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Know the Facts

Together with Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Melanie Wellington, M.D., and her team at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, we’re able to provide families with vital information about viral illnesses, signs to look for, and what to do if symptoms present themselves.

You may not know it, but the common cold and influenza can cause severe, life-threatening illnesses in newborns and infants.

Babies have an immature, underdeveloped immune system, specifically in the first 6-8 weeks of their life. It’s important to know that babies cannot be immunized for the flu until at least 6 months of age, so until then, they are reliant entirely upon their parents to protect them from viral illnesses.

Some viruses are particularly dangerous for babies.

Viruses such as influenza (flu), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), “stomach flu” (gastroenteritis) and enterovirus (summer cold) can cause life-threatening illness in babies. In some cases, they can be fatal. Babies can also contract serious bacterial infections that may present themselves as a “cold” toward the beginning of the illness.

Prevention of Viral Infections

The following is a list of non-negotiable criteria that should be met by every single person who comes into contact or potential contact with your newborn child:

  • Immunizations for parents and family members (Tdap/Pertussis, Influenza) and baby (Hep B at birth)

  • Frequent hand washing (20+ seconds with warm, soapy water)

  • Teaching hygiene etiquette to siblings (hand washing, coughing into elbow, washing hands before touching baby or baby items)

  • Limit contact for baby in the first 6-8 weeks following birth (this time frame is the most high-risk for babies as they begin to develop their immune system)

  • No matter who you are, do NOT come near the baby if you have any kind of rash, cold sore, early illness symptoms such as a scratchy throat or headache, runny nose, stomach flu, or if you smoke tobacco of any kind. Any smokers should wash clothes and shower prior to touching the baby, no matter what.

Warning Signs

It’s important to be aware and make informed decisions when it comes to your baby’s health, especially in the newborn stage. Make a phone call to your pediatrician or call 911 immediately if your newborn is displaying one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Fever greater than 100.4º F

  • Temperature lower than 97º F

  • Not waking up

  • Decreased wet or dirty diapers

  • Decreased ability to nurse or feed

  • Change in skin color (bluish, grey tints on fingernails or around eye sockets or lips)

  • Persistent crying

  • Pink eye

  • Not moving an arm or leg or at all

  • Grunting noises with each breath or sucking in (retraction) around rib cage

Outings with Baby

It’s important to get out of the house with your new baby. It’s also important to choose your moments. Things like going for a walk in your neighborhood, on a trail or walking indoors somewhere not crowded are great ways to get out during those first 6-8 weeks. Areas where you and your baby are not required to have any direct contact with others are the safest places for your newborn child as their immune system begins to develop.

If and when you do decide to get out of the house with your new baby, try things like going somewhere at a less crowded time, keeping baby in a sling or front carrier or placing the car seat directly down in the shopping cart at the grocery store can help keep them safe.