It’s hard to resist kissing a baby’s soft, sweet cheeks, but doing so can have serious health consequences. To avoid serious health problems, everyone, including parents, should avoid kissing babies. Due to the increase in cases of RSV and other diseases, it is very important that everyone is aware of the dangers of kissing babies.
Can kissing a baby make it sick?
Although kissing a baby doesn’t always cause RSV or other illnesses, it can spread germs that can cause illnesses that a newborn’s immune system has a hard time fighting. What are the dangers of kissing babies? is it really that important? yes, it really is. Here’s what you need to know about kissing babies and how to take the proper precautions to protect your little ones from harm.
the risks of kissing babies
The love and affection of a parent or family member is a vital part of the development of each and every child. however, not taking precautions can be very harmful to a baby. These are some of the problems that kissing a baby can cause:
rsv (respiratory syncytial virus)
rsv is a very serious and life-threatening condition that can be spread through physical contact or by passing infected respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing. Even if you are not feeling unwell, if you have recently had a cold or sinusitis, it is absolutely essential not to hold, touch and especially kiss a newborn or infant. RSV can cause serious breathing problems and can also affect the heart and brain.
immune system vulnerability
Newborns are born with developing immune systems that have to work hard to keep their tiny bodies from fighting disease and infection. Within the first few months of life, babies are at their most vulnerable. Although soft, fluffy cheeks can be tempting, remember to pause and think about the risks of kissing baby when you consider that the germs you’re spreading are foreign invaders that may fight their little body.
allergic reactions
Believe it or not, a kiss from someone with food particles or skin care products can cause or irritate food allergies in a newborn. Whether it’s just lipstick or moisturizer, some ingredients could be harmful to your newborn. skin care products can also lead to exposure to seriously harmful chemicals. It is also very important to remember that if a person has recently consumed nuts, dairy, soy, or other foods that may be the cause of common food allergies, your newborn may be exposed to a substance that you do not know you may be allergic to.
hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common, but there are ways to prevent your child from getting it or spreading the disease to others. hand, foot, and mouth is a virus that causes sores and rashes around the mouth, hands, feet, and leg area. Although anyone can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, it is most common in children under the age of ten. while not usually life-threatening, it can cause problems in infants with weaker immune systems, and older siblings who contract the virus may have to miss school for an indefinite period of time/
fever blisters
One of the most serious risks from kissing babies is the transfer of fever blisters, also known as cold sores. hsv 1 causes fever blisters to form around the baby’s mouth and can spread to other areas of the body, including the brain. cold sores are very common in many people, so everyone should be vigilant before going to kiss a baby. for some, this can cause long-term or fatal damage.
how to protect your baby from RSV and other diseases
Understanding the risks of baby kissing is one step in protecting your child from harmful diseases. however, there are other steps to take to ensure your child is further protected from preventable harm. taking precautionary measures to protect your child from becoming ill from someone’s affection can help save her life.
educate others
When people are aware of the risks and dangers surrounding kissing babies, it is much easier to protect your child. Although you may consider precautionary practices to be common sense, others may not. therefore, educating others is a great way to help them become more aware of the risks and dangers of kissing and/or showing affection to babies. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your child and ask people to refrain from visiting after an illness or to avoid kissing your child to prevent the spread of germs that can cause life-threatening illnesses.
maintain good hygiene
It’s no surprise that good general hygiene helps protect everyone from harmful bacteria and diseases. however, it is even more important to keep in mind when you are around babies. From regular hygiene to oral hygiene, it’s incredibly important to take care of yourself and your baby. Some ways to maintain good hygiene are:
- bathe yourself and your baby every day
- wash your hands after eating, cleaning, or other daily activities
- cough season guide
- guide to earaches and infections
- tips to calm a fussy baby
- bathtime safety for children
avoid diseases
An easy way to protect your child from infection and illness is to be aware of the people you and your child surround yourself with. As we mentioned before, the first months of your child’s life are the most vulnerable stages. therefore, consider avoiding anyone and anything that could cause health problems for your child.
pediatric care in eastern pediatrics
pediatrics east exists to care for and serve your child in health and wellness. our team works daily to provide the best care for your child through services like sudden illness appointments, checkups, immunizations and more. To learn how we can serve you and your child, read more about the services we offer. To schedule an appointment or to speak with our staff, contact us today.
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