When Olivia was a baby, it never even crossed my mind NOT to allow her to sit in the shopping cart (in the seat -- not the basket part). You can’t avoid germs, nor to do you completely want to -- exposure will help the immune system. My suggestion concerning shopping is one of two things -- wipe your son’s hands with a baby-wipe as soon as you get in the car, or wash them when you get home. Actually this is good practice for all kids and adults to follow.

What I have always avoided was allowing my daughter to be around others who are sick, but I do this for my non-CAH daughter also.

1-year-olds can often get a high fever of unknown origin. When Olivia was 18-months she had a fever that ranged between 103 and 105.5 for an entire day. With this fever I learned a few things about treating Olivia when she is sick (she will be 4 in 3 weeks). First I give the stress dose of Cortef and Tylenol or Advil. I then give her a freezer pop (actually as many as she will eat). The freezer pops are good for two things -- sugar and liquid. I have been amazed at how much this helps. I will then give her something salting -- pretzels, saltines typically.

Do I think you are being over-protective? I think you are a mom just trying to figure out what is the best way to handle the whole situation.

Best Regards,

Janet