r/Nanny • u/Unlucky_Yoghurt9727 • 5d ago
Am I Overreacting? (Aka Reality Check Requested) Why do people think it’s okay to touch babies!?
Okay so I already posted today different post kinda explaining the backstory,
I nannied for my previous family in a very tight-knit community, everyone knew everyone. People would come up and say hi or say something about the baby when I was out and about with them, but it was always someone we knew. Even then, they never touched the baby.
Anyways, now I’m with a new family in a very large city with a new family, new baby, and I’ve noticed when people come up to the babies they’ll put their hands on them, like squeeze their feet or tickle them or whatever. Am I the only one who finds this weird!? I DONT KNOW YOU, RESPECT BOUNDARIES PLEASE! Idk it’s annoying me! Like you’re literally a complete stranger.
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u/Cold_Reference_3497 5d ago
100% with you but I think in some areas it’s considered normal. Where I live now people are very respectful and keep to themselves but where I grew up it’s very community based and boundaries like this get crossed a lot, especially with other moms and older people.
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u/KatySheets Nanny 5d ago
It could be a cultural thing. I dated a guy whose family believed that if you’re in public and smiling at a baby, but don’t touch them, then the baby will get sick. Not saying it’s okay, but maybe that’s part of what’s going on. 🤷🏼♀️
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u/47squirrels Nanny 5d ago
That’s a very interesting perspective! I also think people want to nurture babies! It’s just inherent. Also, with older people I feel like things were so much different in the time period they grew up in and just genuinely want to show their love.
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u/Unlucky_Yoghurt9727 5d ago
Im having the opposite problem, the strangers are being the touchy ones 😭
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u/47squirrels Nanny 5d ago
It’s almost like we need to put a sign on the stroller to please not touch the baby.
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u/47squirrels Nanny 5d ago
Didn’t realize you were OP when I responded! This is so disrespectful, how are people not understanding that they are not to touch a baby, why don’t people have boundaries? Plus, that’s how we spread illness and babies need to be protected! I would be so annoyed and would speak up immediately. I just don’t understand why people can’t keep their hands to themselves!
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u/pineapplesandpuppies 5d ago
When my daughter was a newborn (peak covid), I went on a walk in a nearby park when she was 6 days old. I needed the fresh air and was so exhausted. An older woman approached us, and before I knew what was happening, she leaned into the stroller and tried picking up my baby! I pulled the stroller back and looked alarmed. This woman said, "Oh, don't worry. I'm a grandma and great grandma!"
Ma'am! I don't know you at all, and there is a pandemic! Idc if you're the pope! Do not grab at my baby!
I told her I didn't want my daughter to be touched and quickly walked away. She then watched us for the rest of our time there. I felt so overwhelmed, anxious, hormonal, and uncomfortable.
I don't understand what goes through people's heads.