In the swine flu era, don’t touch the baby!

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Remember the Baby on Board signs people used to put in their cars? The latest product designed to protect babies from other humans is a sign that admonishes, Wash Hands Before Touching Baby.

The signs, shaped like a stop sign, can be hung on cribs, strollers, car seats or wherever parents think wise. They are the creation of a Tampa couple, the parents of 1-year-old triplets, who were tired of people holding, patting or squeezing their babies without washing their hands first. Now, with swine flu cases on the upswing, the signs have taken on new meaning.

The company, Hands Off Baby, also makes T-shirts for parents and bibs and onesies for babies that carry the pink or blue stop-sign emblem. The stroller tags sell for $4.99 and are being sold at some hospital gift stores or can be ordered online.

I agree that people should wash their hands before touching someone else’s baby -- especially newborns. Just don’t ask me to wear a Hazmat suit.

-- Shari Roan