How Can I Keep from Sharing Colds with Kids?

Question: How Can I Keep from Sharing Colds with Kids?

Whether you're the parent or a caregiver in charge with watching kids, there is often no other option than caring for infants or toddlers even when you're under the weather. So what can you do to avoid passing on your cold or other illness to tots?

Answer: Infants are actually hardier than you might think, and unless they are raised in a bubble, they will be exposed to germs that cause colds. Medical professionals often tell parents that exposure to common germs will actually stimulate an infant's immune system. Of course, that doesn't mean the really "bad bugs." With that said, the best way to take care of kids when you have a cold or other minor sickness is to practice careful hygiene. Simply, wash hands, wash hands, and then wash hands some more. A cold virus is often passed from the hands (remember to use those tissues and then wash hands some more) and by sneezing/coughing (again, tissue and then wash hands). Any caregiver will attest it's bad enough to watch after kids when you're feeling under the weather; it's really tough to watch after a sick youngster when you're sick yourself! Finally, if you have fever or are too sick to get out of bed, you're simply going to have to go with a Plan B for the kids until you feel better!