# 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.

Stage: newborn - Topic: Getting out - Page: https://www.askcladle.com/guides/newborn/visitors-and-germs-first-months

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

Reviewed: 2026-10

## TLDR

- 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.

## Who and how

- 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.

## Making it easier

- 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.