Should I CANCEL 1St Bday Party TODAY? Baby Has Cold/cough

Updated on February 11, 2012
A.K. asks from Minneapolis, MN
15 answers

We have my DDs 1st bday party today. She had a high fever all last weekend (3 days) which the dr said was just a virus and sure enough, it turned into a cold. The cold got worse yesterday and added a cough. Her nose won't stop running. Her temp is 99.5.

My 5 year old has a runny nose but acts fine. She will be crushed if we cancel.

We have 12 people coming over. 2 hrs away is the furtherst someone will have to travel. Its my 3 BIL's and their families and both of our parents. There's 4 kids.

Should I cancel the party? Or just send out a disclamier (DD has a cold, so wash your hands when you are here).

Its a miricle that everyone was able to come and if we reschedule someone will probably not be able to make it. We weren't even able to all get together at the same time for christmas. Plus we will have to reschedule for over a month from now since my parents are leaving town for a month.

Opinions? have you ever had to cancel a party because of sick kids? Did you reschedule or just scrap it?

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

call to let everyone know so they can stay home if they choose, but go on with it. colds are a part of life. if she were miserably sick, that would be different.
khairete
S.

1 mom found this helpful

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R.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I'd do the disclaimer. I'd probably plan for her to just make an appearance and then take her home. Maybe just long enough to sing happy birthday and if she is up to it she can open she gifts. Or if it's at your house be ready to hang out somewhere quiet with her and or let her nap. I feel like 1st birthdays are as much for the family as the baby. The family can all celebrate for her and get to see each other too.

Hope she feels better soon!

4 moms found this helpful

L.M.

answers from New York on

Personally if we canceled every party for minor coughs and colds...there'd be alot of rescheduling. Kids get this stuff. And I would not worry about it. Use lots of purell. Try and limit her contact with other kids, and just relax. That's my opinion. And if she needs to take a nap or rest during the party, so be it!

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T.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Sick kids....party cancelled. To be rescheduled...love to all.

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S.A.

answers from Chicago on

I would call everyone right now to give them the heads-up. Most people will still come if it's just a cold/cough. Kids are exposed to colds all the time. If it was a high fever or a stomach virus, then definitely cancel!

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I would call and send a disclaimer - it is probably just a cold but I would want the option. Mine seems to be coming down with a cough too - if patterns are correct it will be croupe in a day if not by tonight - hope nothing extra is going around.

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D.B.

answers from Dallas on

Since it's all family, I would just call everything and let them know she has a cold, and definitely mention her temp. Then they can make an informed decision. Normally her symptoms wouldn't keep me away, but we've been hit with one thing after another this winter, so I'd probably stay away this time if it were me. I'd definitely be irritated if I didn't have any warning. Party on!

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R.M.

answers from Cumberland on

If you were just having grownups-I'd say go for it-but with other children coming-you really should reschedule-but have a little something on the actual birthday and take pictures to capture the moment!

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M.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

Well I suppose it has a lot to do with how much your daughter can handle.. I would warn everyone that she has a cold so they would know that going into things, keep the party very short if you decide to have it.. Really just look how much she can handle, she may just need to take it easy and get better instead of having a party.. She is so little she will not care if everyone can make it or not at a later date, but she will care if you force her into a party she doesnt have the strength to do right now.

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

In this situation i would do the disclaimer. I like the idea of hand sanitizer, you can also put some antibacterial soaps near each sink. If you can use the throw away guest napkins and not real hand towels.

Happy 1st bday to your little one, hope she feels better soon :)

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S.A.

answers from Milwaukee on

Just had the same issue for my daughter's 2nd bday party. Just called people and let them know morning of and if they didn't want to come it was fine, but we already had all of the food, cake was made, party decorations up, and she was acting fine. Had a high fever that kept coming back in the afternoon. It really is up to you and how your child is feeling. Happy bday to your baby.

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C.C.

answers from Huntsville on

99.5 is a low-grade fever, so I guess the party could go on if the guests don't mind, though you need to keep checking her temperature if it goes up. You have the responsibility of calling everyone and send out the disclaimer so they can choose whether they are still coming. Before they come, sanitize the area where the guests will be and make sure the baby doesn't cough on the cake or whatever. When they come, keep baby away from the food or germaphobic guests and put hand sanitizer as well as disposable hand towels for the guests.

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L.M.

answers from Chicago on

I would also have to say give folks a call or text, esp those who have to drive the longest to be fair. My kids, esp now that my daughter is in Kindergarten, seem to have a runny nose / cough more often, but are acting normal. It really depends on how they are acting - if she seems lethargic and sleepy then probably cancel, but if she is playful and normal acting, then go ahead. Wash the kiddos hands a lot at the party and don't insist on hugs. I think you'll be fine, esp if you give your guests the option.

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J.K.

answers from Kansas City on

I'd keep the party! Chances are your baby will be sleeping anyway, and I'm sure the grandparents will want to see her anyway no matte what!! I'd do the disclaimer thing and try to have a great day!!!

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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

I say go ahead with the party.....but wash your hands since you are probably touching their noses etc. Avoid close contact with others...since you are probably the next in line to get sick. Wash off all surfaces with clorox anywhere...door handles, counters, bathrooms. Also, set out a bottle of hand sanitizer.....Good Luck!!!

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