Sick DH and newborn baby

What do you do if your DH is sick (with a cold) and you have a 4 week old newborn? He is being really careful with washing his hands and not breathing on her, but at times, it is necessary for him to hold her, as she is very colicky and screams for hours sometimes. This morning I was desperate for a little sleep and had him give her a bottle of pumped milk so I could sleep a little-- he wore a mask and changed his clothes. Do you think that there is a chance that she will not get sick or is it unavoidable? And one more question-- what do you do for a newborn with a cold?

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

I know how you feel. DH has Bronchitis and our DS is 9 days old. The dr. told him to stay away from the baby. I am staying with my mom and feel so bad!!

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

DH got sick with a respiratory infection and was put on antibiotics 2 days after we got home from the hospital with DS, so he was a week old. His ped. just said for DH to wear a mask when he was holding him and to wash his hands often. DS never caught anything.

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

I think you're doing everything you can possibly do. Washing hands and wearing the mask is a great idea. Yesterday I had a 101 fever (no idea why, feel fine today ), and of course it's just me, myself and I to take care of DD during the day. She spent a lot of time in her swing or bouncy seat, and every time she'd fuss, I'd wash my hands before picking her up. I was also really careful not to kiss her (really hard) or play with her hands!

Hope your baby doesn't catch the cold!!

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

I was diagnosed with strep yesterday and I was so nervous about Shaylie catching it. My mom has been coming over since I got sick on Monday to take care of Shaylie and so I can get some sleep. I really tried to limit the amount of contact that I have with her, but when I do need to pick her up, I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer. I was wearing a mask, but it when I breath, it fogs up my glasses. I'm not kissing her or snuggling her. I can't wait until I'm able to because I miss kissing that little face of hers.

Shaylie has been acting normal, no fever, so hopefully she won't catch it. I'm on antibotics now and I'm feeling better.

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

I'm sure some think it's overreacting, he'd be staying somewhere else.

I had a 2 week baby with a 103 fever & in the hospital for days after failed spinal taps. It is not worth it IMO.

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

My husband stayed upstairs for 3 days straight and the baby and I slept downstairs the whole time.

Re: Sick DH and newborn baby

I think what you're doing is fine. Just have him try to stay away from the baby as much as possible. If DC has a cold, you can run the cool mist humidifier. You can use saline drops in DC's nose, leave it in for a minute or two, and then suction it out. I'd also call the doctor just in case the doctor wants to see DC.