DEAR HARRIETTE: I gave birth back in June, so my baby is about 4 months old now. The public is beginning to open back up. I have kept my newborn home and have not allowed anyone outside of my family to enter. Now we are transitioning to getting things back to normal. I have to return to work and hire a nanny.
I am terrified. I am nervous about hiring a nanny and not ever knowing what they do or where they go on their own time before and after they come to my home. Sending my child somewhere is out of the question. I know my worries are probably exaggerated, and I need to come to terms with getting back to normal, too. Since this is my first child, I have developed anxiety when it comes to my baby. What extra precautions can I use when I and others come and go from my home, and what can I do to put my mind at ease? -- Safe First Mommy
DEAR SAFE FIRST MOMMY: Stay vigilant. Statistics indicate that COVID-19 is back on the rise this season. The more you can keep your baby away from other people, the safer you will be. Continue to have family members -- and anyone else who comes in close contact with you or your baby -- wear a mask, wash hands thoroughly and keep a safe distance. Limit who can touch your baby.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)