[akcskye]

I think for a lot of us that feel negatively about this, depending upon the circumstances, feel that it is an insult to our parenting skills...ESPECIALLY when we're new parents and we've just adopted.

Of COURSE people should ask first. Of COURSE sick or tainted hands, you would think, would be thought of first before touching a little babe.

But, it doesn't happen...especially with the elderly. They get so excited to see a baby when all they see is other elderly people that they can't hold back their excitement.

Now, my kids are older...mind you...but my family is a LOT older than they should be for someone my age. So, it's not as big of a deal to me because my family was from the age that you didn't have to have many boundaries...everyone watched out for each other...the town drunk was the one you feared...you know?

As for me, as long as the person wanting to touch the child (for instance, when I had my G. Nephew who is 1 last month in town) doesn't mind a spritz of hand sanitizer before they can touch.

Yes, I carry spray on hand sanitizer in my purse, and I am NOT afraid to use it! haha

Maybe they'll think you're a germaphobe...who cares...they got to touch the baby and you got a half a moment's peace with your child being safely watched by you and entertained by someone else.

It's an adult's instinct to cherish children.