Where would/did you allow people to kiss your baby, if at all?

[ridl14]

Due with my first - I've seen the Lullaby Trust recommends no kissing of babies apart from the babies' parents and washing hands first (seems common sense).

I've also seen some debate about whether kissing baby on the top of the head, hands, clothed stomach or feet is okay.

What limits did/would you set re kissing for visitors not presenting signs of a cold or cold sore virus? When was this up until - 2 month vaccines or later? Thank you!

When my baby was newborn I was strict about nobody kissing her at all other than me & her dad, it’s easier and much more clear to set that as your boundary that it is to do the “you can kiss her but only here, here and here”, people forget what you’ve said and it’s a blurred line, no kisses was clear & straightforward, nobody was at all bothered by it.

She’s 8 months old now and provided they aren’t actively unwell I don’t mind family kissing top of head etc (still not on her face or mouth), but that’s mainly because she’s had all of her needles, she’s bigger and she’s now crawling, into everything, obsessed with putting everything in her mouth & licking/biting everything anyway

Thank you! You're right, that does sound much simpler. I'm glad no one pushed back as well.

Was that until she was 2 months old or did you just keep the no kissing rule everyone was used to until 6 months+, whenever you felt more comfortable..?

It was about 6 months ish I kept it until yeah, it was really when I started watching her pulling herself around at baby groups, sharing toys and mats with other babies, picking anything and everything up and putting it straight in her mouth that I thought it felt a bit pointless to say no kissing on the head.

I am still strict on the nobody holding or kissing etc if they are unwell though, she’s recently been in hospital with RSV & bronchiolitis so again that’s made me double down on the “any signs of illness means no holding baby” just incase. It’s a personal decision though, I still don’t have family kiss her on the lips, I just don’t think it’s necessary but happy for them to kiss her head etc as long as not unwell x

I don’t understand why people kiss babies when it can be so dangerous. It’s just completely unnecessary

I think it's weird kissing a baby that isn't your own anyway

I never let anyone kiss any of my newborns except DH and I although it was a nightmare keeping siblings at school/nursery at bay for a while from kissing them.

I never understood the mindset of passing babies around that some relatives had tbh, they’re not for playing pass the parcel and I had strong boundaries from the get go. If people didn’t like it tough, they didn’t need to visit.

A stranger kissed my baby on the head when I was on a sightseeing bus! I had DC over my shoulder who was probably about 3.5 months. The woman was right behind us and before she left the bus she bent over and kissed my DC. I couldn’t believe it. I was gobsmacked that she thought that was okay. I wasn’t impressed to say the least.

I never advise(d) people that they couldn't kiss, however everyone I know seems sensible... if friends and family did/do kiss them, it's top of the head only while newborn/around 6 months +

I've always kissed my own babies a lot (head, cheeks, tummy, hands and feet)... but would hold back if I felt unwell.