A touching exchange between a new mother and her baby’s grandmother, in which she requests that the grandmother refrain from kissing her newborn, has gone viral on TikTok—and the fascination is understandable.
The footage has garnered 8.7 million views as more parents, particularly during the cold and flu season, take measures to safeguard their babies’ delicate immune systems. With increasing cases of whooping cough and walking pneumonia, there’s a heightened sense of urgency, as parents become increasingly conscious of how susceptible infants can be to seasonal illnesses and respiratory infections.
Her plea—promoting health-conscious boundaries even when it entails saying “no” to family members—reflects an evolving trend in parenting. As healthcare expert Jessica Acciacca states, “Parents are entitled to make this request to safeguard their fragile young ones, even if it’s hard for loved ones to grasp.”
The significance of setting boundaries for new parents
The video sparked discussions among parents who resonated with this mother’s sentiments. For new parents, such decisions arise from a profound sense of love and duty, particularly during the vulnerable early months of their child’s life.
Many healthcare professionals, including pediatrician Shannon Glenn-Otto, M.D. of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, advise that families should minimize visitors’ exposure to newborns for the initial two to three months. During this period, babies have not fully developed immunity to bacteria and viruses, making them more vulnerable to severe infections. Their blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from pathogens, is still developing, and they haven’t yet received crucial vaccinations for illnesses like COVID and the flu, which are not administered until the six-month mark.
Clips like this emphasize that prioritizing health is perfectly acceptable—even if it necessitates establishing boundaries that may be difficult for others to comprehend.
@devonstephen how cute is my mom clearly active listening and the calm “okay.” 🥺 blessed with loving parents. #boundaries #postpartum #grandparents #comedy #firsttimemom #oldestdaughter ♬ original sound – dev
The rise of “no-kiss” guidelines
Incidents like this point to a change in how parents are navigating family dynamics. Modern parents, bolstered by healthcare professionals, are more assured in establishing boundaries to reduce infants’ exposure to viruses that could be particularly harmful to them.
Pediatricians emphasize that newborns possess sensitive immune systems, rendering them more vulnerable to complications from illnesses that adults might not find serious. Implementing these boundaries is not about alienating family; rather, it’s about safeguarding what matters the most.
Image Source: Konstantin Savusia / Shutterstock
