Kissing a newborn may seem like a natural gesture of affection, but it can carry significant risks. The immune system of infants is still too fragile to defend itself effectively against certain serious infections such as herpes or certain bacteria. It is therefore essential to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid transmitting germs to these little ones.
An immature immune system
A newborn child’s immune system is not yet fully developed, which significantly increases their risk of contracting serious infections. During the first three months of life, a baby has a reduced number of innate immune cells such as neutrophils and monocytes, which are the first to fight infections. Recently, Karan Raj, a surgeon from National Health Service (NHS, the British public health service) even published a video on TikTok to warn its subscribers about the danger that kissing a baby can cause.
@dr.karanrNewborn warning!♬ original sound – Dr Karan Raj
Associated risks
- Herpes Virus: In adults, this virus causes cold sores. In newborns, a herpes infection can be much more serious and potentially fatal if the virus invades other organs.
- Group B streptococci: These bacteria, often present in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of adults without causing disease, can cause septicemia, pneumonia and meningitis in infants.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) : certain strains of E. coli, harmless to adults, can cause serious infections in newborns, leading to pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia.
These infections can have serious or even fatal consequences, highlighting the importance of protecting newborns from pathogens.
Show affection safely
It is understandable that parents and loved ones want to express their affection towards a newborn baby. However, it is crucial to do this safely to avoid any risk of infection.
Practical advice
- Wash your hands: Before touching the baby, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Avoid touching the face: do not touch the baby’s mouth, nose or eyes. Instead, opt for gentle caresses on the feet or the back of the head.
- Wearing a mask: if you are sick or wear a mask, it reduces the risk of transmitting germs.
- Use barriers: If necessary to kiss the baby, use a barrier such as a handkerchief or cloth to avoid direct contact with the mouth.
- Check your health: If you have a cold sore or other signs of infection, avoid close contact with the infant.
Awareness and communication
It is important that parents clearly communicate their expectations to friends and family regarding safe interactions with the baby. This helps prevent misunderstandings and protect the infant’s health.
What is the “curse of knowledge”?
The “curse of knowledge” (or « curse of knowledge« in English) is a cognitive bias where a person wrongly assumes that everyone else has the same level of knowledge on a given topic as themselves. In other words, people who are informed may forget what it was like not to know that information.
A kiss is a gesture of love, but…
Recent studies show that many young parents are unaware of these risks, highlighting the importance of increasing public awareness. According to a survey conducted by The Lullaby Trust at the end of last year, 54% of young parents or parents-to-be “would let their friends and family kiss their newborn, without being aware of the risk of serious infections that this poses to them”. This demonstrates the need to better inform the public about potential dangers and prevention measures.
Love is also about protecting. While kissing a baby seems like the most natural thing in the world, it’s important to remember that sometimes it’s better to be a little more careful. It is not the tenderness we give that is at issue, but the invisible risks that can hide in our saliva, our hands, or even the air we breathe.
For a carefree hug, just remember that a light kiss on the forehead, accompanied by a thousand smiles and all the tenderness in the world, can melt a heart just as much without exposing the baby to risk. Even in a world where we all dream of hugging and protecting our little ones, a little vigilance never hurts. Because at the end of the day, it’s the baby’s health that matters most.
