Be Firm and Direct. “I prefer people to ask before touching her.” This clearly lets someone know that you must give permission. “Let me be straightforward: we're not letting anyone touch our baby right now.”
ERRRRR, NO - IT'S NOT OK
Dawn P says: "The only time a stranger should ever touch a child is if that child was in danger. "If an adult had done this to another adult it would have been classed as assault.
"If you're uncomfortable with strangers touching your baby in any way, you can politely ask them to keep their distance. You can say something like 'Feel free to say hi, but we're being careful of germs right now, so we prefer you don't touch,'" she suggested.
Don't be afraid to tell this person… “With all due respect, I am not comfortable with being touched, while we are talking.” You need not explain yourself, to anyone, unless this is your choice. If it were me being told, I may, feel unfairly shocked, but would have little choice, but to respect your wishes.
I'd love to stay in touch — here is my visit card.” “I'd like to further discuss this with you — do you mind giving me your contact information?” “If I have a question about [topic you talked about/they are an expert in], can I email you?” “Shall we stay in touch, then?
In large groups, make a general announcement, such as, "We can only touch the baby's feet" or "The baby needs to eat, so we're going to give him some space." Parents need to remain strong about who can and can't hold the baby. They're made to feel guilty, but taking risks with a newborn is not worth it.
Use Extra Precautions for the First Two Months
In their first two months, newborns are at the highest risk of infection, warns Dr. Hasson. So, it's advisable to avoid letting most people touch your baby and to avoid crowds, says the pediatrician.
Totally normal. Your family loves that baby, no doubt. But they have no idea what it feels like to have her literally inside of you. Transitioning from life-giver to life-sustainer is a slow process, and it can be hard to get to the point where you feel comfortable with other people caring for her.
Teach your children the following safety rules: It's not okay to touch someone else's private body parts. It's not okay for someone to touch his or her own private body parts in front of you. It's not okay for someone to ask you to touch his or her private body parts.
When people think of child sexual abuse they often assume that intercourse had to have occurred; however, this is not true. Unwanted touching such as groping and touching of private parts is considered child sexual abuse.
Babies can get sick.
If the person insists, be polite and honest. “I'm not comfortable with people touching my child, so please don't. He can get sick.” You can politely say, “I'm sorry; I know you mean well, but my baby is very young and susceptible to germs.”
Examples of inappropriate touch in the workplace include:
Unrequested hugs or kisses. Unwanted touching of any part of someone's body without permission. Slapping, punching, or hitting someone. Unwanted sexual advances or asking for sexual favors.
In general, it is any touching that is done intentionally and without your consent. Some inappropriate touching is motivated by the offending party's sexual desire. Some is not. But inappropriate touching in a work environment is illegal either way.
Talk about good touch and bad touch
Tell your kids about various kinds of touches. For example, good touch feels caring, like a pat on the head, back, or a bear hug. In comparison, a bad touch can hurt your body or feelings, such as pinching, hitting, or touching any private area.
Key points. Being touched out is a normal experience of motherhood. Mothers are often expected to let their body be completely available to their children, and this may lead to anxiety and stress. Communicating with your partner and family about your need for bodily autonomy is good for you and your children.
Speak to your doctor about the risks involved when it comes to letting a family member kiss your baby. If the doctor agrees that you need to set rules and tell your child's grandparents to hold the smooches, then telling that it's 'a doctor's orders' might be a less confrontational method of explaining your decision.
Don't worry about being rude. Just say “No, sorry, he's a newborn and his immune system needs time to develop. Doctor's orders.” Just say that you are not comfortable yet with people holding the baby.
Fear of strangers starts at 5-6 months and usually becomes more intense at 7-10 months of age. It can last a few months or continue for much longer.
There are no set rules about how long to wait before taking a newborn out into the world or when to let people near the baby.
Babies do not form their blood-brain barrier for about two months and so they are at risk for more serious infections until that point. Obviously, this doesn't mean you cannot have anyone see your baby, but it does mean you should practice having visitors see them safely.”
However, if you find yourself physically ill, panicked or distraught when others step in to offer care to your baby, you may be dealing with postpartum anxiety. Postpartum anxiety can be very tricky since it feels really normal to be protective.
Amy Pomerantz: When a baby starts crawling well, usually between 6 to 8 months, they start to understand the word “no.” Using the word “no” strategically. Physical redirection is helpful, too. Say no and move your baby away when they get too close to something unsafe or when they bite.