The intoxicating smell of their heads. Their squishy cheeks and chubby little hands. They are hard to resist but please don’t kiss the baby.
Newborn babies have immature immune systems and haven’t been fully vaccinated yet. Meaning they are susceptible to infections and illnesses.
During the first six weeks in particular, avoid kissing a baby on their mouth. It can be a matter of life and death.
Insist only people who feel 100% healthy come visit you and your baby. (Image: Getty Images)
In 2017, a baby contracted meningitis and died after being kissed by someone with a cold sore.
And there have been other cases where babies have become seriously ill from germs passed onto them by a kiss.
Did you know about 80 per cent of all Australian adults are infected with HSV-1? They may carry the virus in their saliva, even if they don’t show any symptoms. While meningitis caused by bacteria or herpes is rare, a kiss on a baby’s mouth, or possibly anywhere on the skin, can be extremely dangerous.
While parents can’t create a total germ-free environment for their bub, they can help by following these healthy tips…
No kissy-faces
If you truly can’t resist covering bub in kisses, please stay away from her face.
Saliva and mucus contain germs, so avoiding her face will help protect your baby’s health.
Follow good hygiene practices
Be sure to always wash your hands before handling a baby. A 20 second wash with warm water and soap is the best way to prevent germs spreading.
Also, don’t cough or sneeze on a little one and please, don’t visit a new baby if you’re not well.
Healthy visitors only
Insist only people who feel 100 per cent healthy visit you and your baby.
If someone has a sniffly nose or a sore throat, politely tell them to come back another time.
Avoid public places
In the first weeks, try to avoid taking your bub to supermarkets, restaurants, shopping malls and anywhere large crowds (and therefore germs!) gather – these steps will all help keep your little one sniffle-free.
