how to handle sick siblings with a newborn?

[chai]

My DS has been sick much of the winter (and so have DH and I) this year, and we all currently seem to have something (cough/sinus/fever/etc). I'm due in one week. I assume whatever I have the baby will get some immunity to in my breastmilk (I know this is not always true, but is sometimes), but how do I handle my DS around the baby if he's coughing, etc? He is very excited to interact with the baby, but I don't want the baby to get sick... what have you all done?

[jillmamma]

Both of mine got sick with some awful throwup/diarrhea/fever virus right after I delivered this one (ages 7 and 4), and thank God for BF...the baby did not get it! What I did was just have them keep washing their hands and not kiss the baby on the face, but the top of the head instead. It sucks, but now everyone is well, and we are all enjoying the new baby sister! I hope all of you are well before your labor starts!

[RedOakMomma]

I would start supplementing your whole family with D3, if you're not already, and keep it up through the rest of the cold and flu season. I mean, people get sick, it's not a miracle pill, but we've noticed a big decrease in colds/sniffles/etc. in our three LOs since starting D3 last fall.

We give them 1000 units a day, in a little peppermind-flavored chewable.

Otherwise, yeah...lots of handwashing (or have wipes nearby) before touching baby, and kisses on parts other than faces (feet are so sweet and kissable! ) And breastmilk really is amazing!