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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Babies & Covid

12 replies

Sunny987654 · 26/01/2022 13:44

Hi all, I’m after some advice please.

I have a 4 month old baby, and I’ve been very careful so far with Covid, and she’s only met family but none of my friends.

The reason being is that my family are very careful, will always do a lateral flow before coming round, plus they usually do not go out to pubs etc.

My friends are now wanting to start to see us and meet my baby. I know I can’t put people off forever as it will get to a point I won’t have any friends left! However, I’m very nervous about her catching Covid. She hasn’t been vaccinated against Covid due to her age, and being so young her immune system is immature.

It would be easier if it was summer as I could meet them outside, but the weather is a bit too rubbish for that at the moment!

I know the virus isn’t a major risk for children, but I still can’t help but worry. I’ve also read that there are more babies under 1 being admitted to hospital with Omnicron.

Am I being unreasonable not seeing my friends? What is everyone else doing at the moment with young babies?

Thank you!

OP posts:
Thebig3 · 26/01/2022 14:00

The stats that say more babies are being admitted to hospital under 1 with covid are showing that the overall majority have been admitted for observation only. And a very high percentage were discharged within the day.

If you feel anxious about it, then thats ok. No one can make you meet up you don't want to.

I would also say that at this point covid is more like a bad cold and most children are fine with it. I'm currently sat with my daught who tested positive yesterday and you wouldn't know there was anything wrong with her!

nocoolnamesleft · 26/01/2022 14:04

Ironically, your baby is far more likely to need hospital/oxygen from some of the usual winter cold bugs than from Covid. So the most important thing is to avoid anyone symptomatic.

FTEngineerM · 26/01/2022 14:07

Yes, I think you are being unreasonable. Limiting your social circle at an already lonely challenging time isn’t a good idea.

I have had 2 babies this pandemic, youngest is 4 months. I haven’t done anything differently to if it wasn’t a pandemic. Oldest goes to nursery and brings home all sorts of jazz, including covid, which was the easiest to deal with out of everything so far. HF&M for a 3 week old was grim…

They will catch covid in their lives, it’s almost certain now. Our bodies are designed to fight off viruses, the percentage chance of something awful happening should they catch it is minuscule.

Nobody can tell you how to feel though, I’m sure I worry about things that you wouldn’t give a second thought to. If it is consuming you to the point of losing friends chat with a health professional about it to get some proper advice.

RubytheRed · 26/01/2022 14:09

Did you get the vaccine in pregnancy? Some of the antibodies would have passed to her...or if you are breastfeeding and you've had the booster the same applies? Might make you feel happier about seeing others

JustUseTheDoorSanta · 26/01/2022 14:12

If you call 111 for advice for a 4 month old, you will end up in hospital because they will want a doctor to check such a young baby if there is any small concern. And rightly so. But it does mean statistics for little ones aren't comparable to older children.

I've known of a couple of babies now who've had covid, they were a bit poorly but nothing like RSV, which your baby will likely catch this winter and definitely next winter if not. Things won't change quickly, there is no covid vaccine coming out soon for babies. You can carry on being a little more cautious for a while if that feels comfortable, or start going back to normal. It's really up to you and not anybody else's business.

SeedsSeedsSeeds · 26/01/2022 15:30

It's actually good for your baby to be exposed to some germs, it's how their immune system learns to work. If you were vaccinated or are breastfeeding then the baby will have some immunity from you. No one can guarantee your baby will be safe from any virus, but I know a fair number of babies, including one of my own, that have been to hospital with bronchiolitis before the pandemic.

Original poster
Sunny987654 · 26/01/2022 19:44

Thanks for all your responses! I’ve never had a problem with her seeing family and she’s met loads of people and is well socialised.

It’s just some of my friends carry on as they normally would have before the pandemic (and rightly so). So I have avoided contact with them, as although I felt she needed to see people, I’ve also not wanted to unnecessarily put her at risk of catching Covid (or anything else). I feel more comfortable with it now she has just had her 16 week injections.

It’s a bit of a minefield navigating being a first time mum during a global pandemic! I just wanted to get a sense of what other first time mums were doing with small babies in the same circumstances!

OP posts:
worriedatthemoment · 26/01/2022 22:25

You could ask friends to also do a LFT but they don't always pick up all cases i have it now and not picked up on a LFT yet but by pcr
So even family testing isn't 100% but the best you can do
So if their your friends explain you can meet one or two at a time but would they please do a LFT and obviously not meet if they are ill
Just explain as cases are high and baby is little you want to continue to be as cautious as you can, good friends will understand .
Its cold but you can sill meet for a walk and outdoor coffee if dry and more comfortable with that

worriedatthemoment · 26/01/2022 22:27

It must be hard i had mine years ago and never had this to worry about and it must make it so more difficult

Garman · 26/01/2022 22:31

I have a 4 month old, 3rd baby, born 6 weeks early and had lung/oxygen issues due to prematurity. She came home at 4 weeks old, we saw only close friends and family for the first 3 or so weeks, and tbh have been living normally since then. Haven't made anyone test to visit, just wash hands etc as normal.

Sartre · 26/01/2022 22:41

I can understand your anxiety but as someone said, she could easily catch another virus which could lead to hospitalisation. My DS was hospitalised with a stomach bug at 11 months because he was so dehydrated. You can’t hide away forever.

KitchenTowel · 26/01/2022 22:54

I share your concern. Ds was (luckily) born in summer and for the first couple of months I only socialised outdoors. Once DD went back to school in September though I stopped being so careful.i avoid taking him indoors if I can avoid it (eg I leave him with dh or dgp when I go shopping or to birthday parties) but I have taken him to some of our friends' places and have called people home to visit.

I think sooner or later DD will catch it and pass it on to him. That can't be helped. I hope it will be later rather ssooner but we need to find a balance between trying to stay safe and quality of life especially when the risk is supposed to be low. And it wouldn't be fair to restrict dd's activities.

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