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

Mothers pass antibodies to their baby through the placenta during pregnancy, providing initial protection against various infections. This passive immunity lasts for several weeks or months after birth. My babies were passed round to all and sundry, were taken to mums and tots groups asap etc. as id jave gone nuts if I'd been isolated at home with a new born. They all managed to thrive. Come baby number 3, the older two were bringing all their friends in as well for a look and a cuddle (8 year age gap). It's a bit scary with your first baby and they look so fragile, but from my experience, as long as you don't drop them, babies are as tough as old boots!

I don’t think you are being over protective, your child - your choice. Don’t be bullied into doing something you’re not comfortable with. There will be plenty time in the months to come for introductions when your baby is a bit older.

We have a new baby in the family.. Born last Sunday actually.. Been passed and fawned over by 11 of us today
. Her dm was beaming the whole time.. No sign she wanted to snatch her away and hide her in a sling...

Isn’t there a happy medium? You could take him to see the grandparents but leave before the party?

Yes you are, pop baby in a sling and show your face.

The party is a risky option. I would either take the baby before or after the party for a private visit with the grandparents. You could take the card/present then and maybe a cake for tea..

You said it could hurt their bones. That’s what I was questioning.

It wouldn’t occur to me not to go. After a few days dc was in supermarkets and cafes and had been held by numerous people.

I would go, show your baby off, let his family get to know him. It’s lovely. Maybe pre-warn that you will only manage an hour or so as you are still recovering from the birth.

Unsettled is one thing. Hurting bones quite another

I completely understand your concerns. Our perfect and long-awaited baby girl is 14 weeks old now and I was very uncomfortable about taking her anywhere there were lots of people or to gatherings until after her 8 week jabs. Family members came to visit, but only close ones and only a couple at a time. The only place we took her prior to jabs was the little park on our road. I have become more relaxed since her jabs. We had a little party for my husband's birthday where we introduced her to our friends and we've been out for lunch a few times with family and to baby groups. She's a lovely sociable baby and seems very interested in new places which is a relief as I worried I'd have made her nervous of new people and environments by keeping her so sequestered!
No advice really, just wanted to offer some solidarity from a fellow anxious first-time mum! Posters on here can tell you it'll be fine to take your baby to a family gathering, that being exposed to certain germs is good for his immune system, etc. but, at the end of the day, he's your precious baby and you should do what feels right to you and if that means erring on the side of caution then please do that without feeling guilt-tripped into doing something you would rather not.

I agree with no holding the baby, unless asked, while you eat.
It might be nice.

You are overreacting, just make brief visits, my son (36), spent Christmas Day at my in laws, I was well, and tired, at 10 days old
Way back then fed in private, and hardly passed around, slept through it all

I would go for an hour

I didn't know about the immune system thing i went to a similar event with a 5 day old, loved it

'many years ago'..
Dc slept in prams down the garden.
Got left outside shops asleep on their fronts.
Were weaned at 3 months.
Things have changed.
. How about show off that gorgeous baby??

I would take him if you're feeling well enough in yourself. Babies benefit from passive immunity from the mother for up to six months after birth so I wouldn't be concerned about him picking up an illness. Just stand firm in terms of not allowing him to be passed around and only stay as long as you are comfortable.

Oh come on, if you already have 3 kids that newborn is going to have to go out and about, picking up from school, shops etc.

I was told it by a mid wife many years ago that new babies can be unsettled by being passed around like pass the parcel.
That it can unsettled them and upset them.

If you cannot understand this, that's fine🤷🏻‍♀️, but I could well imagine it if for a new baby was being passed around a lot at a large family gathering.

Their immune systems are vulnerable and I breast fed all of mine.
The same wife advised to keep baby away from crowds and shopping centres too, for the same reason.
Why risk a new baby picking things up.?

One poster mentioned recently that her MIL sticks her finger in her babys mouth.
Absolutely filthy and disgusting.

I wouldn't. There is a lot of cold flu and covid at the moment.
I'd be more comfortable if it was the summertime.

In what way can a baby being held by someone other than its mum hurt the baby’s bones?
Surely it makes no difference who holds the baby when it comes to bone damage.
its not like people will be throwing a newborn about between them!

The baby will almost certainly be fine. Many people are out and about with babies from day one and all is fine.

its not the baby I would be concerned about in this scenario - it’s you. You will be two weeks after having had a c section. Will you need to travel far? Will you have somewhere to sit comfortably?are you feeling well enough and robust enough to be out and about for long?

A c section is an operation and can take time to recover from.

I took my 5 day old baby to a big family wedding! I’m quite a relaxed chilled parent (all 3 of my children have good immune systems, rarely ill, healthy etc) and I love family gatherings. You never know how long ageing grandparents have and the photos I have of my tiny daughter with her Great-Nanny are very special.

My sister however, suffers from post-natal anxiety and she’s always been super protective of her kids after birth and would avoid gatherings.

It’s personal to each individual. I hope you do pop along for a short visit today for Grandad’s birthday, I think it’s lovely your partner is excited to show his new child off.

Aren't new babies always on show? Humans love seeing new babies, it's normal to make a fuss of them!