No one can control a mother’s feelings of love, tenderness, and longing for her long-awaited newborn. She naturally wants to hold and kiss the baby constantly. While there are many precautions advising against kissing a newborn, especially on the face, some scientific studies show that there are benefits when only the mother kisses her baby, and she should maintain this practice consistently.
If a mother kissing her baby has benefits, there are also risks if strangers or others kiss the newborn. In a special interview with Nadormagazine, Dr. Mohammad Abu Dawood, a pediatric and neonatology consultant, discussed the benefits of a mother kissing her baby, the risks of strangers kissing a newborn, and the importance of early maternal interaction for the baby’s health and psychological development.
Benefits of a Mother Kissing Her Newborn
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Enhances immunity: Modern research shows that when a mother kisses her baby, especially right after birth, it can help strengthen the baby’s immune system. The kiss can transfer tiny amounts of germs from the baby’s skin to the mother, stimulating her immune system to produce antibodies that then pass to the baby through breast milk. This completes a natural protective cycle.
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Historical practice: In the past, mothers used to “smell” or gently kiss babies with closed mouths and noses at intervals, which provided health benefits that modern science is now beginning to confirm.
Tip: Kisses should be gentle, with closed lips, to avoid transmitting infections.
Risks of Strangers Kissing the Baby
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Oral herpes virus: This common viral infection can affect children, especially if their immune system is still developing (typically under 10 years old). The virus can spread through saliva, direct contact, or contaminated hands.
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Symptoms in infants:
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Small, painful blisters or open sores inside and around the mouth.
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Excessive drooling.
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Difficulty feeding or swallowing.
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Fever (sometimes up to 40°C) and throat congestion.
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Severe complications:
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Infection can spread to eyes (causing blindness or impaired vision) or ears (damaging eardrums).
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In advanced stages, the virus can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs such as the kidneys and liver, potentially leading to death.
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⚠️ Strangers should never kiss the baby, especially on the face.
Importance of Early Maternal Interaction
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Eye contact: Consistent eye contact from the first hours of life helps stimulate the baby’s brain development by releasing oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which supports cognitive, emotional, and behavioral growth.
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Daily interaction: Babies whose mothers look at, smile at, and talk or sing to them—even during deep sleep—develop faster and more efficiently in mental, motor, cognitive, and social skills compared to those who do not receive early interaction.
Hand Massage for the Baby
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Emotional bonding: Massaging the baby’s hands strengthens the mother–child bond and helps protect the mother from postpartum depression.
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Relieves discomfort: Can reduce bloating and constipation in infants.
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Calms the baby: Decreases crying and stress, improving mood and feeding.
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Improves sleep and development: Promotes better sleep quality and supports muscle and bone growth.
Regular gentle hand massage, combined with eye contact and loving interaction, contributes greatly to the newborn’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
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