It seems that you have a very (re)productive company!

You are not at all obligated to have interactions with a colleagues progeny in such a manner as you describe. There are also many new parents that would baulk at the idea of passing around their newborn admist numerous parties.

It is usually courteous to join the group, smile and say something like "Aaw she's beautiful", keep your hands behind your back if you do not want to hold the infant and move on.

As you compared it to bringing a dog to work, there may be colleagues who are allergic or afraid of dogs, so you would not expect them to join in a petting group. As such, people that know that you are uncomfortable around babies should not expect you to be as enthusiastic as those that adore them.

Probably the easiest method is when someone else is holding the baby, speak to the parent, smile and congratulate them for a lovely baby (even if you do not think so) and return to your workstation. The parent will appreciate your attention to them as well!

It seems that you have a very (re)productive company!

You are not at all obligated to have interactions with a colleagues progeny in such a manner as you describe. There are also many new parents that would baulk at the idea of passing around their newborn amidst numerous parties.

It is usually courteous to join the group, smile and say something like "Aaw she's beautiful", keep your hands behind your back if you do not want to hold the infant and move on.

As you compared it to bringing a dog to work, there may be colleagues who are allergic or afraid of dogs, so you would not expect them to join in a petting group. As such, people that know that you are uncomfortable around babies should not expect you to be as enthusiastic as those that adore them.

Probably the easiest method is when someone else is holding the baby, speak to the parent, smile and congratulate them for a lovely baby (even if you do not think so) and return to your workstation. The parent will appreciate your attention to them as well!