how to talk to grandparents about not kissing our newborn

We enforced one month, but still don’t want anyone kissing him in the face. We explained that if he gets a fever at all within the first month, he’d have to have a spinal tap. That truth shocked most people enough to keep their mouths to themselves. Now that he’s almost a year, I just ask they kiss him on top of his head. I feel like that’s a compromise.

Straight up tell them. Especially if they're prone to getting sick easily!

Just tell them I know we ALL love him/her but right now can we please stick to holding and or touching the hands due to health and safety concerns? It’s hard but I did it and my in laws survived. It’s just so hard with such an adorable little human being

We reached 6 months until we were happy with other family members kissing her on the head or cheek. We still don’t allow on the mouth (she’s 14 months) as it’s just something we both don’t like. All of our family are on social media so I shared a few posts about RSV and babies getting sick through kissing etc and my partner backed me up and let his family know. I think a few people weren’t too happy but they respected the decision. At the end of the day, it’s your baby, your rules. If they can’t follow, they can’t visit 🤷🏼‍♀️

‘Your germs are too big for us so please keep them to yourselves, this means no kissing face or hands’ just something sweet and gentle to start with and if they disrespect boundaries just be more firm xx

I just told people point blank, and if they can’t respect the boundary they don’t get to hold/touch the baby.

"No face or hand kisses for her health" plain and simple

I’m sending out an email to the whole family with guidelines and expectations! That way the expectations are set and they can’t say they didn’t know, because it’s in writing.

I was just straight up about it. My mom kissed the top of her head and I said ell at least my husband didn’t see/know and that’s the safest spot but I refused to allow her to be alone with her until after she had her first shots. However I am going to be even more strict this time because I will have a 14 month old and a newborn. We have more than enough germs and I don’t need anyone else’s added to it

Research RSV in babies. Send them to your partner and family members and say absolutely no kissing baby until we say so.
Babies health is my priority not your feelings.
I still don’t allow kissing for my 17 month old.
Until he allows them himself. He didn’t ask to be brought into this world so I have to advocate for him until he can use his voice.

I have to do all the research to send to my FIL. He legit has decided he doesn't want the tdap shot. No shot, no access to my kid

My pediatrician told us to blame her. She said she didn’t mind being the bad guy.

I wish you luck. When I told my MIL who has cold sores and passed them down to her own 2 adult children, never to kiss my child she got angry with me and her whole family was against me. However, I don't care what they think, I don't want my child to get the herpes virus just because the MIL can't control her lips. There are many ways to show affection, kissing is not necessary and most kids don't even want to be kissed by their grandparents, being kissed by their parents is more than enough.

Tell them that you don't want anybody to kiss your baby. If they mess with the boundaries take your baby out of their arms. They quickly gonna learn that YOU decide whats best for your baby

just tell them your rules before they come visit and as they come in to the home have them wash their hands ❤️ the reaction I got from family was “wow what a good mom you are”. regardless, their reaction to your request is not your problem 🙂 you have your own family now and you get to make the rules that work best for you!

My baby is 10months, can i change my mind about tolerating kisses on the cheek and top of head or will she be fine now?

absolutely you can change your mind. It’s not always about what’s best just for babies health. It’s what makes you and baby comfortable. And do not let anyone say ‘but you used to let us’ as their excuse for still doing it.

My daughter is over 2 now, and i still enforce the no kissing rule.
I dont care what people say. They dont NEED to kiss my child
And she dusnt need to be getting ill

We had the usual backlash when we first told people (mostly inlaws, as my family ain't a big kissing family anyway)

We still have a constant battle with FIL as he thinks he's above our rules and constantly tries to do what he wants
We constantly get the 'shes my granddaughter'

The only thing i can say is to stay consistent and strong. The first time you give in or dont correct them, they will see that as fair game

@Chelsea Now at 2, it's about body autonomy/body boundaries. She is his granddaughter, but she is also her own person. Maybe she doesn't want to give him a kiss (or hug or whatever)