From the Guidelines
It is generally safe for aunts and uncles to kiss babies, as long as they practice good hygiene and avoid kissing on the lips or face if they have active infections or feel unwell. When considering the safety of kissing babies, it's essential to weigh the risks of disease transmission against the benefits of physical affection. According to a study published in 2015 1, general family contact, such as hugging, bathing, and light kissing, does not result in virus transmission, making it highly unlikely to pass infections to children through casual contact. Some key considerations for aunts and uncles kissing babies include:
- Avoiding kissing on the lips or face if they have cold sores, active infections, or feel unwell
- Kissing babies on the top of the head, back of the hand, or feet to minimize disease transmission
- Washing hands thoroughly before holding or kissing a baby
- Considering recent illness or exposure to illness before interacting with the baby
- Being mindful of the baby's age, health status, and immune system maturity, as babies under three months are particularly vulnerable to infections.
From the Research
Safety of Kissing Babies
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that it is or is not safe for aunts and uncles to kiss babies.
- However, the studies do discuss the importance of vaccination against influenza and the potential risks of infection, particularly for high-risk populations 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Influenza is a highly contagious virus that can be deadly, and vaccination is the primary preventive measure against it 2.
- The studies also discuss the immune responses to influenza vaccination in different populations, including high-risk populations such as the elderly and individuals with comorbidities 3, 4, 5.
- Additionally, one study found that maternal aunts play a special role as caregivers, which may imply that they have close contact with their nieces and nephews, potentially increasing the risk of transmission of illnesses such as influenza 6.
- Overall, while there is no direct evidence to answer the question, it is likely that the safety of aunts and uncles kissing babies depends on various factors, including their vaccination status, health, and hygiene practices.