After a baby is born, family and friends often feel a strong urge to show their love by kissing the newborn. However, doctors warn that this seemingly innocent act can be dangerous. Kissing a baby can spread viruses, especially Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which poses serious risks to a newborn's developing immune system. It can lead to health problems such as hearing loss and developmental delays.
Detailing the same, Dr Manan Vora, an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Co-Founder of NutriByte Wellness, Mumbai shared that everyone must understand these potential dangers. Read ahead to know we can help protect our most vulnerable family members.
Doctor Explains Why People Should Not Kiss Newborn Babies
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The instinct to kiss a newborn is strong, but medical professionals urge caution. Dr Manan Vora, a father of a four-month-old, emphasises that infants have immature immune systems, making them vulnerable to infections. Some of the other key points to consider with newborn babies are mentioned below.
- Even a seemingly harmless kiss can transmit germs that their bodies are ill-equipped to handle, potentially leading to severe health issues.
- One significant concern is Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which many adults carry without symptoms. This virus can be passed to babies through saliva during kissing and may result in serious complications such as hearing loss and developmental delays.
- Additionally, newborns frequently touch their faces and mouths, increasing the likelihood of infection from any germs transferred during kisses on their cheeks or hands.
The expert further recommended that visitors should refrain from kissing newborns altogether. Instead, they should express affection in safer ways, such as gentle touches on the feet. Maintaining hygiene practices like washing hands before interacting with the baby is crucial to protect these vulnerable infants from potentially life-threatening infections. Parents are also encouraged to communicate these guidelines clearly to family and friends to ensure the baby's safety.
How Does CMV Harm Newborn Babies?
Mother-to-Child Transmission of Cytomegalovirus and Prevention of Congenital Infection, a study published on PubMed explains how CMV may harm newborn babies. Some of the key points of the research are mentioned below.
- It can be transmitted to babies through saliva during kissing, particularly when adults kiss infants on the lips or near the mouth.
- The virus is present in various bodily fluids, including saliva, and can be easily passed from an infected person to a baby.
- Even casual interactions, like kissing a baby on the cheek or forehead, can lead to exposure if saliva comes into contact with the baby's mouth or face.
- Additionally, infants often touch their faces and mouths, increasing the likelihood of the virus entering their system.
Safe Ways to Show Affection To a Newborn
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There are many safe and loving ways to show affection to a newborn without risking their health. Some of the effective methods are mentioned below.
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby against your bare chest helps them feel secure and strengthens your bond.
- Gentle Touch: Cradle, rock, or massage your baby gently to provide comfort and reassurance.
- Talking and Singing: Use a soothing voice to talk or sing to your baby, which helps them recognise your voice and promotes language development.
- Playing Games: Simple games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake can engage your baby and encourage interaction.
- Eye Contact: Make eye contact while feeding or holding your baby to create a sense of connection and security.
- Bath Time: Giving your baby a warm bath can be a fun way to bond while ensuring they feel relaxed.
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Conclusion
To reduce the risk of passing CMV to babies, doctors and health experts suggest avoiding kissing them on their skin. Instead, they recommend showing love in safer ways that don't involve kissing or sharing saliva. This helps keep newborns safe and healthy while still allowing family and friends to express their affection.