To protect newborn from covid

[Megabloxx]

I have a 5 week old daughter and another daughter who just turned 2. We all had covid during my pregnancy, and none of us were particularly unwell with it (daughter just had a high fever for one day, severe colds for myself and husband). As a result of this, I wouldn't be too bothered taking precautions anymore, if it weren't for the newborn. I know that respiratory infections can be very severe in newborns, due to lack of general immunity. We live in central London where covid is currently rife.

I am on mat leave and husband is working from home, and in theory it's possible for us to not go out or see anyone. I have issues with OCD/anxiety, particularly around the newborn's health, so I find it hard to judge what is reasonable. We have still been going out meeting friends and family, although I've recently been asking people to meet us outside for walks rather than inside and I have cancelled dinner plans for tonight as I am too worried about newborn catching covid.

What are your opinions? What do/would you do in this situation?

I’m not very cautious about covid in general, but I’d be doing the same as you are with a weeks-old baby at a time when there’s so much covid about.

They are not tiny and vulnerable for long and it's completely natural to want to protect them while they are OP. Once she's a few months you'll relax I expect.

Congratulations on your baby.

I had my babies over winter and protected them from flu etc. It's perfectly reasonable while they are under six months. They are so vulnerable, can't cope without fluids for long and have limited antibiotics. A cough can be serious for a newborn if it interrupts feeding.

Thanks for the replies! We will remain cautious (within reason). One thing that I find difficult is deciding whether or not my eldest daughter can go to playgroups. Not taking the baby there, but my husband has been attending them with her. I appreciate it would be the same if she were in nursery, but those groups are obviously covid herds (that's how we got it last time). At the same time I don't want her to miss out, and some of them are outside, so presumably a bit better. Aarghh, decisions, decisions! I hated lockdown, but at least you knew where you stood!

I think it's normal to want to stay safe for a few months until baby's immune system is more established. No harm in living cautiously.

My B&SIL had us over when my nephew was 3 (!!) days old and I remember finding it so strange that they didn't ask us to do LFT/wash hands/be clean before he was passed around the room! So odd, though he was perfectly safe and healthy.

I think you're doing the right thing.
I'd do the same until Bub is a little bigger.