Why you can’t kiss children on the lips

A kiss for a child is an important tactile contact. After all, a baby who is given enough attention and who feels loved will open up to the world without fear and share positive emotions. However, a kiss may not always be harmless.

Unfortunately, there are many such stories when children die because of a banal kiss. For example, a three-week-old girl died due to the herpes virus transmitted to her by touching her lips, which in turn caused meningitis.

“The first two months after the birth of a child, you need to be very careful. At this time, the baby’s immunity has not yet woken up. The virus develops rapidly, causing serious illness in newborns, ”said Tanya Altman, Doctor of Pediatrics.

That is why in the first weeks of life it is better to limit the child’s contacts with the outside world: do not invite guests, friends, relatives, and if you cannot do without this, make sure that everyone wash their hands thoroughly before touching the child. And no kissing, of course – not just because of infections.

Dentist of the highest category with 35 years of experience.

“There are a lot of bacteria on the lips of an adult. Many viruses can be inadvertently introduced to a child. The infection enters the child’s oral cavity and begins to multiply actively, suppressing his immunity. Then it affects the gastrointestinal tract and skin. Babies generally need to be very sensitive. From birth, they do not have causative agents of caries in the oral cavity, they get it through the kiss of their mother. Because of such little things, it is possible to inflict very serious harm on an immature body, up to and including death. It is also necessary to ensure that the baby does not lick the fallen nipple. “

And besides physiological, there are also psychological reasons. After all, it is necessary to respect the personal boundaries of the child from the moment the baby is born.

Psychologist and personal growth coach

“Touch language is very important for a child. But sometimes parents go overboard.

At first, you need to realize that the child is a separate person who must have their own boundaries. When adults kiss him, they thereby demonstrate the openness of his body. The child in this case shows a passive position. As a result, this picture is fixed as natural. A kid can even grow up with a syndrome of a victim who is not able to say “no”, especially if he is forced to “kiss granny” or be forced to a pulp (this phenomenon, by the way, is called “cute aggression” and is considered a serious problem. – Ed.) … Secondly, there are many sensitive receptors on the lips. When parents kiss a baby, excitement arises in his cerebral cortex. This can contribute to the early awakening of his erogenous zones. “

1. Hug

Hugs are the best tactile contact. It’s even more than a kiss. In this way, you show your baby that he is protected. He feels it not only physically, but also mentally.

2. Speak

Do not forget that the spoken words can be remembered for a lifetime. A person often refers in memory to spoken phrases, rather than to a visual picture of memories. So don’t forget to talk about how you love your children.

3. Play

Thus, you pay attention to the child and establish emotional contact with him.

4. Kiss on the forehead

If kissing a child is an important ritual for you, then you can kiss him on the forehead or cheeks. It will not do any medically harm.

5. Support

Feedback is important for a child. Of course, a lot will not work out right away. Therefore, the baby needs support in order to feel confident in himself. After all, this quality is formed from an early age and goes through all life.