You asked

New baby hygiene: should everyone wash their hands?

The short answer is yes! While most healthy newborns are quite fine being handled by healthy people, they are more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. That’s because your baby’s immune system has not had time to develop yet, and any minor infection could pose a serious risk to your child’s health.
 
If anyone you know is obviously sick or even experiencing mild cold symptoms, it’s best not to let them handle your newborn or even get too close. For everyone else, it’s important to remember that they don’t have to look sick to be carrying a germ, and that they might have had contact with any number of people or items that are carrying bacteria and viruses too.
 
Bacteria and viruses don’t have to be in your body to be contagious, so it’s better to be safe and have everyone who touches your child wash their hands first than to have your child pick up a potentially dangerous (or life threatening) illness.

More questions

Being sleep deprived does not make for a happy relationship. If you’re suffering from lack of sleep, there are a few things you can try.
It is very important that you do not use sleep remedies, including the herbal variety, before talking to your doctor - they could have an adverse affect if you are breastfeeding.
When the argument you are having involves your children, it is a much better idea to have this fight behind closed doors, away from your children.
Making sure your newborn stays healthy and happy is as much about common sense as it is about care and washing hands is one of the simplest ways to ensure it.
If you find that you and your mother are locking horns over child care issues then it’s time to assert your wishes.
Most people agree that fighting in front of children is inappropriate. However, many people also agree that, as long as your child is brought up in a loving, warm, free home, they will learn that the occasional disagreement between their loving parents is simply a part of life.
If your child is big enough you might consider a star chart for good behaviour. Each time your child goes to bed without any trouble, he or she gets a star. If at the end of the week he has seven stars on his chart then he gets a special treat.
Choosing to change child care after your parents have been looking after your child for months or years can be a delicate subject but, handled correctly, it can be done.
The right amount of sleep differs from individual to individual and even between cultures.
Negotiating the changes in friendships that a child brings can be tricky for any new mom, but it is possible.

Latest

Trending