Shielding newborn COVID

[JKDcot]

Hi all

I know this is all personal preference and no specific guidelines have been given about newborns and shielding.

We have a 2 week old and I’ve been clear family and friends cannot hold or touch him. We’ve had a few outdoor garden visits so people can see him from a distance but now since the weather is rainy people are asking to come into the kitchen and keep 2m distance to see him.

We have let my dad do this (he’s been self isolating for 14 weeks) and now my MIL wants to come over too. We live in the countryside and not many cases but not sure if it’s risky? Again no holding but just looking at him from 2m distance.

She also grabbed his pushchair today whilst on a walk and leaned over the pram to push him. He had the plastic rain cover over him due to weather and she only leaned over for 1 minute.

Am I being crazy worrying now? No one in the family has symptoms and have all been careful at home (only trips to grocery stores). Should I let this behaviour continue? I don’t know what others would do?

Thanks

I don't think you are being unreasonable, you have a brand new baby that you want to protect.
I think allowing people to see him if they kept a distance of 2 metres would be okay at this stage... I wouldn't be letting anyone hopd him though no matter how desperate they might be for a cuddle

Very difficult, and sensitive grandparents will let you decide without criticising.

Perhaps the solution to rainy days is to meet them for a walk, and let them push the baby in the pushchair with the raincover on. Walking in the rain isn't the most fun thing, but feeling they're pushing the baby may help with their need to feel they're playing a part, and the raincover would make it safer to be a lot closer than indoors. Take something to wipe the handlebar with, of course, when you swap who is pushing.

"She also grabbed his pushchair today whilst on a walk and leaned over the pram to push him. He had the plastic rain cover over him due to weather and she only leaned over for 1 minute"

That is you worrying too much. You could let them take the baby out in the pram for a walk and go with them. That way you are involving them but restricting the contact.

Also your baby is at no greater risk of picking anything up than they would normally be, as young babies are susceptible to all sorts as they are still building up their immune system. They should be fine sitting in the same room as you or your baby.