I Have a Newborn and a Cold!!

If you are nursing, there will be antibodies in your milk.

I have had wee babies with colds - they lived and thrived. Try not to stress. Plenty of babies have older siblings and there is only so much you can do to protect a baby from sibling germs.

You can do things like put her in the carseat and and put it in the bathroom when you shower to help clear the congestion if she gets sick.

Are you breast-feeding? That is the best way to keep your baby safe, because you pass on your antibodies. Also, you are contagious before symptoms hit, so she's already been exposed to whatever you have. When my daughter was 5 weeks old, I caught the most awful stomach flu. I spent an entire night puking every 30 minutes, but I nursed my daughter when she woke (even though dehydration dried up most of my milk so we also had to supplement). My son, husband, and mother all caught the bug, too. But not my daughter, even though I held her and slept next to her while very, very sick! Since then (she's now 2.5 months old) I have caught two colds. She caught both of them, as well, but because of the antibodies in my milk, she had MUCH milder versions and recovered quicker. Don't sneeze on her and wash your hands before holding her. It will be okay.

Deep breaths. You will be fine. She will be fine. In all likelihood, she will be sick more than your older one was because, even if s/he doesn't seem sick, s/he's still dragging in all kinds of germs from school, etc.

Honestly, don't worry so much. If she gets a cold, you'll deal with it.

Good luck.

My husband and I passed a cold to each other about 6 weeks ago (I have a 15 week old). She, nor my 4 yo, caught it. We just washed our hands diligently. Newborns this age are surprisingly resilient to colds- probably because of the antibodies passed to them at birth. Breastfeeding is good, but unlike what most people think these days, the antibodies in breastmilk don't enter the bloodstream, but only stay in the digestive tract. So, those antibodies in breastmilk are good for keeping stomach and gastrointestnial sickness at bay. I say just wash your hands as much as possible, and avoid touching your nose and mouth. Also, sneeze into the pit of your elbow, and use those tissues that are antiviral. Hope you feel better soon!

Calm down, if you are sick now then I would bet she was exposed before you even realized you were sick. Your baby needs you - sick or not - and will be much better off at home instead of with your mom. If you are breastfeeding then she is that much more protected.

My daughter caught a cold when she was 3 days old (YIKES) and she was fine. If she gets sick, monitor her closely and take action as needed.

Wow -you may want to reconsider your pediatrician if they have you so freaked out about your baby getting a cold! Yes, we want them to stay well as long as possible, but she'll be okay. Especially with a 5 year old in the house, germs are going to hit sooner than later! My 2nd baby had a cold within 2 days of coming home from the hospital! I wasn't thrilled, but he was fine -sniffles and snot but no biggie.

My 2 year old son and I got sick when my baby was your daughters age...my baby never got sick, I have heard that for the first couple months they keep your antibodies from pregnancy and that helps fend things off. Not sure if it is true or not but I found it comforting.
I demanded everyone wash their hands that came in my home, kept my kids away from anyone sick (mil and mom included) and always changed their clothes after coming home from the dr's, mall, etc. I kept them pretty healthy all last winter, I was terrified of the swine flu and having a newborn.
Good luck!
LC