Sick kids wanting to touch baby at ped's office - Children's Health Message Board

siren1024 · 12-16-2003, 10:34 AM

How do I deal with an innocent but croupy toddler who wants to touch my baby in the waiting room? It's not the kid's fault that their parents are too dumb, lazy, or disrespectful to say "Don't touch the baby, you're sick!" Some parents do, but alot don't. And I don't want to hurt the poor kid's feelings, but this happens to me just about every time I go to the doctor. The sick baby/well baby sides mean nothing to some people! Do I confront the parent or just say "Don't touch" to the kid?? The thing is, Cal LOVES other babies and toddlers and is very social, so I don't mind the well kids talking to him and playing with him because he enjoys it so much, and would be bored and fussing during the 2 hour wait if I made them stay away. So I can see why a sick toddler wouldn't understand the difference and I feel bad. But I don't want my 5 month old exposed to their germs. This makes me SOOOO mad at the parents that don't explain lovingly to their kids why they can't touch the baby right now..... what should I do?

MsMuss · 12-16-2003, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siren1024

How do I deal with an innocent but croupy toddler who wants to touch my baby in the waiting room? It's not the kid's fault that their parents are too dumb, lazy, or disrespectful to say "Don't touch the baby, you're sick!" Some parents do, but alot don't. And I don't want to hurt the poor kid's feelings, but this happens to me just about every time I go to the doctor. The sick baby/well baby sides mean nothing to some people! Do I confront the parent or just say "Don't touch" to the kid?? The thing is, Cal LOVES other babies and toddlers and is very social, so I don't mind the well kids talking to him and playing with him because he enjoys it so much, and would be bored and fussing during the 2 hour wait if I made them stay away. So I can see why a sick toddler wouldn't understand the difference and I feel bad. But I don't want my 5 month old exposed to their germs. This makes me SOOOO mad at the parents that don't explain lovingly to their kids why they can't touch the baby right now..... what should I do?

[FONT=Impact][COLOR=Red][SIZE=4]Never feel guilty for protecting your child! First off, other children should learn when they are sick that they should not come in close contact with others. If you have to be the teacher, so be it. Many parents do not parent anymore so unfortunately it is left up the the rest of us. A toddler should be told kindly of course that he has germs that float around and can give your baby the illness that he has. Say it kindly enough and loud enough that Mom/Dad/Caregive can hear and then perhaps they will pick up on your concern. If they are so thick they do not, you can always wait outside in the hallway of the office and tell the nurse where you are and why you are waiting there. My doctor when I was a child had a separate room where you waited if you were ill, complete with a shutting door. With all the crud flying around this winter you can't be too careful, especially with an infant that basically has no good preventative immune system to these bugs. He or she will get them soon enough, but you don't want them yet.

Hope2Heal · 12-17-2003, 04:53 PM

Try not to get over hyper about germs. They are everywhere and even the most well looking child or adult can be contagious with something. Your baby will most likely be exposed to many things while he is growing up. Hopefully his immune system will be strong enough to handle it. Unless your child is very prone to infections or has immune system problems, you should not worry too much about the baby being touched. Bring a box of baby wipes with you and ask the kids if they would clean their hands first. Most toddlers don't mind doing this and most parents should get the hint.