As a mother, I know what you are feeling. It is so hard to walk that "fine line" between letting your children live a "normal life" and protecting them from the "real world." Given that your child is only 4 months old, I have to assume that your child was just recently diagnosed and that you are still trying to get used to CF and everything that goes along with it. I think time will be the best thing to teach you what you need to do and what you will allow. I know that when my son was first diagnosed (at the age of two), I was so nervous about everything - I worried about Gymboree, the market, and all the other places that he had gone with me for the past several years. By necessity, I still took him everywhere with me, but I constantly worried if I was doing the right thing. But then one day I realized that he had survived the past two years despite being exposed to "all those germs." (I shutter to think about a stage he went through about six months before he was diagnosed in which he loved to chew on his shoes - Yikes!) Now he is five and rolls around on the grass, digs in the dirt and does all the dirty, messy things that boys his age love. I am just careful about it. I take little bottles of antibacterial lotion with me everywhere and we talk about germs. I try not to talk too much about it b/c I want him to enjoy his childhood and develope any phobias along the way. I realize that he is going to do things that I wish he didn't - but I also realize that I can control every aspect of his life. Just like with any child (with or without CF), there is a fine line of things that you can control.As far as suggestions, I would just take one day at a time. Do what you are comfortable with and let time help you ease some of your fears. My only real suggestion would be when you do take your children places, just be careful about things your baby touches (especially since babies love to put their hands in their mouths). Right now he/she probally isn't reaching or grabbing much, but he/she soon will. When my son was that age, I would use an extra wipe during diaper changes and wipe off his hands. They are great - they are portable and they contain a gentle cleaning solution in them. As he/she grows, so will your confidence. Like everything else, together you will figure things out.I applaud you for asking for suggestions - I can tell you are a caring mom who wants the best for your children. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job. I hope you and your family are adjusting well to your news. It has been three years for us, but I still remember all those emotions. Please feel free to email me if you have any other questions. robertnkatrina@attbi.com--Katrina (mother of three - Sean (5) w/cf, Carolyn (3) wocf and Allison (1) wocf