Umm, our pediatrician actually recommended this as a way to soothe our child when he was a newborn (because she was advising us to wait until six weeks to start a pacifier--common rec for breastfeeding babies). Assuming your nanny washes her hands at the start of her shift--and I hope that's the case!--it's not a concern. Or at least, it's not a concern for most people, which is probably why it hasn't occurred to your nanny that it might be a concern for you. But, as it sounds like you did, you can always tell her you're just not comfortable with it, as with anything else.

Any germs that are on your nanny's recently cleaned finger will just help your child's immune system grow strong.

I thought this was a normal thing to do. I guess in 2014 it's not?

I grew up, in the 80s, around a lot of babies (neighbors, cousins, etc.) and I feel like I often saw people let babies suck on their parents', aunt's, babysitter's finger to sooth them.

OP, just wondering, let's say you, or your nanny, are about to feed the baby a bottle but the nipple is collapsed or maybe there's a speck of formula powder on the nipple and you have to use your finger to get it off...would you then go wash the nipple? do you ALWAYS keep the pacifier covered?...I know some people actually do this now. Because little germs are flying all around in the air and could easily land on the paci.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is this a problem for you? Presumably you would be ok with your baby sucking on your or DH's finger (if not, you have even bigger issues). All I'm getting from this post is you think your nanny is somehow "dirtier" than you/not good enough for your baby. Uh, what?

I would not be ok with him sucking on DH finger or mind, hands are filthy, and he is two weeks old. His immune system isn't built up enough yet.

Hm. I really don't think you ought to be worried about this, provided that hands are washed and common sense is being followed. If one were breastfeeding him, he'd be putting his little mouth on skin all the time. And unless there are special concerns in his case, he is at this very moment encountering bacteria and doing fine. Normal exposure is OK, unless he's premature, etc.

I don't know about you, but I don't use my breast to open bathroom doors.

Hands are proven to be filthy, breasts usually are not.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is this a problem for you? Presumably you would be ok with your baby sucking on your or DH's finger (if not, you have even bigger issues). All I'm getting from this post is you think your nanny is somehow "dirtier" than you/not good enough for your baby. Uh, what?

I would not be ok with him sucking on DH finger or mind, hands are filthy, and he is two weeks old. His immune system isn't built up enough yet.

Hm. I really don't think you ought to be worried about this, provided that hands are washed and common sense is being followed. If one were breastfeeding him, he'd be putting his little mouth on skin all the time. And unless there are special concerns in his case, he is at this very moment encountering bacteria and doing fine. Normal exposure is OK, unless he's premature, etc.

I have no idea why this would bother you.

Anonymous wrote:Why is this a problem for you? Presumably you would be ok with your baby sucking on your or DH's finger (if not, you have even bigger issues). All I'm getting from this post is you think your nanny is somehow "dirtier" than you/not good enough for your baby. Uh, what?

I would not be ok with him sucking on DH finger or mind, hands are filthy, and he is two weeks old. His immune system isn't built up enough yet.

Why is this a problem for you? Presumably you would be ok with your baby sucking on your or DH's finger (if not, you have even bigger issues). All I'm getting from this post is you think your nanny is somehow "dirtier" than you/not good enough for your baby. Uh, what?

Seriously?

Babies put everything in their mouths and have since the beginning of time. Somehow the human species has managed to carry on even before indoor plumbing, antibacterial soap, antibiotics, and more. Unless you've passed on some truly inferior genes, your baby will survive just like the billions and billions before. Promise.

Seriously? Do you know how often that baby will gnaw on his nanny's fingers as he gets older? That's what they do. Deal.

OMG. Your child will put so many disgusting things in his mouth - you might as well let him get started. This is nothing.

I mean this as gently as possible, having not long ago been a FTM myself, let it go. Really. Let this - and about 90% of everything else - go. You'll all be happier (and healthier).

Congrats on your baby.

Unless she had just changed a diaper or used the restroom and not washed her hands, I don't see an issue.

Wow chill out bro

Our nighttime baby nanny was allowing DS to suck on her ringer. Nanny said she couldn't find a pacifier, she could have asked me. I am totally grossed out. We let her know that was not ok and she apologized but I feel like that shows a huge lapse in judgement.