When Can Family Kiss Baby? Understanding the Right Time and Safety
The Importance of Timing: When Is It Safe?
Well, this is a question many new parents face: when is it safe for family members to kiss the baby? As a new parent myself, I completely understand the hesitation. On one hand, it’s natural for family to be excited and want to shower the baby with love. But on the other hand, we all know that babies have delicate immune systems, and a simple kiss could bring unintended risks. So, when is the right time to allow family to kiss your little one?
The Baby's Immune System: A Fragile Start
Honestly, it’s important to remember that a newborn’s immune system isn’t fully developed. In the first few months, they are highly vulnerable to infections and germs. I learned this the hard way when a family member kissed my baby on the cheek, and we ended up with a cold that could have easily been avoided. The baby was so tiny and fragile at the time, and I realized how sensitive they are to even the most common illnesses.
Risks of Kissing a Newborn
Let’s be real: kisses are sweet, but they come with their own set of risks, especially for newborns. There are several factors to consider before letting family members kiss the baby, especially in the early weeks.
Cold Sores and Herpes Simplex Virus
Cold sores (also known as fever blisters) are one of the biggest risks when it comes to kissing a newborn. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be passed on through a kiss, and it’s dangerous for infants, especially those under 6 months old. I remember discussing this with my friend Lisa, whose baby contracted the virus from a family member, and it was a nightmare. Babies are at risk of developing severe complications like encephalitis, which can be life-threatening. I definitely don't think anyone wants to take that risk.
Other Common Infections
Apart from cold sores, there are many other infections, such as the flu or common cold, that can be passed through a kiss. Babies have lower immunity, so even if the adult feels fine, they may still carry viruses that could harm the little one. Honestly, it’s a bit of a balancing act between allowing family to show love and ensuring the baby stays healthy.
What About Extended Family and Friends?
So, when can extended family or friends kiss your baby? This is where things can get tricky. While immediate family members like parents and siblings are often a part of your “bubble,” others, like grandparents, uncles, and aunts, might not always understand the risks involved.
Setting Boundaries Early On
I remember when my baby was born, we had to have an open conversation with some of our extended family members about boundaries. I didn't want to sound harsh, but I had to explain that while I appreciated their affection, the baby's health had to come first. Setting clear boundaries early on is essential, especially if you’re dealing with people who might be more eager to kiss the baby than is advisable.
The Right Time for Kissing: A General Rule of Thumb
Okay, so when is the right time? It really depends on the baby's health, the environment, and your comfort level as a parent. However, I’ve found that most pediatricians recommend waiting until the baby is a bit older—around 3 to 6 months—before allowing kisses from extended family members. At this point, babies usually start to develop stronger immune systems, though you still need to be cautious.
Tips for Safe Kissing
Honestly, I’m still figuring this all out, but here are a few things I've learned that can help reduce the risks:
- Wash hands first: Encourage everyone to wash their hands before touching the baby, and definitely before kissing.
- Avoid sick family members: It sounds obvious, but people who are sick, even with a mild cold, should avoid kissing the baby altogether.
- Kiss on the forehead: If you’re comfortable with family kissing the baby, suggest a kiss on the forehead rather than the mouth, which reduces the risk of germs being passed on.
Conclusion: Balance Affection and Safety
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right balance between allowing your family to show affection and keeping your baby safe. Kissing a newborn is a beautiful gesture, but it’s important to recognize the risks involved. Honestly, I think it’s completely reasonable to set boundaries and make sure the baby’s health is protected, especially in the early months.
Remember, your little one’s well-being comes first, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find other ways for family to connect and show love. Whether it’s through gentle touches, sweet words, or simply being present, there are plenty of ways to build that family bond without compromising on safety.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.