Newborn and sick toddler

[nicole1233]

I have a 6 week old and a toddler who has a chest infection. It's breaking me heart as m having to keep my toddler away from baby but he really wants to be around his sister. Also I am so scared that caring for my toddler and then going to care for Abby il pass on second hand germs I probably will be but all this is making me so anxious :(
Really any advice from mamas who have been in similar situations please

I have a 4 month old and a 3 yo. We’ve had nothing but germs in our house since DC2 was born - from DC1’s pre school, play groups and DH’s work. I’ve never tried to separate either DC1 and baby or DH and baby. It’s inevitable that younger children will get infections more than older children. DC2 has had a number of viral illness since birth (including covid when he was <2 months) and, while they haven’t been pleasant, he’s recovered quickly. He was a straight forward pregnancy, born at term and a good weight. I might think differently if he was extremely premature or had underlying health conditions. Otherwise I think it’s probably best to just crack on as normal.

Don't separate them. There's honestly
No need. Sometimes they give it to each other, sometimes they don't.

OP younger siblings will be exposed to germs and bugs from older siblings, it’s the same in all families.
It must be really hard work trying to keep them separate, it’s not something I contemplated with my 3dc but I can understand that if there is some kind of health issue with baby you might need to do that. Sometimes my dc caught things from each other, sometimes they didn’t.

Don't seperate them. That's mean and the toddlers germs will be everywhere anyway

I've separated mine through this most contagious aspects of illnesses and avoided almost everything passing onto my baby. It isn't good for their weak immune systems at this age. You're doing the right thing for a third trimester baby as upsetting as it is your toddler genuinely won't remember!

We never separated our dc when the eldest picked up illnesses from nursery. I figured it was fairly pointless unless you're going to do it properly and be strict about it, ie actually isolating the ill person and cleaning bathroom between uses. We wash hands etc but tbh not more than usual. Baby never caught anything serious from the toddler, she got colds etc but it's good to be exposed to that.

Don't separate them. There will always be germs here there and everywhere. Babies need to be exposed to germs to build their immune systems. Give them both lots of cuddles and snuggle on the sofa together. All will be fine.

Why are you trying to keep them separate lol and chest infections don't pass on anyhow. Either way that's how baby builds up immune system