Three Little Tots Blog

You don’t have to tell a mama just how irresistibly cute her baby is—we get it. There is just something about that feathery hair, those teeny fingers and their precious outfits that make babies completely magnetic, even to strangers. The problem is that strangers can bring along some strange germs, which is no small concern this time of year.

Now, some parents are going on the offensive against people prone to ohh-ing and aww-ing in dangerously close proximity to babies without getting a parents’ permission. With some brilliant (and creative) signs, pins and onesies that spell out “Please, don’t touch me,”—it’s easier for parents to send the message that their baby should not be touched.

With yet another cold and flu season upon us, keeping babies healthy is top of mind for just about every mama—especially those of us with the tiniest babies. Two years ago, as we were going into one of the worst flu seasons on record, I welcomed my second child and quickly had to learn how to speak up to the people in grocery store lines who would try to shake my baby’s hand or touch her cheeks.

Harsh as it may sound, if someone was offended when I (kindly) asked them not to touch my baby, that was a worthwhile tradeoff for keeping my infant healthy. I just wish I had one of these signs to do the hard work for me!

“Just one well meant cheek pinch or hand rub can transmit harmful germs to an infant,” Lapointe says. “This tag will politely let others know that you would rather not have germs spread to your child via physical contact.”

Like Lapointe, Johanna Ackerman, owner of Tags 4 Tots is passionate about this because she’s been through it.

“I started this business when my nephew was born with a heart condition that required him to stay healthy,” she tells Motherly. “Then, years later, I ironically has premature babies with compromised immunity and I felt the anxiety of keeping our little ones safe.”

Lapointe, Ackerman and other entrepreneur in this niche are helping mamas reduce their anxiety by reducing the need for confrontation through creativity. There are several mamas and NICU nurses who are putting a lot design energy into into getting this important point across.

Read the original artilce here

Get one of these cute “no touching” signs to stop people from pawing at your baby

People just can’t seem to keep their damn hands to themselves when it comes to a cute little baby, so new parents are in a constant state of germ panic. Having a newborn is stressful for one million reasons, but the thought of your tiny one getting sick is top of the list of things to worry about. That’s why every new mom and dad needs a “no touching” sign to hang on their baby’s car seat (or bouncy seat or swing — whatever).

Because apparently, it needs to be said.

Not touching someone’s infant without permission (and then, a vigorous hand-washing) is a year-round thing that’s good to practice, but is particularly important as we head into flu season. As the CDC says, infants under six months are too young to receive a flu vaccine. They also note that flu complications for children under two can be serious — and little ones are at a higher risk. Complications stemming from flu infection include pneumonia, dehydration, encephalopathy, and even death.

That’s why new parents all need to invest in one of these signs.

Of course, some people might think this is hysterical or going overboard. Those would be people who’ve never dealt with a very sick infant or who don’t understand how fragile a brand-new baby’s immune system can be. New parents might be too shy or exhausted or feel like they’re not being kind enough to a gift-bearing visitor or well-meaning stranger if they tell them to keep their paws off the baby — so that’s where the signs come in.

Look — it’s understandable that a new baby is irresistible to some, which is why squealing fans of infants might need a reminder to back up the truck and chat with mom or dad before grabbing at those sweet hands and feet (or, gross, kissing their faces). These signs are a super helpful tool for parents dealing with those too dim to ask permission (and wash hands) first.

It’s one less thing to worry about at a time when you have plenty of things to worry about.

New parents know how hard it can be keeping strangers’ dirty paws off their infants. It seems like every person in the grocery store or bank needs to grab your baby’s hand or rub her head. Enter the latest diversionary technique: “NO TOUCHING” signs that parents have been placing on the car seats and strollers to ward off the unwanted handling of their children. But the signs have sparked some debate.

"I feel like there is no one answer that is correct," Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting expert, told TODAY. "If your child is medically fragile then it is a smart idea. If your child is not medically fragile then it is not necessary. As a parent you are welcome to do what you want at your own comfort level."

Several months ago the Facebook mothering community Breastfeeding Mama Talk posted a picture of a car seat with a sign that said “NO TOUCHING. Your germs at too BIG for me,” and asked its followers if they would use the signs. The response was overwhelming.

“Don’t touch other people or their children. It’s creepy. Don’t be creepy,” Heather from Breastfeeding Mama Talk wrote, starting the debate.

Soon others chimed in.

“It’s not even just about the germs, there’s the whole respect for other people’s space,” Katelyn McClain shared on Facebook, while Jennifer L. Simmons agreed.

“Yes!!!! I HATE when someone walks up to my 11-month-old and touches her. Just cause she’s a child does not mean it’s OK. I’ve flat told people to back the hell off, lol. Just cause she’s waving and curious does not mean it’s OK to touch.”

Gilboa said for some parents, using a sign to prevent strangers from touching a baby might seem easier than a confrontation.

"The concern from having a total stranger touch your baby goes way beyond whether or not washed their hands after they touched their nose," she explained. "Everyone has boundaries and you can't just touch people."

A preemie mom on the Facebook thread felt grateful for the “no touching” sign that she received at the hospital, which helps protect her infant.

“It works! And I keep a cover on him,” April Lewis explained, adding if anyone still tried touching her son they’d get an earful from her.

See The Original Article Here

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