Although it is both reasonable and understandable to want to protect your little CFer there are some things that you should keep in mind and always consider.
Whether you expose your child with CF to germs now, or in 4 years when he/she goes to kidergarten or keep them home and send them off to college in 18 years-THEY WILL BE EXPOSED. A majority of CF parents, adults who have CF and even some doctors will tell you the earlier you expose a child with CF to these germs, the better for their health in the long run. The immune system gets exposure young, has chance to build some immunity and adjust to and fight the germs and the body handles it better at a younger age.
It's reasonable to be fearful, I hope you know and understand that and you have every right to be... but your CF child should be allowed the same activities as your other children without CF.
This topic has been re-hashed a number of times, many CFers and parents agreeing with the above. Some parents do tend to disagree and think that protection, homeschooling and shelter is better. I suppose to each his own. But ask any number of adult or teen CFers on this board and they will tell you that they were allowed "regular" activities and LOVED IT! They were ill with typical CF ailments as children and teens but being exposed to germs didn't harm them in the long run. Those who did live protected lives (because it does happen) will tell you taht they wished their parents weren't so strict, that when they "went out" when they were older, they DID get really sick.
Swimming should be fine, but as with any child, make sure the facility takes good care of it's pool with the proper cleaning and chemicals. Camping out in the country should actually be good for your child, provided that they don't have any other non-CF related allergies. The open air, free of chemicals, good outdoor spaces... my husband always loves to go camping and use to hike a lot when he was younger. He says his sinuses feel a bit less pressurized and that he can breathe "smoother". The zoo and petting the animals at the Zoo can be dangerous for any child, CF or not. If they have a handwashing station wtih antibacterial soap, UTILIZE it. If they don't, this is one occasion that I would recommend you bring along some waterles antibacterial stuff. Bugs from petting zoo animals (by touch) can be dangerous to anyone, children and adults.
The bottom line is this, Your child with CF WILL get sick. The earlier it happens, the better for his immune system. I understand the want to protect, many people on this board do, but it's not necessairly the best thing for your baby.
