To tell MIL she can't hold baby

What?

YABU. How would you cope if you or DH got a cold?

I think it's fair enough to say "no kissing" but to say that the baby's grandma can't have a cuddle because she has the sniffles is ridiculous IMO.

What antibodies for which cold virus?

I'm just thinking op if you or your DH had a cough /cold whi would look after baby?

Don't think the OP is the loon...

What would you do if it was YOU that had the cold sore out of interest?

I thought a cold sore could only be passed on to a baby if that person kissed them? Not just being held be them?

The issue is if MiL chooses to kiss the baby on the face/lips

And most sensible GPs would have told family that they weren't well before expecting to see a fairly new baby

I'm on the fence, it's just a cold and baby will probably be fine, needs to be exposed to some illnesses to build up immunity etc anyway - but also if you want to avoid it it's perfectly reasonable too. You are the mother and it's your call!

Just explain you don't want baby getting unwell, like you have here. It can impact feeding and sleep etc which can be horrible for you as well as baby. You can say it in a nice way as others have suggested above, but if MIL tries to push back then just say no and leave it at that, or you just leave. Ask her if her need for a cuddle comes before her granddaughter's health. If she's huffy - let her huff!

You're correct. I meant more that MIL could maybe hold the baby for couple minutes (after washing her hands obviously) rather than actually be involved in baby's care while ill if that makes sense.

Definitely not worth taking the risk with such a small baby.

I think it is selfish not to explain in advance to guests or visitors if there are colds or viruses in the home.

I would not let someone with a cold hold a 7 week old baby. If they got huffy, I would leave. I may say I will be in touch with more dates to catch up, in the proviso that everyone is well.

I recently went to a big family meal with a 7 MONTH old. I felt perfectly fine but came down with a nasty COVID virus the next day. I felt horrible and very guilty. I would check with my family and let them know I have a cold before visiting or meeting up.

I think I'd leave, you should have been given the heads up. You shouldn't have to stay around anyone ill because they didn't bother telling you. Usually I'm the first to think people are being precious on here (I don't say that, I just often think it), but I don't think you are. Common decency to let someone know you're ill if they are coming to stay.

Nope I’d be really angry visited or let us visit with a baby of any age especially that young. and hadn’t said they’re unwell and I definitely wouldn’t let them hold the baby. I’d stay as far away as possible. You are not being unreasonable at all and if you can just leave asap thats what I would do 100%. Ignore people saying you’re being silly, trust yourself and do what you are comfortable with

I would text husband. She’s clearly ill. We are leaving. Tell her we wouldn’t have come had she said. Ask him to finish lunch and load up car!

It’s just sensible not to hold a baby when you are ill. Only on mumsnet will people say otherwise.
“ I had the plague and I held a newborn and they were fine”

It isn't unreasonable for a summer born 7 week old to have not been exposed to a cold virus.

Please take @Bumpingaround's advice and ignore anyone who says you are being over protective or precious.

MIL should have told you she was unwell before you arrived as a newborn doesn't need exposure to a cold. If a newborn catches RSV, it can lead to hospitalisation.

Also, cold sores are very dangerous for a newborn too.

You should be leaving and not staying any longer.

I'm with you. Colds are horrid for really small babies. Importantly, until about 5 months old babies are 'obligate nose breathers' - so they CAN'T breathe through their mouths. A stuffy nose is a real problem for a small baby in a way it is not for an older baby or child.

Colds are contagious through touch and airborne droplets when coughing or sneezing. I’ve caught numerous colds and never had anyone cough or sneeze into my face, ever.

Yes exactly. When I’m sick and people go to hug me/shake hands when I’m sick I say “I’m sick, I’ll keep my distance”. Common courtesy. But it’s mumsnet with loads of mil’s and mums of sons that wail everytime a MIL is denied her wants over a baby or mums needs.

YANBU. My DD got bronchiolitis and was taken into hospital because of contact with someone with a cold. Of course it can't always be helped (siblings) but if she is unwell she should have delayed meeting your baby a couple of days.

Colds can be spread through aerosols so she can catch her cold by being in the room. Outside is safer.

You're not being unreasonable, but you do need to handle it delicately. I've got an oblivious husband as well - pull him aside and explain your thoughts in simple words