Are we being overly cautious about family holding our 6 day old newborn?
First time parents here looking for parents’ experiences and perspectives, including whether our approach sounds reasonable or overly cautious.
Our baby is 6 days old and has spent 5 days of those in hospital being treated for an infection. He has been through a lot already including two unsuccessful lumbar punctures. Mum also developed an infection after a difficult labour journey and has been recovering while also focusing on the baby.
We’re now finally at home and settling in our new home routine with a newborn.
Given what he’s experienced as a new baby, we really wanted to avoid (if we can) further illness or complications so want to take precautions where we can whilst he’s still so little.
We have also said that close family are very welcome to come and meet/see the baby, but for now we’re asking people not to hold him, kiss him or visit when poorly. This isn’t meant to be a long term rule, it’s more about giving him and mum time to recover, and giving us space to adjust after a very difficult first week.
However, my partner’s family feels we’re being overly restrictive as they really want to hold the baby. They’ve also questioned whose idea this boundary was, when this is something we’ve discussed and agreed on together as parents.
We understand that all our family members are excited, they absolutely adore him and holding a baby is a natural feeling you’d want to do, but given our recent experience it’s understandable we’re being more cautious.
So, I’m genuinely interested in hearing both sides. What do you think and what would you do in this situation?