magnetic baby

[bednobs]

Hi everyone, you'll soo all be completely fed up of the parenting q's from me. Anyway, how do i deal with this situation?
I have been out with Phoebe twice now. She is still only 5lb and very tiny for a six week old. On special care they told us not to take her to crowded places as she's still vulnerable to infection. Anyway, no matter how few people are around, they are completely attracted to her, poking their heads in the pram, breathing on her - some woman today even chucked her under the chin! people keep asking me about her and saying "what a tiny baby" etc etc
We literally can't walk a few meters without someone poking her, poking their head in the pram etc. asking me about how early she is, how old she is. These are total strangers. My next door neighbours all bundled in the other day (we had the back door open and we quite often come in and out of each other's houses) Then they even had the cheek to bring some friends of theirs round who we don't even know and asked for them to be introduced.
Now i know we've had a long journey, and people are just being nice, but how do i manage telling total starngers to flump off, which is what i really want to do!

[Canary42]

Put a net over the pram/cot etc.

[daffy654]

Politely but firmly say "please don't breathe over or touch my daughter as she is very susceptible to infection".

[Psybbo]

Yes bednobs I remember the same thing happening with mine and I just wanted to scream at everybody but, hopefully you have now satisfied most of them and it may ease. So pleased for you as well x

[puzzled54]

I suspect that people are just so pleased for you that they want to admire your beautiful baby! Agree with Daffy, just tell them what the hospital said.

[gness]

I know how you feel Bednobs. OH had no immune system and had to avoid infection which I did explain after his transplant. Yet people seemed to think that "their" cold or flu for instance was not going to harm him.
Canary`s is a really good idea. Be firm if that is what is needed, you are protecting your precious child. Jump in before they can get too close and tell them she has to gain another 3lb before she can have any contact with strangers. Doctor`s orders.
Of course they want to fuss her but there is time for that when she is strong enough.
I have been known to run around flapping my arms shouting. "Cold,cold, out, out!" as a sniffy visitor tried to come in the door.

[bednobs]

thanks everyone - some good ideas

[jno]

got one of those plastic rain-covers to fit over the pram? Might be slightly better protection against germs than a net

[bednobs]

she doesn't have to be in isolation or anything, just not being handled or meeting loads of people. A net would probably suffice cause then people wont be able to see her

[Brinjal]

I didn't like people handling my babies or breathing over them and they weren't small. When they are new they are susceptible to germs

[China Doll]

I'd tell everyone to knob off and leave her and me alone... but then I'm not very friendly ;o)

[cathfromsaron]

it's a habit round here to rub money on their hands! yuck!

maybe the novelty will wear off?

[Nini74]

i had a real issue with people kissing bubs when he was tiny - i just felt it was so wrong when we were sterilising everything to keep germs away, and then people picked him up and literally put saliva on his face or, worse still, his lips! if you put the rain covers over the pram, people won't be able to reach her or touch her or breath all over her. But other than that - the idea about telling them she has to gain 3 pounds before she's ready to meet people is good. As for your neighbours, hopefully it was just a one-off, but when you see them next explain what the doctors have said and that you'd rather leave it a few weeks before she gets passed around for cuddles. i'm sure they'll understand. people just don't think sometimes. congratulations by the way xxx

[bednobs]

thanks :)

[Mojo-Jo-Jo]

stick some of this round the pram hood.
http://www.google.co....229,i:193&tx=68&ty=92

[bednobs]

good plan. Since i made this post i have a new strategy - i just completely ignore them and carry on walking. As they are complete strANGERS i don't care if they think i'm rude!