Important Tips for Grandparents Visiting Little Ones Over the Holidays
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping our precious little ones healthy!
The holidays are a wonderful time for family reunions. For many grandparents, there is nothing more special than travelling to see their grandchildren, cuddling a new baby, sharing stories and creating precious family memories.
Whether you are visiting a newborn for the very first time or spending the holidays with energetic toddlers and school-aged children, your presence is a special gift.
However, holidays also bring increased travel, family gatherings and exposure to seasonal infections. Young children, particularly newborns and infants, have developing immune systems and can be more vulnerable to certain infections.
The good news? With a little preparation and a few simple precautions, grandparents can enjoy wonderful holiday moments while helping to keep their grandchildren safe and healthy.
Here are some important things every grandparent should know before visiting.
Check your vaccinations BEFORE visiting:
One of the most important ways grandparents can protect their grandchildren is by ensuring that their own vaccinations are up to date.
Newborn babies are particularly vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are still developing. They also cannot receive certain routine vaccinations until they are a few months old.
Grandparents, parents, siblings and other caregivers can help create a protective circle around babies. This is sometimes called cocooning.
Here are some important vaccines to consider:
Whooping cough (Pertussis) – Tdap vaccine
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be extremely dangerous for young babies.
In infants, it can cause severe coughing episodes, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, seizures and even death. Babies generally receive their first pertussis-containing vaccine at two months of age.
Grandparents who have never received an adult Tdap vaccine should discuss getting one with their healthcare provider before visiting a newborn.
If you have never received an adult Tdap vaccine, arrange to have one.
If you have already received Tdap, you do not routinely need another dose just because a new baby has arrived.
Routine tetanus and diphtheria boosters should also be kept up to date.
Ideally, vaccination should take place at least two weeks before meeting the baby to allow time for an immune response to develop.
Influenza (Flu) vaccine
Influenza is more than just a bad cold. It can cause serious illness, particularly in babies, young children and older adults.
Babies younger than six months cannot receive the influenza vaccine, making protection from vaccinated family members especially important.
Grandparents should:
Receive the updated influenza vaccine every year.
Ideally get vaccinated at least two weeks before visiting a newborn.
Be particularly vigilant if they have diabetes, heart disease, asthma or other chronic medical conditions.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Health makes seasonal influenza vaccination available through public health centres. The 2026/2027 influenza vaccine became available in October 2026.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
Measles is an extremely contagious infection that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation.
With measles outbreaks occurring in different parts of the world, it is particularly important for grandparents travelling internationally to check that they have adequate protection.
If you are unsure whether you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine or have immunity from previous infection or vaccination, speak to your healthcare provider.
This is particularly important before travelling internationally or visiting a newborn during an outbreak.
Other important vaccines for older adults:
Grandparents should also take the opportunity to review their general vaccination status.
Depending on age, medical history and local recommendations, additional vaccines in Trinidad and Tobago may include:
Pneumococcal vaccine: Helps protect against serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.
Shingles vaccine: Helps prevent shingles and its potentially painful complications.
These vaccines are primarily intended to protect grandparents themselves rather than being specifically required before visiting grandchildren.
A visit to your doctor before the holidays is an excellent opportunity to review your vaccination record.
Never visit when you are unwell
This is one of the most important rules.
We understand how disappointing it can be to postpone a long-awaited visit, especially if you have travelled a considerable distance to see your grandchildren.
However, please do not visit if you have:
Fever.
Cough or runny nose.
Sore throat.
Sneezing or significant nasal congestion.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.
A new rash or unexplained skin lesions.
Cold sores (herpes simplex infection).
Even if symptoms seem mild, you may still be contagious.
Young babies can become seriously ill from infections that cause only mild symptoms in adults.
If you develop symptoms shortly before a planned visit, contact the parents and postpone your visit until you are well.
Remember that a few days' delay is much better than exposing a vulnerable baby to a potentially serious infection.
Wash your hands before holding the baby
Good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of infections.
Before holding or feeding a baby:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Pay particular attention to your fingertips, thumbs and between your fingers.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing or handling pets.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable and your hands are not visibly dirty.
Do not assume that because you are family, you do not need to follow these precautions.
Please resist the temptation to kiss the baby on their faces, hands and mouths.
We know it can be difficult to resist kissing those adorable little cheeks!
However, kissing newborns, particularly on their faces, hands and mouths, can transmit infections.
One particularly important infection is herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores.
Adults may have a history of cold sores or carry the virus without obvious symptoms. Unfortunately, herpes infection in a newborn can be extremely serious and may affect the brain and other organs.
Some simple guidelines:
Avoid kissing newborns on the face, mouth and hands.
Never kiss a baby if you have a cold sore, even if it is healing.
Avoid close contact if you have any active skin infection.
Encourage other family members to follow the same rules.
Instead, enjoy cuddles, gentle conversation and lots of smiles!
Take care of yourselves when travelling to visit grandchildren
Long-distance travel can be exhausting, particularly for older adults.
Whether you are travelling by plane, cruise ship or road, consider the following:
Ensure you have sufficient supplies of your regular medications.
Carry your medications in your hand luggage when flying.
Keep a list of your medical conditions, medications and allergies.
Drink plenty of water and avoid becoming dehydrated.
Move around regularly during long journeys to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Get adequate rest before and after travelling.
Practise good hand hygiene during your journey.
If you have a chronic medical condition, make sure it is reasonably well controlled before travelling.
If you are travelling from overseas, check that your travel vaccinations are up to date and that you have adequate travel health insurance.
Protect little ones from second-hand smoke
Some grandparents may be smokers, and it is important to understand that exposure to tobacco smoke is harmful to children.
Second-hand smoke increases the risk of:
Respiratory infections.
Asthma attacks and wheezing.
Ear infections.
Sudden unexpected infant death.
If you smoke:
Never smoke inside the home.
Never smoke in a vehicle carrying children.
Avoid smoking near babies or children, even outdoors.
Wash your hands after smoking.
Change outer clothing before holding a newborn, particularly if it smells of smoke.
Remember, opening a window or smoking in another room does not make the environment safe.
Be particularly careful around children with medical conditions
Some grandchildren may have asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes or other chronic health conditions.
Grandparents should understand their needs and know what to do if a problem arises.
For example:
If a child has asthma, know where their inhaler and spacer are kept.
If a child has a serious allergy, know where their adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector is located and how to use it.
Be aware of any food allergies and avoid offering unfamiliar foods without checking with the parents.
Know which medications the child takes and where they are stored.
Never give a child medication without checking with their parents first.
Even familiar over-the-counter medicines can cause problems if given in the wrong dose.
Know when to seek medical attention
Grandparents can play an important role in recognising when a child is unwell.
For example, do seek urgent medical attention if a child develops:
Difficulty breathing or unusually rapid breathing.
Blue or grey lips or skin.
Unusual drowsiness, confusion or difficulty waking.
A seizure.
Severe dehydration or markedly reduced urine output.
A rash that does not fade when pressed.
Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
An especially important reminder: A baby younger than three months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if the baby otherwise appears well.
If you are worried about a child's condition, contact the parents and seek medical advice promptly.
Give the greatest gift of all – your support!
Finally, remember that the holidays are about much more than presents and celebrations.
Grandparents have an incredibly important role in children's lives. They provide love, stability, wisdom, reassurance and a special connection between generations.
For new parents, having a supportive grandparent can make the transition into parenthood much easier.
Some of the most valuable things grandparents can do include:
Offering to prepare meals or help with household chores.
Giving exhausted parents an opportunity to rest.
Spending special time with older siblings.
Reading stories, playing games and sharing family traditions.
Supporting parents without criticising or undermining their decisions.
Respecting routines, boundaries and parenting choices.
Sometimes the greatest gift is simply being there.
A special holiday checklist for grandparents:
Before visiting your grandchildren, ask yourself:
☐ Are my routine vaccinations up to date?
☐ Have I checked whether I need a Tdap booster or other recommended vaccines?
☐ Have I received my annual flu vaccine?
☐ Am I feeling completely well, without symptoms of infection?
☐ Have I packed my regular medications?
☐ Do I know the parents' rules about feeding, sleeping and baby care?
☐ Have I packed hand sanitiser and other personal essentials?
☐ Do I know where the child's medications and emergency supplies are kept?
☐ Am I prepared to respect the parents' wishes and routines?
Final thoughts
Grandparents are one of life's greatest blessings. Their love, experience and support can make a tremendous difference to a child's development and a family's wellbeing.
As we approach the holiday season, let's remember that keeping our little ones healthy is a shared responsibility.
A little preparation, up-to-date vaccinations, good hygiene and respect for current child health recommendations can make all the difference.
Wishing all grandparents, parents and little ones a safe, healthy and happy holiday season!
Be well,
Paula
Dr Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting
coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.
Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Grandparents should consult their healthcare provider about vaccinations appropriate to their age, medical history and local recommendations.
Recommended medical references:
The following sources support the key recommendations in the article and are useful for further reading:
CDC – Vaccines for Family and Caregivers: Guidance on Tdap, influenza vaccination and protecting newborns through family immunisation. Read CDC guidance.
American Academy of Pediatrics – How to Cocoon a Newborn: Practical advice on protecting babies through immunisation and infection prevention. Read AAP guidance.
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health – Adult Immunisation Schedule: Adult vaccination recommendations.
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health – 2026/2027 Influenza Vaccine: Seasonal influenza vaccination information.
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health – Immunisation FAQs: Vaccination information and services
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