How to Be Polite....

Julia - I can't blame you for being on your guard after what happened to you. I would be more cautious too, especially when you have your little ones with you.
This woman probably turned around to the people with her to make HERSELF feel better because she probably knew she should not have touched your baby. Who knows?
I can see both sides of this, and why people do these things. My Mother is one of them! She cannot resist a cute baby! She thinks nothing of touching a strangers baby's hands and would even kiss them! I tell her to STOP IT! It is RUDE! I also understand the joy that babies bring to people. They smile and cast no judgement on strangers and warm people's hearts. That is a wonderful thing. Whenever I would catch someone staring and smiling at my babies, I would smile back and have my arm between my child and the stranger always keeping a safe distance. Most people can catch on to body language. For those that can't, you can try a couple of techniques, depending on the situation. Try to position your baby where strangers can't reach them. If someone trys to approach/touch them, the least offensive way to tell them, I have found, is this:
"My child is JUST getting over a bad cold and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't touch him/her. Sorry. Thanks for understanding." Then smile.
Most people will get it. If they don't, they are either ignorant or have never had children themselves, and that is NOT your problem. Stay firm, and polite, and your children will be healthier for it!

I totally understand what you are saying. I really don't think there is a way to say "don't touch my baby" without being rude. I have a 3 year old and a 8 month old. And I swear almost even single time I take them somewhere ( almost everyday) someone is trying to touch them on the head, kiss her feet, and enter act with them like they know them. Most of the time I try the wave thing. If not I just tell them not to touch them, and usually the person understand and say "yes, it's so easy for them to get sick" or something like that. If they get funky about it I just let it go because it's not their kid and I wont see them again anyways. Just to let you know I've been doing it for almost four years and I'm used to it now. I've actually had people buy my son balloons or offer to babysit him and gave me their number.

I was at the mall one day and I swear 3 people walled by and touched my son on the head or touched his back very briefly. I about freaked out and wanted to almost harm them.
What a world out there! I'm telling ya it happens to me almost every time I go ANYWHERE with my kids...OMG!! It's annoying!

On a different note I asked a friend for some advice on the issue and she was telling me that their is a belief that if you see a beautiful child that you feel you must touch, that you are suppose to touch them on the head so that it gives them luck and protect them from evil. So now I understand a little more I guess why some people touch him or try to.I know this is long, but I hope this makes you feel better. And I am sorry about what happen to you before.

I actually had someone kiss my daughter on the cheek and I about lost it! While waiting in lines, I started turning my cart around so my children were near the bagging area, not facing the people in line behind us. This seemed to work well. I also had to start saying stuff to people and you really just have to tailor what you say for each individual situation. Sometimes I would say, "Say hi to the nice lady or man!" Before they even approached my kids. This way the people usually stopped their approach to say, "Hi" I also tell my children that we do not talk to strangers, even if the people nearby can hear. It really is inappropriate for someone to touch your child(ren) If they get mad, angry or make comments, just ignore them. Most likely you will never see them again, if you do, just pretend like you don't see them. I decided it really doesn't matter what others think or say! IT is MY job as a parent to keep my children safe and that includes being proactive when it comes to germs.

Julia,
This same thing happened to me just yesterday in the baby aisle at the store. Its happened a few times. I HATE it. Why do people do that, it would never even occur to me to touch someones baby I didn't know. That's the rude part! I stopped caring what they think. I flat out say "no touching please" or "please don't touch". Who cares if they think you're rude, you're protecting your family. We don't know where those hands have been or the last time they washed or IF they wash. YUCK!

Julia,

First, I'm so sorry to hear about your mugging. I can't imagine what it's like to work through something so traumatic and violating.

Second, it's okay to set boundaries for yourself and your children. You can decide if you want to say "just the toes, please" and let folks tickle his feet (with socks on), or keep a hands off policy. You can also take a post-touch approach to politely "warn" the person to wash their hands since your child has a horribly contagious virus/rash/skin disease/stomach bug... A little devious but you may keep the person from touching another baby as well.

I'd also keep your wipes handy and make a deal out of wiping off the child's hands and feet after being touched. Do people not know that babies put them right into their mouths with all those newly-acquired germs??? Sigh. Good luck!