JUST kissing your newborn baby on the lips could prove fatal, an ex-paramedic has warned.
Although the affectionate act is harmless for adults, it can pose a serious risk to new babies.
GettyIf a new parent has a cold sore they should not kiss their baby[/caption]
Just a quick peck on the lips lead to seizures, serious breathing issues and even death, experts from Tiny Hearts Education have warned.
This is why Nikki Jurcutz, who runs the site, said she was “heartbroken” to find seven cold sores on her top lip just six days after having her newborn.
The new mum was carrying the herpes virus, which in adults can cause cold sores and genital ulcers.
The reason babies are at such high risk, is because their immune system is not fully developed, Nikki explained in a post.
Called neonatal herpes, it is very rare in the UK but can devastatingly lead to death if the virus spreads to the baby’s organs.
“The virus can be passed onto the baby through close contact with an infected person, especially during an outbreak,” she wrote.
If you’re new mum like Nikki with a cold sore, naturally, you may be worried about keeping your baby safe
The expert suggests take these precautions to minimise the risk of your little one getting the virus.
Don’t kiss baby on the faceDon’t kiss their hands Cover up the cold sore when in close contact with baby (face masks work)Use hand sanitiser thoroughly before holding newborn. Use hand sanitiser thoroughly before touching things that they will touch such as dummies or bottlesKeep the area around the cold sore moist by applying ice and using lip balmDon’t touch cold sore with handsBreastfeeding, if you are willing and able – milk may pass on antibodies
Nikki also urged new parents to warn visitors, including close friends and families of the risk of HPV.
In a previous video, the expert shared her list of newborn rules she sent to loved ones before the baby was born:
These include:
No kissing baby If you’re sick, stay awayPlease don’t show up unannounced Wash your hands before holding baby Give baby back when crying Don’t post pictures of her online without askingAsk parents for consent before changing nappyDon’t wear perfume or strong scents No whooping cough jab, no visiting until baby is six weeks old No opinions, just support
“These conversations can be difficult to have once baby is here, so sending it before is very important,” she said.