Is there any way to prevent your infant from catching your cold?

I have a bad cold and so does Tyler. I am trying my hardest not to let Derek catch it...so far so good. I am trying not to breathe directly on him and washing my hands constantly but it is just hard when I have to take care of him because DH has to work.

Re: Is there any way to prevent your infant from catching your cold?

Get a package of disposable surgical masks from the drug store and wear them whenever you hold the baby. It's not a 100% solution but it can help. Feel better soon!

Re: Is there any way to prevent your infant from catching your cold?

Make sure you wash your hands for a minimum of 15 seconds with warm water and pat dry. Also hand sanitizer is good when used properly (keep rubbing until your hands are dry). Don't cough or sneeze into your hands and always wash before handling the baby. Are you bf-ing? If so you will pass antibodies to him through your milk. You can try the mask, but most viruses like this are passed by droplets (saliva, mucus, etc) that are on your hands when you sneeze or cough. The mask may be helpful to avoid droplets from going onto baby when you cough when holding him. I would say get gloves before I would get a mask.

Most importantly, take care of yourself. The sooner you get better, the less you will have to worry about DC contracting your illness. Drink plenty of fluids and try to get rest.

Re: Is there any way to prevent your infant from catching your cold?

I have had two...I wore a mask during some feedings and wasahed my hands 500x's a day...they didn't get it. ( though Noah sneezed and gave them his )

Re: Is there any way to prevent your infant from catching your cold?

I have been sick since before Thanksgiving with a horrible cold and cough.

I wash my hands constantly (they are about to fall off right now)

I cough away from the baby.

I spray Lysol every day and wipe down knobs, phones, remotes etc with Lysol wipes.

Re: Is there any way to prevent your infant from catching your cold?