When I had RAI treatment a year ago, I got the same confusing advise. My endocrinologist was telling me to stay away from close contact with my child and husband for at least a week. The hospital, however, stated that I could do all the normal care for my child, like bathing and changing him and the like, but to not do any close skin on skin contact in the throat area for three days. I did have to use paper plates and plastic forks for three days, but that was not so bad. I asked my pediatrician about it and she stated that the three day no close skin on skin in the throat area was really the only thing I had to worry about and to use the paper plates and plastic forks just as added precaution. Hope this helps you.
Kay