Kissing the baby

[Warehouse1983]

Our baby is 9mo and only met GP's once when newborn last summer. At the time we were v strict and followed all social distancing guidelines. There are a number of vulnerable members of our family, though of course all have now had first Pfizer dose.

GP's all keen to meet up ASAP as the rule of 6 outside is now allowed (England). Should we let them hold / cuddle / kiss the baby?

Technically, no.

Realistically, what do you feel comfortable with?

We have a 7 month old who has been seeing grandparents throughout and being held by them and friends when we have been for walks etc. I felt the risk of them not being held by or seen by other people was far greater than the risk of covid especially as they will be going into nursery when I return to work in the summer. Did you not have the support bubble for people with babies?

I’m in a similar boat as you OP. Met grandparents on numerous occasions, but always socially distanced. I’m nervous too.
Even though we have lots of family to form support bubbles, we chose not to. My baby was prem, so we’ve been very cautious. She’s 9.5 months old now and I can’t put it off forever, however I’m so paranoid and nervous for her

@2boysand1princess the risk to babies (and small children) from covid is almost non existent I do understand why you would be more nervous having had a prem baby but the sooner you start to let people see and hold them the easier it will become.

[quote Katie517]@2boysand1princess the risk to babies (and small children) from covid is almost non existent I do understand why you would be more nervous having had a prem baby but the sooner you start to let people see and hold them the easier it will become.[/quote]
This is encouraging to hear and I really hope that is the case.

My now 14m didn't see anyone from the 1sr lockdown for 2m and it made me feel so anxious that he'd miss out like the others did and could already see he was more clingy than the others because he wasn't getting the bonding and mixing with others. So we started letting grandparents to come see him. Hug kiss etc whatever is natural to them. I don't regret it. All my kids have a great bond with GPs they all live very locally and have sleepovers well the 3 Yr old does because she always had done.

My DD has just turned 1, so has been in lockdown pretty much her whole life.

Whenever we were allowed visit, we allowed cuddles, but no kissing, and any visitors must be clean and have washed their hands. My DD was quite scared of people back then and would cry when she had someone come near her(but extra smiley at strangers from a distance, and is generally a very happy baby)
For the last few month though, (since around 9 month) we've relaxed it a lot and we've still not had covid. Having the extra cuddles and affection however has made really comfortable with other people and isn't scared at all, so I'm glad we've relaxed things, her development is important too.

@SaveWaterDrinkGin

Technically, no.

Realistically, what do you feel comfortable with?

This.

Yes - I think it's complete hysterical overkill to prevent GPs holding babies. Babies are not and never have been particularly vulnerable to the virus.

You cannot stop GP from holding your baby - worlds gone mad.

You were allowed support due to having a child under 1 - so no need to keep GP away
...or to sit in the garden to meet.

Crack on and let them meet your child.

@Remmy123

Technically she can.

I wouldn’t be passing my baby to any Tom, Dick and Harry but I would to close relatives, including grandparents. Probably wouldn’t encourage kissing!

Gosh this is sad. If it were me there would be absolutely no question. Yes.

@OverTheRainbow88 well yes of course she technically can, it's her baby, it's just all very sad and depressing to have to ask in the first place!!