Strep A- friend's toddler boundaries

[WorriedandScared93]

In the title really. I know it could be me being over protective. My close friend had a daughter who is 2 in a half. In nursery every day. She is also I'll with coughs and cold a lot of the time.

I am anxious at the moment because of this strep a virus that has come out. I am hearing more and more cases local.

Her toddler is always kissing and coughing/ getting close to my 4 month old. I don't like to say please don't allow her to get too close with fear of offending, also I'm not strong enough so I tend to just avoid people at the moment!

My DD has already been ill with RSV and broncolitus last week so I don't really want to expose her to anything. My friend knows this so a little unsure why she is expecting to see me Friday.

Although I don't want to lose the friendship either of this close friend

Sorry for the typos' close friend has*

And 2 and a half *

If you're that worried, don't have them over.

Sorry friend can't do Friday, not well enough, let's meet up on x date instead. Done. No need to make excuses, if your child isn't well they're not well.

Just lie and say you can't do Friday for <reason> and re-evaluate next week. This is really not a big drama. I would not want to expose my child immediately after a bout of bronchiolitis.

Just say you’re anxious about strep A and your little one has been unwell so you’re not seeing people at the moment.

If you were my friend I’d rather you cancelled than came and wanted me to keep my toddler completely away from the baby.

I would just say that you are not feeling well and cancel then don't schedule something until after Christmas.

If you aren't comfortable don't meet them. There's nothing wrong with it.
Stopping a 2yo doing something you've let them do before and is normally viewed as kind is mean. A 2yo isn't going to understand your (very valid) concerns re germs and contagion.
Either don't go or go and let toddler snot over little one. Don't be there but with rules which will make it stressful for everyone involved.

Isn't strep a bacterial infection?

thanks everyone. I would have scheduled something after Xmas but the problem is I have a present for my friend and toddler.

I know she won't be able to keep toddler away from baby which is why I am nervous to see them. She had a rash a couple of weeks ago that looked like impetigo but I didn't hear anything else from it.

I understand the anxiety but I do have a slightly different view to most here. Probably one of the best things you can do for your little one is expose her to a few minor bugs and colds. Please don’t think I am suggesting that you allow an army of toddlers to wipe their noses all over your baby, but exposure to illness is good. Ultimately though it comes down to what you’re comfortable with.

I agree thank you @negomi90 yes there is a lot of kissing and snorting over my LO I don't want to be seen as uptight but I think I already am to friends and family. Especially now she has had rsv and Broncolitus and was very ill with it. She got that from another family members other LO's but I don't want to point fingers.

Exactly what my Mum said @Tiredallofthetime 😆

Just be upfront and could say you're worried about Strep A so avoiding seeing people. Drop the present at door step or just give later, no biggie.

You sound like you have health anxiety - babies and children snot and slobber over each other all the time. Strep A is not new - there are several million cases a year, it’s a common illness. Don’t hide you and your child away through fear

Oh no - I’m giving Mum advice!

But seriously, there’s no such thing as being over protective and if it’s really going to upset or worry you, don’t.

One thing I’ve noticed with my own DS is that toddlers get unwell quickly and can present with what seem to be worrying symptoms but actually then they also shake them off very quickly and are bouncing around in no time!

I'd meet up outdoors and/or a place where you can keep your 4 month old in the pram/sling out of reach but still see your friend and your toddler.

*and her toddler

Just be honest and meet them outside or wait until the worst of the winter virus season has passed. I think your fears are quite reasonable.

That's true @Poppins2016 the problem is friend's toddler would have her head in the pram trying to touch her 😆

Can you tell a fib and say, GP has told you to avoid mixing with populations more likely to pass anything on atm as her little immune system has recently took a battering and could do with dodging any bugs for a little while? This could then lead into a convo about possibly meeting for a little walk with toddler and baby in prams and coffees so that it doesn’t upset toddler that she can kiss baby etc atm (if you were wanting to meet still). Or just dodge for a while if that makes you feel a bit better. Sorry your little one has been poorly. It’s awful, especially when they are tiny x

My friend knows this so a little unsure why she is expecting to see me Friday. because you haven't said you don't want to. Simple as that you should be able to just say sorry not this week things are getting a bit busy in the run up to Xmas now so maybe it's best to wait til after to arrange something.

@WorriedandScared93 I think your DD has been unwell enough & deserves to be protected from as much as you can for now.

yoddlers living in the baby is SO cute when it's your toddler & se germ ridden snotty, slobbery things when they're not yours! 😁

how About meeting at a play park (distract toddler) & put your baby in a sling? Or pushchair with tied down rain cover? Outside cafe?

or just say you'll rearrange after chrustmas when you're sorted. Kick the can. Toddler will enjoy a random gift next year! Post the card.

or just tell her straight up, which is what I'd do. True friends understand & I can't much because arsed with those that wouldn't!

I would just say you are worried about strep A and reschedule

I have been really worried about strep A for my toddler I'm also 36 weeks pregnant so feeling so anxious! My toddler was at my mums on Sunday and my little sister has just tested positive for group strep A today, I didn't want to send my toddler for this reason wish I listened to my gut, dreading my anxiety over the next couple of days hoping we haven't caught it

Can you not meet at the park or something so it's short and you're outside?

I might be entirely mistaken on this, but my understanding is that strep a is much less serious for babies than it can potentially be for older children.