This article was co-authored by Asa Don Brown, PhD, DNCCM, FAAETS and by How.com.vn staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Dr. Asa Don Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in working with families, children, and couples, treating a variety of psychological disorders, trauma, and abuse. Dr. Brown has specialized in negotiation and profiling. He is also a prolific author having published three books and numerous articles in magazines, journals, and popular publications. Dr. Brown earned a BS in Theology and Religion with a minor in Marketing and an MS in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family from The University of Great Falls. Furthermore, he received a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. He is also a candidate for a Masters of Liberal Arts through Harvard University. Dr. Brown is a Fellow of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and a Diplomate for the National Center for Crisis Management and continues to serve a number of psychological and scientific boards.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 51,740 times.
There's nothing like the smell of a newborn baby, or that feeling when they grasp your finger with their little hand. It's so tempting to cover a brand new baby in kisses, but because their immune system is still developing in the first few months of their life, kisses from anyone other than immediate family are potentially risky. But how do you break the news to Grandma that you don't want her to kiss her grandchild and still maintain peace? Don't worry. We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you gently (but firmly) tell your family and friends not to kiss your newborn, so that your baby can stay safe and healthy.
Things You Should Know
- Let people know the no-kiss rule is only temporary, and that it isn’t personal.
- Explain your research: your friends and family may be disappointed, but they may be more receptive to the rule if they understand your reasoning.
- If they don't respect your rule, tell them you are following your doctor’s orders. They may be more receptive to the advice of a medical professional.
- If possible, tell your family about the no-kiss rule before the baby is born. This will give them time to acclimate.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-newborn-babys-immune-system-strong-enough/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1121933/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-newborn-babys-immune-system-strong-enough/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-newborn-babys-immune-system-strong-enough/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-newborn-babys-immune-system-strong-enough/
- ↑ https://www.mother.ly/baby/baby-health/its-flu-season-and-its-okay-to-tell-people-not-to-kiss-your-baby/
- ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/setting-the-rules-for-visitors-after-you-have-a-baby/11229516
- ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/setting-the-rules-for-visitors-after-you-have-a-baby/11229516
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-newborn-babys-immune-system-strong-enough/
- ↑ https://www.mother.ly/baby/baby-health/its-flu-season-and-its-okay-to-tell-people-not-to-kiss-your-baby/
- ↑ https://www.npr.org/2021/01/25/960423678/how-to-set-boundaries-with-family-and-stick-to-them
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/peer-pressure
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mate-relate-and-communicate/201310/have-in-law-issues
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
- "Yes, very helpful on why the no kissing rule is important. New grandparent, and obviously wish to kiss the baby. This helps understand from babies parents, why its best not too!"..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.