Visitors and Germs in the First Months

Newborn visitors and germs: who should wait, handwashing, cold sores, Tdap and flu shots for family, RSV protection, smoke and pets.

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1 min read Checked against AAP and CDC guidance - Updated October 2026

TLDRThe short version, if you only have a minute

Healthy visitors only: short visits, hands washed before holding, no kissing the baby's face or hands.
Anyone with a cold, fever or stomach bug waits until they're well. Anyone with a cold sore doesn't kiss the baby at all.
Pick a gatekeeper to pass on the rules, and give helpers specific jobs.

Healthy visitors: short visits, everyone washes hands before holding the baby, no kissing the baby's face or hands.
Anyone with a cold, cough, fever or stomach bug: wait until they're well. Siblings and cousins with runny noses keep some distance and wash hands often.
Anyone with a cold sore: no kissing the baby at all. The cold sore virus (HSV) can be very dangerous for newborns.
Close family and regular caregivers: the CDC asks them to be up to date on whooping cough (Tdap), seasonal flu and other recommended vaccines, ideally at least 2 weeks before meeting the baby.
RSV: ask your pediatrician about RSV protection for the baby — either the maternal RSV vaccine in late pregnancy or an RSV antibody shot for the baby (nirsevimab/clesrovimab) before or during RSV season. This is now recommended for all babies.
Smoking or vaping: never in the home or car. Smokers go outside, wear a cover-up and wash hands before holding the baby.
Pets: let them sniff with you there; never leave a baby alone with a pet, and keep pets out of the crib or bassinet.

One parent can be the "gatekeeper" who sets visiting times and passes on the rules.
Ask visitors to greet an older sibling first, before the baby.
Give helpers specific jobs: a meal, a school pickup, an hour with the older child.

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Grounded in: CDC "Vaccines for Family and Caregivers" and AAP HealthyChildren guidance. It's okay to say no or ask people to wait.

General information, not medical advice. If something feels wrong, trust that and call your pediatrician or provider. See Sources.