Should I take my newborn to Thanksgiving?

I didn’t take any of my children out until they were at least 6 weeks old. I didn’t let anyone touch them that wasn’t of immediate family unless they had all had their tdap and flu shot. And washed their hands first. I would celebrate thanksgiving as a new momma with my new little family with just my husband and stay home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Thanksgiving is a little ways off still. I’d wait and see how you’re feeling after the baby is born before rushing to judgment on this.

Wear baby, and no holding him/her, etc Set rules and boundaries. I’m due November 7th and that’s what I’m doing.

I took mine, and I did not let anyone, not even grandparents kiss them an dhad everyone wash their hands.

In my opinion at 2 weeks pp, you need to be resting and bonding with baby. I was 3 weeks pp with my son Thanksgiving of 2016 and we just did a small at home holiday with our older daughter. I didn’t have the energy to travel or the patience to tolerate everyone grabbing for my newborn. You do what makes you feel the most comfortable Mama… But I will say, my twins are currently recovering from RSV and they had to be hospitalized… They’re 6 months old, were full term, up to date on vaccines, and otherwise completely healthy. RSV & the flu are no joke for little ones and RSV can be transmitted up to 3 days before the person starts experiencing symptoms. So if you do go, maybe keep baby away from other children… Have adults wash their hands and tell them no kissing on baby. Good luck & congrats on your new addition!! :two_hearts:

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I took mine at 3 weeks. She stayed with my mom for an hour while we ran over to my in laws because one of the kiddos there was sick. As long as no one is actively sick and you feel up to it, I think it’s fine. I personally can’t stand being cooped up.

In all honesty you have to expose the baby to germs that’s how they build their immune systems… yes you can ask them to wash their hands before touching the baby and you can even pick up some medical masks for those that have a cough … but everyone family wise will want to hold the new baby done overreact its natural… the baby will be fine

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Do what you think is right, don’t worry about anyone’s feelings bc you are the only voice and protection for your baby, if it’s germs, people or any situation you should always think what is best for your LO. Personally Though it’d depend on how many ppl will be there. If it’s under 10 ppl and everyone uses germ x if they touch them or hold them I’d be completely fine with it, in fact it’d probably be nice to have your mom or someone hold them while you eat a nice hot meal (still something rare for me now) but if there’s going to be a lot of people, kids, or anyone doesn’t agree to use the germ x (I also have a rule of no kissing and still do) then I wouldn’t go or I’d tell them to kick rocks and move away

Stay home. I was very nervous about this after I had my son. Family should understand. It’s not worth the risk and at only two weeks you’ll feel stressed enough. There will be more holidays! :grinning::+1:

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Your baby, your choice

If you don’t feel comfortable taking the baby to thanksgiving gatherings then don’t. Babies need to stay home for the first three weeks so they can build the immune systems. If you end up bringing the baby around a sick family member your babies immune system won’t be able to fight off the germs.

Just tell him to keep their hands in their kisses off at the baby they can look but don’t touch

Stay home. It’s not worth the risk.

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I’d wait to see how I feel. I know I that I had to have stitches and didn’t want to go anywhere but home for awhile.

Personally I’d go. Set rules. Wash hands before holding. NO kissing as a coldsore that someone has or is going to have or has had can be deadly to young babies. It will be fine. I liked being out and about with my babies when they were first born it got to much being stuck in all the time. But ultimately the decision is down to you.

I didn’t take my baby out of the house until she was old enough to get shots

Make sure they have all been vaccinated and then the baby should be fine

Overreacting, he’ll be fine :blue_heart:

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2wks after having baby you should stay home. Can you have a smaller number of friends and family come to you?

Do what makes you happy. There is no hiding from a cold/ flu if it is meant to be. Immune systems need to be built up and it will happen one way or another.

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Baby wear. Get a wrap or baby carrier that way people are less likely to pick up bub without asking and less likely to get to close to bub. Bub will most likely sleep on you so you can just say “Sorry you can’t hold bub, bub is sleeping and I don’t want to stress bub out” don’t feel bad for wanting to protect your baby I was very protective over my son when he was born.

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Keep him home. Wait for Christmas. By then he will (hopefully) have some vaccines.

If you can, leave the decision to the last possible moment. You don’t want to commit to it and then feel like absolute shite and not want to go but feel obligated.

You could always use a wrap and keep him snug to you (easy to breastfeed without showing anything too) that way you could always show his face but keep him slightly covered up to protect him. Although I was not up and about as much at only 2 weeks so you may not feel up to it for your well-being

My middle daughter was born a week before Thanksgiving. I still hosted it at my house despite her being little. Somehow managed to cook and everything. She survived just fine, didn’t get sick. She wouldn’t let anyone hold her though, she screamed until she with me lol.

I took my daughter on a family trip 4 hours away from home a week after birth for 4 days. I’d make sure baby’s gets all vaccines available at birth and I would also ask family and friends not to kiss baby if you are not comfortable with it. I know it can be an awkward conversation but baby’s health is more important than hurt feelings! Good luck.

I had a hard and fast rule when my 2 children were born…I never took them any where for the first 4 weeks of their lives. No one could touch them unless they had washed their hands and ABSOLUTELY NO KISSING!! (That seemed to be the hardest to get across.) Your baby’s health must come first…I understand that it will be hard as it is a family holiday but taking precautions now will ensure that your child will be around for other family holidays!!

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I’d stay home.
My daughter was born during flu season, we barely left the house for the first 2-3 months.

I would wait to see how you felt after. If you do go, set rules and boundaries. I’d let people see the new baby, but no one really needs to hold your baby except for you and your husband. If they can’t respect that, then that’s on them not you

My brother was born Dec 21, plans went forth as usual .

I mean my daughter was born in November and we missed zero holidays. But I know moms who kept their babies home until 6 weeks except for doctor’s appointments. So really it’s whatever makes you comfortable. There is zero reason to put yourself in a panic for sure, just trust yourself.

Should just be clear about family and friends not getting in their faces, and stress sanitation issues like proper handwashing, and no kissing.

Babies are actually the most protected the first few weeks of life all your antibodies are rushing through your body if you also breastfeed it’ll up the baby’s antibodies because they pass through breastmilk so enjoy the holiday

Wait to see how YOU feel. You may not want to get out of bed or have to be awake only 2 weeks (or more, or less) after giving birth. Take it one day at a time & have someone bring you dinner.

:heart::heart::heart::heart:I would DEFINITELY stay home! You WONT be enjoying yourself because you WILL be a nervous wreck anyway so why risk it and have a stressful day?:heart::heart::heart::heart:

My daughter was born 4 days before Thanksgiving and I stayed home with her for those reasons. Babies dont have good immune systems when they’re born. I’d wait until Christmas if possible

Babies have good immune systems when they are born. The more they are exposed to early, the more resistance they build up. Children are more susceptible today because they are shut up as infants

I think personally that’s a time of thanks and to not take your brand new love one for all to see would be terrible. You should share your new family member with the rest of your family but let them know how you feel about the sacrifices you are making to bring them there and how careful you want to be to make sure your child stays safe from any sicknesses that are around. You would really regret not taking your new little bundle to such a great affair. So just be careful about any touching or kissing and especially the children there for they are the worst problem you will have to worry about and have a good time. Trust me your family will respect your wishes.

My daughter caught RSV from going to either thanksgiving or Christmas. She was born November and my boyfriend’s family just kept passing her around and i told him multiple times to not let people touch her. I would not ever do that again with a baby that young.

Take him and wear him in a carrier, most people don’t ask to hold a baby in a carrier :smirk:

My son was being passed around at church at 5 days old and went to my family Thanksgiving and was passed around at 13 days old. He was absolutely fine. I had an emergency c section because pushing collapsed my lungs and I was absolutely fine too.

It’s up to how you feel at the time. As people say, keep sanitizer and people away. Maybe let them know I’m advance. But another way to avoid people touching him is if you wear him. Find a baby carrier for infants and newborns and just don’t take him off. Then refuse hugs because it’s awkward with the carrier. You can offer sneak peaks if you want or just tell them the baby’s sleeping.

Don’t take him!! I kept my kids away from large gatherings until their immune system was stronger…usually around 3 to 4months. Even then you should not let people kiss your baby…a sick baby is one of the saddest things and takes a heavy toll on the parents. So think only of your baby’s welfare, after all you’re his/her protector. Also don’t let people make you feel bad for wanting to protect your kids with bs like, a pound of dirt never hurt anyone etc…that’s a lie.

I think a Baby’s First Thanksgiving at home, just the three of you, would be so sweet. Cold and flu season is gearing up and your newborn will not have a fully developed immune system. Just explain this to your family and tell them you will love all of them from afar. Reasonable people will understand.

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Ask to make sure no one will be coming sick. But otherwise germs are good! It helps build a strong immune system! I worked in a nursing home when I had my oldest in mid December. By the time she was a week old I was taking her up to work for my co workers and my residents to see. My kids rarely get sick and they are 12 and 14 now

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Speaking as a mother who almost lost my 3 month old to RSV, it is not worth the risk! Stay home this Thanksgiving and keep that sweet baby happy and healthy at home with Momma :heart:

One of my children came right before Thanksgiving as well. She was a couple days shy of 3 weeks old. And I decided it was best to keep her home. Newborns can get sick so quick. It’s not worth the risk. Thier little bodies don’t need to deal with any illness…especially ones you can help avoid.
Family and friends should be understanding with this. Your baby’s health come above family meeting him/her. Make Christmas when all get to meet the baby. Atleast then it gives your baby’s immune system a chance to get strong

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I would keep him home and y’all spend your first holiday together just with y’all. Some family may not understand, but your little one can get sick so fast! Baby’s needs come first, and your baby doesn’t need to get sick, even if everyone is well

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Coming from a pediatrician ‘s office. Stay home for thanksgiving. Do Christmas when baby has a bit more immunity… I know darn well- someone sick will be close enough to the baby- air borne …

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If you have a special person you trust you could go and spend time with family for a little while. A newborn should not be around a lot of people at all. Go and show your support for a little while and you should go home yourself. Your body need rest as well.

I would go for a short while and wear him in one of those front packs that only show his face, like a Moby, when mine was a premie it was super helpful, I could back away, explain no touching, and the wrap carrier looked too complicated for people to ask to hold him. But it would be fine to say you need to miss this year for health reasons

My daughter was born 12-21 and i had every one at my house for Christmas. If anyone smoked the had to clean hands before touching her. She didn’t get aick cause nobody there was sick. If she was gonna catch something it would be from her siblings that go to school not people around for holidays. If people are sick they shouldnt come to family gatherings

No. Its rsv season. Baby health over family gathering. I had my son the day before Thanksgiving and made the mistake of taking him to the gathering a d 2 days later we were admitted to hospital with rsv and spent 10 days there.

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Four kids here, my first three had their first public outings at 3 days old. My last I kept sooo sheltered, didn’t let anyone touch her etc. My first three never got sick, my last ended up in the hospital for 9 days with rsv. If they are going to get sick they are going to get sick. Germs are everywhere. Unless you plan to quarantine baby in the house and shower before walking inside, germs will come in contact. It is ok to set boundaries and not allow people to kiss baby and even to make it clear the slightest sniffle disqualifies them from holding baby, or even not allow people to hold baby, but realistically you cant keep all germs away.

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If it were me I would stay home. During the holiday gatherings, people will go whether they are sick or not, just because it’s a holiday. Also, people can shed the flu virus before they even know they have it …people could seem fine on Thanksgiving Day and be sick as a dog a few hours later. People will understand that Baby’s health comes first. Congrats on your new little one.

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Do not take your newborn around so mamy people that soon after birth. I did with my second child and she was in isolation at a children’s hospital for a week with a horrible infection. She was just 3 weeks old. People don’t wash their hands, have germs on their clothing, etc. Not a good time to take a child around a lot of people.

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The hospital would be the first concern that is where all the germs are and people freak out over other things yes baby shouldn’t be handled and touched by a lot of people if family is sick hope they are smart enough not to come to a family gathering to spread there germs

I’ve had 3 kids, and all of them had RSV. It’s not fun at all. Keep your little one home for now.

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That is what babies are for…family and holiday memories. My first was 12 days before Christmas. Got lots of photos with family that passed before she could remember them

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Yes it’s fine!!! It’ll build their immune system. Just make them wash their hands & use germ x. I promise no one has any more germs than your mama father grandparent so on and so fourth.

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I would never take that chance with a newborn. You will have many more Thanksgivings if you keep the baby healthy. RSV can be deadly to a newborn

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We have 7 children and I was never worried or overly concerned with it. We are just as likely to bring something home to our baby from going to the store or dad coming home from work as we would be anywhere else. A baby builds their immune system by not being sheltered from germs. Obviously we dont intentionally expose them if we know someone is sick…but there are ways to protect your baby besides sitting out holidays.

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Really?!?! Stay home and enjoy your baby. There will be plenty more holidays. Wait for Christmas. This must be your first child.

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My son was born November 14th and we took him 2 hours away for Thanksgiving. We also didn’t get him out anywhere other than the house we were going to and nobody there was sick, we made sure of that before we went.

If you decide to go, just set specific rules for those coming in contact. If they are your family they should understand. You might be ready for some adult interaction. I took my newborn to church 3 days old. I just didn’t allow anyone to hold her or get in her face.

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I come from an Italian family, and both our daughters from day one spent time with family and friends. No problems… I saw some of my friends who could not put their child down for being clingy, don’t make a rod for your own back, get them used to people.

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Your baby’s health comes FIRST! Have a quiet celebration at home.

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I had my daughter 2 weeks before Turkey day. I brought her to my mom’s, everyone was happy to celebrate with my lil Turkey ( she was a 10lb baby)

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My first was born on November 17 and Thanksgiving was 8 days later. We took her to my grandmother’s for the day. No issues.

I would wait also. New babies are so sweet ,and will be passed from person to person. A lot of germs will be going to your baby. It would be best to hold off.

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It’s fine it really is. My daughter was a week old and I took her to a 4th of July parade. At 3wks I took her to a family reunion and she is fine.

Stay home. Why take a chance? You won’t have much fun any way constantly worrying about your little one. The family can wait until Xmas to meet him/her.

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Nope. Maybe for Christmas but I didn’t do or go anywhere with baby for the first month. She was born in October.

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We’ve had funerals and weddings since my LO has been born (he’s 4 weeks old) I’ve taken him but haven’t let anyone hold him. :woman_shrugging:t2:
Everyone has been EXTREMELY understanding and it hasn’t been a problem. Nobody has even batted an eyelash when I’ve told them “no”

I didn’t let anyone but grandparents and ppl without kids see mine for a good few months.

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Not at 2 weeks old. Keep him home for now.

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Can you wear your baby somehow? That might help to keep the touching down a lot

I’d take him. Limit the holding and touching. Use sanitizer lots. No kisses. Your family will appreciate just having you all there and should by all means understand your concerns.

I’d stay home! No reason to risk baby’s health! Send pics, they can see baby later!!

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Use FaceTime or a similar app to call them. Safe baby is priority #1.

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If you fee uneasy about it don’t go. It doesn’t matter if others have gone to family events and their kids were fine. There are also people who can say the opposite. Your gut is telling you already.

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Nope. My son got pink eye from his baby shower.

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Stay home. Flu season is coming and RSV…not too mention the common cold. Keep visits to few people at a time until flu season is over

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Gosh, that IS a hard one. I’ve had 3 kids. They’re all grown but like you said, it is flu season and that is dangerous for a newborn. I get that a baby needs to be exposed to germs because it helps them build immunities but not the flu. In my opinion, not that young. Personally, I wouldn’t go. :confused:

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Until your baby is old enough to be vaccinated, it’s best to limit exposure. Too many people are well meaning but will pass germs on that your baby can’t fight.

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Bow out and make your own mini Thanksgiving at home. If that’s not an option then prepared to be the bad guy and ask for no kissing the baby and wash up prior.

Italian kids must be immune to germs. I took my kids everywhere with me from birth, even on airplanes around 2 weeks old. They were fine and they hardly get sick to this day. They were always around family.

My first question is will there be other children there? Asking others is fine, but you should do what is right for you and only you and your husband can answer this question.

Not unless all of them are vaccinated to be around newborns! It will be stressful for you & baby! Ck with your pediatrician.

Do what your conscience dictates and either one of you parents or both stay home this Thanksgiving- newborn has a very weak immune system- no sense in taking unneeded risks-the one who goes to the gathering can take a cell phone with lots of pictures to show off!

Stay home and get on Skype and everyone will be able to see and talk with each other. Before Skype, I would make sure they understand not to make comments that make you feel guilty for not being there in person. Have a healthy and happy baby!

I would go but insist on everyone use hand sanitizer before touching no kissing on face only feet I’m unusual but that’s just me

I’d take him, this is how we build immunities; by being exposed to things. I wouldn’t allow anyone that appears to be sick be in contact with him but I’d take him.

Yeah specially if the baby has his/her shots. I would Just ask the doctor.

It’s your baby. I would stay home if it was me. There are way to many viruses out there.

You see people in Walmart with 4 day old babies. Go to thanksgiving and just say you rather no body hold him till Christmas. Take germ for you to put on before feeding him. People will understand that you don’t want him past around. Explain about RSV and flu.

Maybe you can go over before the festivities start and see the key family members. Then head bca Cpl home before everybody else shows up

Everyone has their own opinion, but you have to decide if taking the chance is worth it. My son had RSV at two months old and he was not a frail baby. I’d wait until peak sick season is over. You will not enjoy yourself if you are constantly having to police everyone touching your little one.

No. Keep him home. That is too much travel for a newborn.

Take the baby and build up their immune system.