A newborn baby's immune system is underdeveloped, and whilst they're not fully immunised, it makes them highly vulnerable to severe infections. Kissing a baby can spread germs that lead to illness, so it's highly recommended that no one kisses a newborn (and that includes their parents, sorry).
Kissing a baby can have serious health consequences for your little one whose immune system is still developing. This means that all family members, friends, and even mom and dad and siblings, need to be mindful about saving those kisses for another time when your baby is older.
During the first month of life, also ask visitors to avoid kissing around your infant's mouth and eye area. And request that people with cold sores steer clear of your kiddo until the lesions are gone.
The dentists have advised that parents refrain from kissing their children on the lips, particularly before their baby teeth have developed, as they could spread harmful bacteria to their young ones. Before the first tooth appears, a baby's mouth is usually free from cavity-causing bacteria.
Do Babies Like Hugs, Kisses, and Other Signs of Affection? Clearly, there are many different ways in which babies express their affection for their parents and caregivers. But do they enjoy being on the receiving end? In short, yes.
Ideally, even grandparents “should not be kissing on the baby for at least the first few months,” Tan told me. Within a home, siblings attending day care and school—where it's easy to pick up germs—might also want to sheathe their smackeroos at first.
Parents kissing their baby is normal, but at the same time, the parent must safeguard the baby from contracting hazardous infections. One of the key points you should consider is not letting anyone kiss your baby on or near the mouth, specifically during the initial three months of birth.
Sweet and squishy baby cheeks are hard to resist kissing, but doing so can cause serious health consequences. In order to prevent serious health issues, anyone and everyone, including parents, should avoid kissing babies.
Your family may be more understanding if you explain the dangers. Explain to them that babies' immune systems are still developing in the early months, and that in the meantime, non-immediate family members should avoid kissing the baby. People may be more receptive to your rule if they can understand your reasoning.
But generally, whether it's okay or not to kiss kids on the lips is okay as long as; It's made as a genuine way of expressing affection. It doesn't contrast family or cultural values. It's comfortable for the parties involved.
“Parents should show love and affection in front of their children. Simple things such as hugging, kissing and holding hands show that you care about that person. Saying"I love you” and"I miss you” is another way to show love and affection. Anything more than this is most likely deemed inappropriate.
Baby kissing is a practice in which politicians and candidates campaigning for office kiss babies in order to garner public support. It is commonly done along with shaking hands.
While the cause of SIDS is unknown, many clinicians and researchers believe that SIDS is associated with problems in the ability of the baby to arouse from sleep, to detect low levels of oxygen, or a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Humans, even newborns crave physical contact and are comforted by it. Whether they recognize a kiss as a special form of showing affection is irrelevant. They are comforted by it, and gradually learn that association.
Rule 4: When given a chance to hold the baby, do not touch their face, hands or any part of their skin. This will reduce the risk of you passing on germs to the child.
Wheezing. Flaring of the nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing. Breathing faster than normal, or trouble breathing. Turning blue around the lips and fingertips.
However, infants' immune systems aren't fully developed, and they're very susceptible to viruses. People's mouths are teeming with germs that often aren't serious for adults but could be dangerous for young children. Thus, it's best for people outside of a baby's household to keep their lips to themselves.
02/4Why you should not kiss newborns
Newborns have a weak immune system, which makes it crucial to take extra care of them in the first few weeks. Exposure to any kind of virus and bacteria can put their life at risk.
Understanding newborn bonding behaviour
Your newborn baby uses body language to show you when they want to connect with you and strengthen the bond between you. For example, your baby might: smile at you or make eye contact. make little noises, like coos or laughs.
They talk to you.
Your baby's very earliest coos will be directed at you or another trusted caregiver – it's their way of saying, “love you too!” By four months, babies will make sounds in response to your voice and turn their head to try to find you when you're talking.
When do babies recognize their father or mother? Babies can recognize their parents pretty early actually – as young as 4 days old. By making eye contact with your baby during feeding times, cuddle sessions and throughout the day, you're helping your child memorize your face and learn to trust you.
Many pediatricians warn against strangers kissing babies due to their vulnerable immune systems, as infants are at particular risk of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), allergic reactions, fever blisters and foot and mouth disease.
When your baby is born, at first she's only able to see clearly about 8 to 12 inches in front of her – the perfect distance for studying faces and getting to know you. Some studies suggest babies may be able to recognize their parents' faces within days of birth, but others say it could take up to two months.
Dr. VanVleet says it is safe to have a visitor when the parents are comfortable with it. “Sometimes, even though it would be good to wait a few weeks before a lot of visitors start arriving, you just can't avoid it for one reason or another,” she says.