Mummie Francie urges people to stop touching, carrying people’s babies without permission
By Katemarthason Okudo, August 31, 2026Content creator Mummie Francie has urged people to seek permission before touching or carrying newborns, stressing the importance of hygiene when visiting new mothers.
The content creator shared the message in a video posted on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026, where she spoke about her long-standing discomfort with handling other people’s children.
Francie said her view had not started after becoming a mother. She explained that even before having children, she was careful about holding or touching babies who were not her own.
Francie on touching other people’s babies
According to Francie, people should not assume that being friends or relatives gives them the right to pick up a child without first asking the parent.
She said this is particularly important when visiting someone who has recently given birth, as the baby is still vulnerable to infections. “I never liked carrying other people’s children. I don’t like carrying other people’s children; I don’t like touching other people’s children,” she said.
Francie added that she is even more cautious around people she has not seen for a long time, saying familiarity should not automatically mean someone can handle a baby. She believes simple hygiene should guide such interactions, including washing hands before touching a child.
Respect new mothers
The content creator also advised people visiting new mothers to keep their visits short and avoid putting pressure on the mother or baby. She said a mother who has just given birth needs time to rest and care for her child, adding that visitors can still show support without necessarily holding the baby.
Francie said she would rather bring a gift, offer financial support, or help the mother with simple tasks before leaving. “For me, even if I come to greet you after you’ve given birth, I can leave without even touching that baby,” she explained.
She further shared that she once stayed closely involved in a friend’s childbirth experience, including accompanying her to the labour room and helping care for the baby afterwards.
Francie said that situation was different because she had been given permission and had been closely involved in the mother’s journey.
Francie speaks on baby hygiene
Francie also expressed concern about people who approach babies they have only seen through social media and immediately try to touch or carry them.
She urged such visitors to understand that a baby’s health should come before excitement over seeing the child. “It’s common sense; you can’t just start touching someone’s child without washing your hands, not knowing where you’ve come from,” she said.
Her comments come as conversations around newborn hygiene continue to encourage parents to set boundaries around visitors, particularly during the early weeks after birth.
Francie maintained that asking for permission should be considered a basic courtesy whenever someone wants to hold or carry another person’s baby.
For her, supporting a new mother does not have to involve holding the child. A short visit, a thoughtful gift or helping with something around the house can also show care while allowing the mother and baby the space they need.