Recently, a TikTok video shared by labor and delivery nurse Lauren with the caption, "Please don't kiss the babies; I know they are delicious, and you can’t help but want to, but please refrain; You may cause serious harm to their little bodies” has been going viral. Let’s dive into the dangers of kissing newborns and understand the consequences the parent and the family have to bear due to the risk associated with the kissing of newborns.
Kissing newborns does not directly risk their lives, but as their immune system is not developed, they cannot fully fight the germs transferred due to kissing. So it's better to refrain from it.
Risks associated are:
Compromise of immune system
Respiratory syncytial virus transmission
Allergic reactions
Ulcers and rashes around the mouth
Cold sore transfer
Newborns are very sensitive, and their immune system is not developed, which means they are at risk of developing infections. We generally carry viruses around our body, and kissing can transfer the virus to the newborns and lead to infection, which can also prove to be serious since they lack immunity. It is not necessary that we have an active infection to make the baby sick; we can also be carriers of infection.
Worldwide, about 2,40,000 children under the age of 5 die each year because of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In the US, about 0.5–1.7% of children infected with RSV die. The number is increased if the babies have any premature condition, lung problem, or decreased immunity. RSV is spread through respiratory droplets during kissing, sharing utensils, or transferring anything through the mouth. The symptoms of RSV are just colds or allergies, but in babies when they are infected with illness, the immune system has to fight the infection, which compromises their immunity, and their lungs are also not properly developed.
Not just viruses; bacteria can also be transmitted through direct contact. Pneumococcus, a bacterium of the upper respiratory tract, can also cause serious problems in the baby. The problem is that the baby's immune system is small and still not developed, which makes it harder to fight any infections.
Possible modes of transmission:
Cold sores: usually when the adults with cold sores kiss the baby, it can lead to infection in the baby, which is characterized by poor feeding, high temperature, lethargy, and sometimes seizures.
Whooping cough: anyone infected with whooping cough kisses the baby, then directly through the droplets infection can spread to the baby, and symptoms shown by the baby include a ruuny nose, cough, fever, and apnea.
Kissing disease: whenever a person infected with this disease kisses the newborn, the saliva of the infected person can cause infection, leading to sore throat, fever, and fatigue.
Cavities: while kissing the baby, if the oral hygiene is not maintained, the cavity-causing bacteria can enter from the person's mouth.
RSV: As it is contagious, it can transfer from the infected person’s droplets while kissing and can lead to infection resulting in runny nose, fever, wheezing, apnea, and a decrease in appetite.
Neonatal herpes:
It is a neonatal infection caused by the herpes simplex virus characterized by cold sores and ulcers. Neonatal herpes can occur at two stages: one during pregnancy and delivery and the other after birth. If the mother had genital herpes, then there are chances that the baby might catch the infection during labor. Secondly, if someone has cold sores and they kiss the baby, then the virus can be directly transferred to the baby and cause infection. In other scenarios, if the mother has blisters on the breast, then during feeding the virus can be transmitted to the baby. So proper precaution should be taken as herpes infection is very contagious.
Why are doctors and nurses warning against kissing newborns?
According to an article published, a 40-day-old baby developed meningitis, which later progressed to cerebral palsy after a guest kissed the newborn, which led to the transmission of pneumococcal bacteria responsible for meningitis.
A Facebook page, Special Books by Special Kids, which interviews people in the disability community, shared a post revealing the spine-chilling story of a child who developed a traumatic brain injury. According to the post, the child was healthy until she was kissed by a person who had a cold sore. As her immune system was not developed, the child developed infection, which then attacked the brain, leading to traumatic brain injury. Today, 8 years have passed by, but the child is unable to walk and talk properly. The child’s family wants to spread awareness about the dangers of kissing a newborn.
Some doctors even suggest avoiding kissing newborns till they reach 1 to 2 years of age. Sometimes we also apply cosmetics and kiss the baby, which can cause serious allergic problems as their skin is very sensitive.
Precaution and prevention:
1. The first and foremost thing to do is to avoid kissing the newborns.
2. Next, wash hands properly before making contact, sterilize everything used in and around the baby, and avoid close contact with the baby if you have any cold sores.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid overcrowded environments. Regular vaccination should be done.
4. Cosmetic are the most dangerous products as they contain chemicals, and kissing babies with makeup on can lead to allergic reactions. Babies should not be exposed to other products like hair dyes, makeup products, and talc products, as it can lead to serious allergic reactions as their skin is very soft and sensitive.
5. In-house gatherings or outings should be avoided for at least the initial few months till the baby attains basic immunity.
6. Avoid contact with people suffering from or previously having respiratory tract infections.
7. If any of the guests is unknowingly suffering from hepatitis B, then while kissing, the virus can be transmitted through the saliva. Likewise, if someone has a herpes infection, kissing on any part of the body of the baby, virus can be easily transmitted. So it is better the parents should prevent others from meeting and kissing their newborns.
REFERENCES:
1. Mayer, B. A. (2024, August 8). ‘Put Those Lethal Lips Away’—TikTok nurse warns about danger of kissing newborns. Parents. https://www.parents.com/why-a-nurse-took-to-tiktok-to-warn-about-kissing-babies-8691458
2. Shah, R. (2024, July 24). Kissing a baby: Possible risks and precautions to take. MomJunction. https://www.momjunction.com/articles/kissing-the-baby-risks-precautions_00655035/
3. Cooper, A. (2022, October 6). 5 Risks of kissing a newborn. Dr. Noze Best. https://drnozebest.com/blogs/the-doctor-is-in/5-risks-of-kissing-a-newborn
4. Website, N. (2022, June 27). Neonatal herpes (herpes in a baby). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/neonatal-herpes/
5. Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board. (2023, April 4). Even parents should not kiss their baby. Even Parents Should Not Kiss Their Baby. https://yeditepehastaneleri.com/en/health-guide/mother-baby-health/even-parents-should-not-kiss-their-baby
6. Please don’t kiss the baby.(n.d.). https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/expert-health-articles/please-dont-kiss-the-baby