Step away from the baby!
New parents are often shocked at how often complete strangers feel free to come right up and touch a tiny baby, without asking if it's OK to do so.
Even the common cold can turn dangerous for a new baby, much less swine flu. That means all the touching can drive a germ-phobic parent right up the wall.
One, a mom named Tara Williamson, decided to make the sign you see on the right, which you can hook right on to a stroller. And now she's selling them, for $7.95 apiece. (There's even one in Spanish.)
Of course, you could make one yourself for free. Or just summon your courage and tell the stranger (or, let's be honest, overly touchy acquaintance/relative/friend) to wash up first.
But something about the official-looking nature of this sign may be the ticket. It's passive-aggressive messaging at its finest, isn't it? Because after reading it, even with clean hands, who would dare to approach the baby?
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
Personally, I think this is pretty weird unless the babies have some condition that merits extra protection (a friend whose babies were born at 29 weeks used these signs after she found that she couldn't go anywhere without strangers touching her twins). Most babies don't need shielded from everyday germs, IMHO.
However, I do find it odd that strangers would touch other people's babies, too.
Posted by: J | September 1, 2009 9:07 AM
My second child was born right in the middle of flu season and I wore her in a sling across my chest to keep people from touching her. Yes, kids will always get sick, but unless you're intending to come to my house to sit up all night with my sick baby, don't touch! She's a baby, not a dog.
Germs aside, I always thought it was rude to touch a stranger's baby anyway.
Posted by: Kayris | September 1, 2009 10:16 AM
Rude and paranoid.
Posted by: Larissa | September 1, 2009 10:33 AM
As a father of a ten week old I can agree that it is weird that people want to touch the baby, but they do. Every time I have been in public I have been approached with this request and have answered it differently each time - usually it is enough just to let them look. I love to share the joy and pride I feel and I understand the fear of germs that all new parents have to contend with. It's tough to find that middle ground - knowing that your new infant has absolutely no immune system built up and has not yet had it's vaccinations and is incredibly susceptible and knowing that part of building the immune system is controlled exposure to the world, germs and everything. I think "the sign" is a great idea to that end, especially if you don't like to say "no" or "wash your hands".
Posted by: Ted | September 1, 2009 10:36 AM
Great idea!! As a grandmother of eight, I am always concerned about my grandchildren getting sick. This sign is the perfect way to politely tell strangers not to touch a baby.
I think this will be a great item to add to any baby shower gift. Thanks for coming up with such a clever idea.
Posted by: M. | September 1, 2009 11:30 AM
I think it's a great idea as well. Not just for strangers. At synagogue, or running into friends at the store. You need to make sure they keep their distance. And other kids as well - they will want to be all over the baby!
Posted by: MS | September 1, 2009 1:01 PM
I used one of her signs when my daughter was born last Dec. and it was such a comfort to know I didn't have to say anything....the sign said it all and I got lots of great reactions from it. I wouldn't go without it with a newborn during the flu season esp.!!
Posted by: Shannon | September 1, 2009 9:05 PM
My 6 month old son has cancer and his immunity is down to almost nothing. It's crucial that he doesn't get even the slightest cold. I think these signs are great!
Posted by: Stephanie | September 13, 2009 6:46 PM