DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband and I have recently become full-time baby sitters for our grandchildren. We often have colds during the winter. Tell us how we can keep from sharing our colds with the babies. The children are 27 months and 12 months. We are always close to them, with diaper-changing, potty-training, bottles, rocking to sleep and feeding. – M.E.

ANSWER: Every infant caregiver faces the same dilemma you face. Is it OK to take care of children when the caregiver is sick? For most, there is no option. Care has to be given, and the parent or surrogate for the parent has to be the giver.

Infants are hardier than you might think. They are going to be exposed to the germs that cause colds unless you raise them in a germ-free environment, and that’s not possible. Exposure to germs actually stimulates the infant’s immune system. Exposure to dangerous germs should not occur. You’ll know if you have a dangerous germ. You won’t be able to get out of bed.

The way to take care of the children when you have a cold is to wash your hands often. The cold virus is passed mostly from the hands of the person with a cold. Coughing or sneezing also spreads the virus, so you should cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it.

Your willingness to raise a second family is a testimonial to your innate goodness.

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