Yahoo Lifestyle Why You Should Never, Ever Kiss a Newborn Baby, According to Doctors
Your best friend texts you a picture of her newborn baby. With chubby cheeks and tiny toes, you can’t wait for baby kisses, and you head straight to your friend’s house to meet the new little one (and maybe bite those chubby cheeks).
It’s fairly likely your friend will say yes to your request: According to a 2023 survey in the U.K., 54% of new parents would let friends and family kiss their newborn baby. Further, 63% would feel uneasy saying “no” out of fear of offending the person, hurting their feelings or being labeled as “overprotective.”
However, not kissing a newborn baby—or allowing others to kiss yours—is crucial for the baby’s health, a doctor says. Kissing a baby is something kids and adults alike should never, ever, do.
Related: Relax, Enjoy and Breathe in That New Baby Smell—Here Are 150 New Mom Quotes
The Danger of Kissing a Newborn Baby
Is there that much risk in a quick peck?
Yes. Basically, it comes down to the baby’s immune system being underdeveloped.
“They are not able to fight off infections like kids and adults can,” says Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician. “Kids and adults may be fighting an infection and are not necessarily aware of it, and by kissing the baby, it spreads the virus to that baby who may have a harder time fighting it.”
Let's emphasize that middle point: Even if you feel like you aren’t sick, you may be—and that sickness can more easily spread to a baby.
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Kissing babies isn’t the only way they can get infected, either. Dr. Purdy says people can “simply touch the baby’s hand, and if the baby then touches their eye, mouth or nose, the virus is spread.”
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in particular has been a big concern lately. It can cause babies to need hospitalization due to breathing issues and other scary symptoms, Dr. Purdy shares.
“What is scary is RSV can turn into either bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can really be hard for babies to fight off,” she adds.
Related: The One Type of Cough You Should Never, Ever Ignore
At What Point Can You Kiss a Baby?
Not kissing or touching a baby is hard—they’re so cute! And when those babies become kids, hugs, hand holds and kisses are okay. But at what age, exactly, is this safe?
According to Dr. Purdy, babies have a higher risk of getting sick when they're under six months old, so you'll want to wait until they've passed that benchmark to share smooches.
Related: Moment Family Cat Nuzzles Newborn Baby’s Head With Love During First Meeting Is Everything
Where Is It Safe to Kiss a Baby?
This is a bit of a trick question. Since touches can be dangerous, just like kisses can, there’s no “safe” spot. Their cheeks, hands, stomachs … it’s all a no, unfortunately.
“A good rule of thumb is to not kiss the baby, as tempting as it may be,” Dr. Purdy says. “Especially if it is not your baby.”
When a Baby Needs to See a Pediatrician
Whether babies are touched or kissed—or if they get sick another way—they need medical attention. Dr. Purdy encourages bringing them in once they have a wheezing cough, or an irregular or difficult time breathing.
Those are the images to think of when you're tempted to kiss a newborn baby—especially someone else’s.
Up Next:
Related: The One Thing You Should Never, Ever Do if You Want To Avoid Getting Sick
Sources
Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician
Over half of UK parents unaware of the risk kissing poses to newborns, The Lullaby Trust
