Step-Mom Scolded After Kissing Baby on Forehead Sparks Debate: 'Ridiculous'

From your child's name to sharing baby photos on social media, there will always be people who disagree with your choices and parenting style. What seems like a good idea to one parent could be unthinkable to another, causing tension even in seemingly harmless situations.

The latest debate to go viral on Mumsnet is whether you should or shouldn't kiss a baby that isn't your own.

The discussion began with a post shared by user MUMbailey70 on Saturday. In it, the woman explains that her partner's son and his girlfriend had brought their three-month-old baby round for a visit. Everything was going well, until the woman "absent mindedly" kissed the infant on the top of its head.

She wrote: "They are very funny about anyone holding him but i did manage to get a little cuddle.

"As I held him i absent mindedly kissed the top of his head. I was in no uncertain terms told that kissing was a no no and I felt terrible.

"They told me that they had already fallen out with her mother over the issue. I obviously wont do it again as its against their wishes but I just wanted to ask what other people think of it.

"I know you shouldnt kiss babies on the mouth because of the worry of hpv but did I do something wrong?"

Experts seem to be mixed on whether or not it's a good idea to kiss a baby. A 2022 study found that infants use saliva as a way to distinguish close or "thick" relationships. Researchers defined these relationships as strong attachments, which the infant can rely on when in need. Saliva sharing, such as kissing or sharing food, signals that this person is a caregiver and will provide comfort or help when they're in distress.

Many pediatricians warn against strangers kissing babies due to their vulnerable immune systems, as infants are at particular risk of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), allergic reactions, fever blisters and foot and mouth disease.

Mumsnet users were divided over the issue. Some parents supported the woman, with groeggmeg commenting: "You did nothing wrong unless the baby is severely immunocompromised.

"They just sound like hard work, how sad for them.

"I'm sure they'll feel sad when no one wants to see the baby for fear they'll do something wrong, don't beat yourself up over it."

Ovirraptor21 agreed, writing: "Seems ridiculous to me. Most babies and people benefit from touch and affection."

However, other users felt MUMbailey70 had crossed a line.

Prettylittlehingss said: "I think it's pretty common in this day and age for parents to request no kissing of their baby."

HiJenny35 commented: "[You would be unreasonable], they don't want you to that's the end of it, there's nothing to discuss, their baby, their situation to deal with if the baby catches covid or any other bug.

"You knew they were nervous. They have [every] right to say they aren't comfortable with this."

It's not uncommon for Mumsnet users to be divided on issues shared with the AIBU forum. Recent posts to cause a stir include a mom who refused to let her child's grandfather hold the baby, a mother who still bathes with her eight-year-old daughter, and a "jealous" woman who judged her friend for marrying an older man.