Newborn and chickenpox

[Shanks_21]

Can newborn babies catch chickenpox? My baby is 3 weeks old tomorrow and my cousin has been round with her little girl today and has just rang me to say she’s got chickenpox - she’s only noticed when she’s got her changed - I’m panicking now my baby is gonna catch them!

[kt_11]

I had a similar issue recently. A family member visited my baby when he was 1 day old and came out in spots the day after!

My midwife contacted both my GP and a paediatrician at the hospital to check if this could be an issue. The advice was that there shouldn’t need to be any action taken. Because I’m breastfeeding apparently my immunity should be passed to my baby for the time being and help to protect him (are you breastfeeding?)

Having said that, nhs online advice is to discuss with your GP asap so wouldn’t want my experience to stop you getting medical advice. Just thought it might reassure you in the meantime.

We did monitor baby for the next few weeks for spots as I think it takes 3 weeks after contact for spots to come out but he’s 4 weeks old now and is fine.

[Shanks_21 in reply to kt_11]

Yes I’m breastfeeding! We rang 111 and they said just to keep an eye on him and if he’s starts displaying any symptoms (which won’t be straight away) to contact them again x

[Lyla_Hay in reply to Shanks_21]

It takes 2-3 weeks for chickenpox to show itself and once the spots have scabbed over usually the person with chicken pox is no longer contagious. Just keep an eye on his temperature and maybe eat lots of vitamin C foods. If you've had chicken pox yourself and are breastfeeding, the baby SHOULD be protected by the antibodies in your milk.

[Sugarbubs]

Hi

My daughter came into contact with chicken pox when she was only a few weeks old and within a few weeks she started with a temp and then was absolutely covered.

I was exclusively breastfeeding so was told she wouldn’t catch them but she did!

I’m glad she did have them at that age as I don’t have to worry now. The only problem we had a t the time was temperature and grizzly. Just keep an eye out once the spots start they come quickly!

[Kvelvetrose]

If the little one has a rash it should no longer be contagious, however if you are breast feeding the baby will have an immunity through you x