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Original poster

For not taking 2-week old to his granddads birthday?

264 replies

untitled1 · 17/04/2025 19:14

First-time mom here needing some perspective.

My son will be exactly 2 weeks old this Friday. My husband’s father is celebrating his birthday and there will be about 20 people attending the party. I

I’ve expressed that I’m not comfortable bringing our newborn to a gathering with that many people.

I know his grandmother is going to be upset and think I’m being silly or overprotective. My husband is also keen on introducing our son to people - he even wants to bring him to his workplace to show him off which I’ve now put a stop to until he’s 4 weeks at least.

I understand everyone is excited to meet the baby, but I’m worried about exposing him to so many people when his immune system is still developing. At the same time, I don’t want to cause family tension or disappoint everyone.

Am I being unreasonable or overprotective here?

What would you do in this situation and when would you introduce newborns to larger groups of people?

OP posts:
Smartiepants79 · 17/04/2025 19:27

Well I took my 1 week old to our new years family gathering. Many years ago. There were about 18 people there. It was lovely to show her off. It’s just not something that I bothered about. Family is important. I think if the babies father really wants to go and I felt recovered enough I’d be going.

Chocolate85 · 17/04/2025 19:26

I do think you’re being overprotective. My children were exposed to large groups of people very early on and they didn’t get ill any more than your average child.
Of course, insist on good hygiene if people don’t use their common sense but your baby should be fine OP. You could always go and then stay as long as you’re comfortable.

Sometimeswinning · 17/04/2025 19:25

You couldn’t stop me from being out and about with all 3 of mine. My point is you think it’s exposing I think enriching.

Yes there will be people who think you’re being a bit silly (me) so you need to get a thick skin. Plus your dh also gets to have an opinion.

FlourandFlowers · 17/04/2025 19:25

I'd be the same as you OP (with my third baby, as well as my first and second).

Whilst I understand the grandparents will be upset, a baby's health trumps the grandparents needs to show off their new grandchild...

It is a nice thing to have so many people around you who love your baby, but that bond can be built over time... It doesn't need to be shared with every Tom, Dick and Harry at a party when the baby is two weeks old.

Original poster
untitled1 · 17/04/2025 19:25

Ok, maybe I should go then, it’s also because usually we don’t get invited for such events and I just feel like my child is being on show. I’m probably overthinking it

OP posts:
Chipsahoy · 17/04/2025 19:25

Two weeks is so tiny. Stay home and rest. Visitors can come to you. Showing off is 6 weeks plus. I preferred more like 8 weeks.

JLou08 · 17/04/2025 19:24

I think you're being too overprotective. If you don't want to take him for whatever reason that is obviously a choice you and your DH can make but I don't think you should be worried about his immune system.

Jeschara · 17/04/2025 19:24

I would take him, it would not occur to me not too, but then I would not soend time worrying about things he could catch, because he probably won't.

MammaTo · 17/04/2025 19:24

It’s all personal choice but I would take the baby. I have a Christmas baby so had a large family Christmas at 4 days old, but I was super comfy with that. Could you pop in for an hour or so?

ScaryM0nster · 17/04/2025 19:23

Calibrate it against other things you’re doing.

Id you’re doing supermarkets, baby groups, going out for a meal - then it’s no different.

If you’re doing home and minimal visitors and just walks in the fresh air then it’s a bit different.

TuckedUpInBedWithAPackOfCremeEggs · 17/04/2025 19:22

I take it he’s your first born OP?

Justmuddlingalong · 17/04/2025 19:21

I would go. Even for a wee while. You don't need to pass him around if you're uncomfortable with that, but I'd be excited to show him off to the wider family. Especially on his GD's birthday.

Starryknightcloud · 17/04/2025 19:21

I'd have loved showing my baby off to everyone but I suppose you can't choose how you feel. Just have a think if you'd feel different if it was your side of the family and remember he's your husbands baby too.

Lots of people to love your baby is a gift.

Germs are unavoidable but we're out of winter flu season and you can get people to wash hands, tuck baby away in a sling if you don't want them passed around loads. Breastfeeding is great for immunity.

DisforDarkChocolate · 17/04/2025 19:18

At two weeks I wouldn't be meeting more than two or three people indoors.

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