Babe Magnet

Much like Letterman, my husband is quite the babe magnet.

And so am I.  

Alright, hubby and I aren’t exactly babe magnets (and, there are other words I’d use to describe Dave Letterman).  Truth is, we aren’t attracting babes.  Rather, our ‘babe’ is the attraction.   But she’s not the only one.  All babies out there seem to be magnets - for wandering adult hands.  Anyone that has had a baby knows the scenario…You have your babe close by, in a stroller or car seat… or even in a sling on your body.  You are approached by a friendly and well-intentioned adult who is cooing and gushing over your wee one.  And before you know it, they have reached out and put their finger in the tight grasp of your infant.  ((groan))

People seem compelled to touch a baby’s hands.  I understand the urge.  Babies are cute!  We are naturally attracted to the beauty and innocence of those bright eyes, chubby cheeks, and soft skin.  Plus, they engage us with their welcoming smiles.  But, those babies love to suck their hands and thumbs… right after you’ve touched them.  Call me a germaphobe (it’s okay, I won’t be offended), but in times of pork flu and a host of other cold-and-flu-season viruses, we should not be spreading possible germs to the hands of an infant whose immune system is not fully developed. 

I am happy to have you talk and coo with my babe.  And, I don’t even mind if you touch her clothed leg or arm, if you have that overwhelming urge to reach out.  But, please, think about it!   Would you want a complete stranger reaching out and stroking your face?  Or, holding your hand?  It’s not even fair to compare the two, because as adults we have the awareness to avoid touching our mouths, noses, and eyes if our hands are dirty… and… we can wash our hands.  Or use hand sanitizer.  Why is it we have different standards for babies?  They have no protection from germs passed from hand contact other than possible antibodies passed through their mother’s breast milk – or, the obvious “block” from mom or dad to avoid the invading hand.    

Again, call me a germaphobe.  But, I’m guessing that most moms or dads reading have had the same annoyance (and paranoia) from time to time (otherwise, this wouldn’t be available).  So, please… when you are out and about and see a wee babe, pretend you are in a china shop and “look, don’t touch”.