DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Families that are celebrating Christmas with a new baby this year have some precautions to take before heading to family events.
Fred Burke, a doctor with OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center said that it's okay for little ones to go to larger family gatherings as long as everyone is clean and healthy.
"Because the thing is, that’s how viruses are transmitted in, and infants have very very immature immune systems, so it may be harder for them to fight off these infections,” said Burke.
If you are bringing the baby, there are some precautions that can be taken to be extra safe.
“They can just take an at-home COVID test. I think it’s okay to say, if you want to keep the gathering smaller, you’re less likely to catch a viral infection. And you can also request that everyone be vaccinated. I think that would be reasonable as well," said Burke.
It may sound obvious — but before you hold any baby, make sure to always wash your hands.
“Just make sure they’re following proper hygiene precautions because viruses can be transmitted from either like, kissing, hugging, or even touching as well," said Burke."
At the end of the day, you’re the parent, so you get to decide what’s best for your child.
“I think they can respectfully say, you know, 'I don’t want my infant or my newborn to catch anything. Is it okay if you just look at the baby? But if you could please refrain from kissing or touching my infant.'”
And if need be, it’s okay to decline an invitation if it means your baby is safe
“If anyone has any concerns about going to family gatherings, I think it's reasonable to decline an invitation, or, if anyone is going there, that they’re not having any symptoms like fever, chills, coughs, shortness of breath,” said Burke.
If you aren’t comfortable with your baby seeing extended family just yet, there are ways that they can still see the baby
Set up a Facetime or Zoom call, or invite individuasl in smaller groups to keep the exposure levels to a minimum
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