How to tell people not to kiss your newborn.... politely?

[jessicalouise95]

I've always said to my partner and myself that I don't want anyone to kiss our baby when she arrives (which is in about 6 weeks).

How do I tell other people not to? Not just for covid reasons but for the herpesvirus etc.

I'm good at setting my own boundaries and saying what I want but how do I politely say don't kiss her?

I will be asking people to home test and wash hands etc. so just add it on to that?

"Please dont kiss her"

@Winterfellismyhome

"Please dont kiss her"

This. Politely.

I think I just want to make people aware before they come so they don't do it.

More of how to drop it in conversation?

I'd be honest and say please don't kiss baby and you could tell me why, or just say the midwife told you it's best not to etc.
Tbh maybe I'm lucky but no one ever really tried to kiss my newborn.

Just be honest and say you don't want people kissing her

I point blank told everyone not to kiss mine as anyone could be carrying the herpes virus which can be fatal to babies. ( Me and her dad also get coldsores so we didn't kiss her either )

This worried me too particularly with grandparents (I don’t think friends will kiss the baby). Baby is due in 2 weeks and I’ve already broached this with my parents just saying that it is something which makes me really anxious and hopefully everyone already knows. So tried to slip it into conversation like that. Maybe not as blunt as I should be, that will no doubt come later if anyone tries to kiss the baby.

My baby is 9.5wks old and no one has tried to kiss her. Don’t be getting all het up about something that perhaps 1 visitor might do, but probably won’t do and then look like a right plonker over when no one was planning to do it anyway!

I’m following this as I feel like I’m going to need to do this.

My in law’s and my brother in law’s are very kissy and hugging with my nephew and niece, but they get cold sores and it freaks me out.

I’ve said to my husband already that I don’t want anyone kissing them and explained that cold sores can kill a baby, so he’s on board and will set the boundaries with his family.

My family are less tactile but I’ll explain to my mum in advance not to and just drop in that I’ve learnt from the midwife how dangerous it is.

Ok, so when I told my mum I was pregnant at 6 weeks she was so excited and crying and said I can't wait to give the baby a kiss! I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything.

Then around 10 weeks I printed off some baby illness info caused by kissing and said to everyone that kissing will not be allowed and let them read the leaflets. Most people understood, but my mum thought that was for everyone but her as she will be a nanny 🙄

I've made it so clear that kissing my baby (who will be here in about 3 weeks!!) isn't acceptable, and until she has her vaccines around 4 months, she will be wearing hats when meeting visitors, so if they kiss her, they'll be kissing the hats and not her.

I know it's a bit over the top, but luckily it's going to be a bit chilly so I can get away with the hats, and hopefully they'll realise I'm serious and then I won't be needing the hats!

It's strange that older people, even my nan are so offended by the no kissing rule - you'd think with covid going on they'd understand it a little more! X

Oh I’m glad I read this thread! I’d been planning to stop strangers kissing/touching my baby, but thought it’d be okay for family. However, MIL gets frequent coldsores, I had no idea it was so dangerous for babies!

I think I’ll make a blanket no kissing rule!

Not just herpes and covid to worry about but RSV too which can land your baby in hospital.
Hand washing and no kissing is highly sensible imo, should just be expected really!

I had a baby a few months back and dropped it into conversation by saying I know you wouldn’t but the midwife told us to tell everyone visiting not to kiss the baby! It worked well as it Was very clear without being personal! It’s something I felt really strongly about having a few kissy relatives myself and something needed to be said! Most people know not to but there is always one or two ha ha!!!

Just ask them not to.

They'll probably roll their eyes behind your back thinking you're being OTT but ultimately it doesn't matter.

I put a rules for visiting baby post on fb. (Found it on google)
Then when we had a visitor, i’d ask them to wash their hands first. (Stayed firm like the nurses in hospital) also reminded them how baby’s immune systems are weak.
No pushback 🙂

Since HPV can kill a baby I wasn't even polite about it is was something I Wanted to make sure I was very clear on x

@dg93 I really hope they all respect your wishes , you shouldn't put hats on baby indoors tho as they can't regulate their temperature like we can. (Meant in a helpful way ) x