older kids are drawn to baby cuteness. And they want to touch adorable cheeks, hands, feet. And they shouldn’t. So, how can you protect your baby from germs? One way to start is to attach one of these cute printables to your infant carrier.
Yep, put up a sign. If prying hands still persist, politely but firmly insist that touching stops. Family, of course, can hold the baby–after a good scrubdown. But out in public, no one needs to touch the cuteness except for you. Period. It’s just too dangerous for little immune systems.
It’s OK to Diligently Protect Your Baby from Germs
My second son was born in November and was a NICU baby due to meconium aspiration. He wasn’t breathing when he came out and scared us half to death. Thankfully, he recovered quickly, but we were diligent about protecting his little lungs and immune system that winter. We stayed home during RSV season. I arranged for babysitting while I shopped and skipped church until spring. Public gatherings were seemingly toxic. So we just didn’t go out often. I wasn’t being a germaphobe. I was doing what was best for my child and what the doctor encouraged us to do.
So if you’re someone who loves to hold babies and touch the cuteness, please be aware that moms have bonafide reasons for not wanting their infants to be touched, especially by strangers. And if you’re blessed to be family, also keep in mind that even if you think Mom is being paranoid about germs, don’t say so. She’s inspired to do what’s right for her and her baby. Trust her. Support her.
Two Free Printables to Keep Hands Off
Feel free to use these free printables to protect your baby from germs. Download and print, bubble cut them in the circular shape for which they are designed, then laminate. Attach to baby’s carseat or portable carrier with a ziptie, ribbon, or whatever suits you. These are my gifts to grandmas and moms who want to protect their grandbabies and babies. Please don’t resell them, but do feel free to give them away to anyone who might use them–my gift to moms and newborns everywhere.
Printable size is 5 inches by 5 inches.
Click here to download and print
Both of these printables are copyright mrsladywordsmith.com. May not be sold or used commercially.
Click here to download and print.
You might also be interested in this clever printable I designed for my own home–and yours.
I love these printables because it can be SO awkward to tell strangers to not touch the cute baby! Perfect to tie to the stroller 🙂
My husbands cousin had a sign like this for their son with cystic fibrosis. I eventually got it embroidered on a blanket for him.
Cute idea to have it embroidered on a blankie!
These are such cute printables. It is definitely so necessary. So many people do not have common sense when it comes to little ones.