Grandma’s kissing newborn

“I’m concerned about the overall health of my LO and I am in no way insinuating that there’s anything icky about you, but she was in the Nicu for quite some time and I would like to keep the transfer of germs to a minimum. So if you could refrain from kissing on her until further notice that would put my mind at ease.”

Could you maybe say that the nurses at the hospital have said no kisses? Then they think it’s not coming from you

@Veronica depending on how old this person is that kind of shelters them from standing up for themselves and saying things with their chest ya know? like I get that people aren’t confrontational but they should be brave at least when it comes to their babies … just my take

You don’t need to politely tell them. If they can’t handle what you want for your child, they are the ones that need to grow up. As a parent who also had a child in NICU, my MIL went to kiss my LB when he was home while I was holding him. I put my hand in the way and said no (he was premature and it wasn’t even past his due date yet) I still don’t allow kisses and just tell them, please don’t kiss him. I want him to decide when he will be kissed

Sure but it depends on the relationship you have with the grandparents! I would tell my parents straight but would maybe try to soften it with the MIL - but this is me! 😀

Happened with me..! I told them she is having skin allergy..! Dr has strictly said that if you will be careless abt it baby and you both will have to face major skin issues..! And I don’t let anyone kiss my LO. Moreover even I don’t kiss her in front of them..! Neither I let my husband kiss him in front of them..! We both cuddle and kiss her in our rooms only…!! 🤭🤭♥️♥️

@Veronica You’re right! Na I straight up told my fiancé’s grandmother that my baby came out of me and she should probably stop telling me what to do with him…with MY family I don’t have to say much to them bc they don’t tell me what to do with my kid…but I do speak up or show irritation if need be they (MY family) know me well enough to back off if so

You could share this with her? https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/over-half-of-uk-parents-unaware-of-risk-kissing-poses-to-newborns/

I’ve had issues with my mother in law repeatedly doing this, despite being told not to and the reasons why! My boy was born early and is underweight. She’s now passed on her cold to him. I’m furious. She’s no longer allowed to hold him at all. She can look, but no touch. I don’t care if she gets offended. I asked nicely multiple times explaining why we’re asking people not to kiss him, but she pretended to forget every time.

I think it’s an innocent thing that they won’t have even thought about. I’d say to just bring it up when they next visit, or even over a text casually explaining that given the health concerns and the fact your baby is more vulnerable than most, you’ve been advised not to let people kiss them for now. Especially during flu season it’s a good idea and I’m sure they’ll respect that :) Even if they question it, just say you’d rather be cautious because simple germs could be more serious for your baby :)

I only let people I love with kiss my baby,

Start sending her articles of what happens to NICU babies when people kiss them…herpes, RSV, flu, cold, there’s so many horror story articles out there that support keeping your mouth off that baby

You don't have to worry about being polite when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of children. A simple "please don't kiss my baby" is enough and grandma will probably respect that.

My fiancé’s mom kissed my baby before I did in the hospital, these women are fucking weird and out of their minds!!

You dont need to be polite. Do not put your lips on my childs face works just fine. I let people kiss the top of her head but no bare skin. They dont like it and i dont care one bit

I always used to just tell them (mostly my in-laws) when I was handing over my baby “Remember, no kisses!”. Writing it now, it seems at bit patronizing, but I don’t care. I wanted it known that it’s not ok to kiss MY child.

Tell them ahead of time before visits and require masks. Atleast it would take longer to go for a kiss and give you enough time to stop it but I feel telling them and requesting masks would help.