Holding a newborn baby is a magical and precious moment for every grandparent, but due to the global pandemic, affectionate gestures such as kissing the baby have been put on the backburner for the safety of the little one. So when can grandparents finally give that special smooch? Read on to find out.
1. Can Grandparents Kiss Babies?
Babies are special and we all want to shower them with love and affection. Grandparents, in particular, often want to give them an extra special loving embrace in the form of a kiss. But is it safe for them to do so? The answer is not that simple and depends on several factors.
Health Status – Grandparents should be mindful of their own health status when considering whether a kiss is appropriate. To avoid transmitting any germs to babies, it’s most important for grandparents to be in excellent health before giving them a kiss. They should also have had any needed vaccinations in order to protect the child.
Baby’s Health Status – Even if the grandparent is in excellent health, the baby’s health must be considered. A baby with a weakened immune system or other illnesses should not be exposed to an infection risk by receiving a kiss. If the baby has a fever, sore throat, or rash, physical contact, including a kiss should be avoided.
Where and How – Even if the baby and grandparent are in good health, the undesirable possibility of transmitting germs still exists. To mitigate against this, it is best to:
- limiting kisses to the forehead, cheeks, and hands;
- practice good hand-washing before and after contact is made;
- avoid open-mouth kissing; and
- use caution if the baby has an open cut, sore, or other type of wound.
Grandparents want nothing more than to show their love and adoration for their grandchild, but, in the interest of everyone’s good health, it is best that some caution be exercised when choosing to kiss them.
2. Benefits of Grandparent-Grandchild Bonding
Grandparent-grandchild bonding is a relationship like no other. The special bond that grandparent and grandchild share can benefit each of them in distinct ways.
For grandparents, spending time with their grandkids helps them stay active and socially connected. Whether it’s having a heart to heart talk, playing a game of cards, or going for a walk, engaging in regular activities gives them something to look forward to in their days and can even minimize feelings of loneliness.
For grandchildren, having time with their grandparent allows for a unique form of mentoring that provides them with essential life skills. Grandparents can be a source of unconditional love, relationship experience, and even practical guidance when children may not know who else to turn to.
The can be long-lasting. It builds trust, keeps families connected, creates memories, and provides each generation with emotional well-being. Here are some other benefits to take into consideration:
- Role Modeling: Grandparents provide a blueprint for grandchildren about how to handle life’s various situations.
- History: Grandparents can share stories about their lives and the family’s background. This helps grandchildren understand their family’s history and even provide them with their own sense of personal identity.
- Happiness: Socializing with grandchildren gives grandparents life purpose, connection, and a zest for living.
- Skill Development: Grandparents can pass on skills to their grandchildren that they may not have had the opportunity to learn otherwise, such as cooking, gardening, or a particular craft.
3. How to Ensure Safety for Baby
Keeping your baby safe is of utmost importance. In order to ensure your little one isn’t in any danger, parents have to be vigilant. Here are the three easy steps to guarantee safety for your baby:
- Create a Safe Sleeping Space
It is important to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby. Avoid stuffed animals or other objects in the bed that could cause issues in breathing and movement. The temperature of the room should also be comfortable and the bed should have a firm mattress. Also, make sure that your little one is always on his or her back while sleeping.
- Supervise at All Times
Whether you’re playing with your baby or just watching him or her from the sidelines, your full attention is necessary. Keep a constant lookout for potential hazards and remove any objects that might cause harm. It might sound like a full-time job, but taking these few seconds out of your day could help to save your baby from an accident.
- Utilize Baby-Proof Products
You can create a safe home by using a combination of products like childproof locks, safety gates, and window guards. No matter what product you invest in, make sure it’s age-appropriate, properly installed, and up to safety standards.
4. Expert Advice on Proper Kissing
There’s no absolute right or wrong when it comes to kissing, but if you’d like to brush up on your technique, here’s an overview of expert advice.
Start Slow
Whether it’s your first kiss or your thousandth, starting slowly is a great way to set the mood. Make gentle, loving contact with your lips. A light brushing with a closed mouth is a good way to begin. If your partner reciprocates, you can move on to more passionate contact.
Focus on Feelings
Kissing can be a way to become more deeply connected to each other. Focus on the feelings and emotions in your body. Consider maintaining an intense focus, letting go of distractions, such as worries about performance.
Create Variety
Experiment in different ways to kiss. Use different rhythms and levels of pressure in your lips and tongue. Consider places other than the lips, such as behind the ears or the neck.
Pay Attention to Your Partner
How you kiss should be a reflection of your partner and their preferences. Take cues from their responses and body language. If they’re enjoying an slower pace, go slower; if they’re going for more passionate, follow them.
5. Guidelines to Minimize Risk of Illness
It’s so important that we’re all mindful of the actions, practices, and protocols that help to minimize the risk of getting sick. Taking preventive steps before one gets ill can prove to be truly invaluable and ensure everyone is healthy and safe. To this end, here are a few guidelines to consider:
- Wash your hands often: Do this with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, every couple of hours or more often if you’ve been in contact with someone who may have been exposed to an illness.
- Observe social distancing: Follow the recommended 6 feet ground rule when talking to someone or being in public spaces. Don’t forget to wear a face mask.
- Frequent disinfection: Grab a reliable and fit-for-purpose disinfectant and wipe down all the surfaces, handles, and other shared article throughout your place of residence.
- Maintain proper health habits: Get enough rest, eat healthy food, and practice yoga or other forms of exercise.
Additionally, it’s important to remember to get a flu shot if you can, as it may help prevent additional illnesses. Keep in mind that no single step taken can necessarily guarantee that one will never get sick, but these simple steps taken together can really reduce the likelihood of falling ill.
Moreover, even if you do get sick, don’t force yourself to go to work or school. Make sure to get plenty of rest and consume medications if needed. In any case, follow the advice of professionals and don’t self-medicate.
Remember that following the tips outlined above can help you and those around you stay healthy. So, let’s all make sure to minimize the risk of illness and live healthier lives!
6. Guidelines to Show Baby Affection
Showing a Baby Love and Affection
Taking care of a baby is a labour of love. What a joy it is to give them affection and attention just as much as they give warmth and joy to you! Showing love and affection means so much more than hugs and kisses, it’s about being present, understanding and patient.
Here are some guidelines to help guide you in how to show your little bundle of joy the love and affection they deserve.
- Be gentle, kind and patient when talking and interacting with the baby.
- Play with your baby often; this can range from tummy time to silly games.
- Provide your undivided attention when your baby is talking to you, this will help your baby feel more secure.
- Take the time to listen and learn your baby’s cues and understand the different emotions and needs they are trying to express.
- Allow your baby to have independence, by providing boundaries in a safe and loving environment.
- Be affectionate, remember to give your baby plenty of hugs, cuddles and kisses.
These gestures may seem small and insignificant, but it will show your baby how much you care and can help provide them with a strong emotional foundation as they grow.
7. Celebrating with Grandparents During Special Occasions
One way to honor and remember special occasions is to celebrate with grandparents. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or wedding, grandparents can be a special part of the festivities. Here are some ways to bring your grandparents into the celebration.
Allow Them to Participate – Most grandparents will want to be able to celebrate with you and your family. Depending on their health and mobility, you may be able to find ways for them to be involved in the planning or even just attend. Invite them to parties and celebrations or involve them in aspects of preparation such as picking out decorations or desserts.
Involve Them in Their Own Way – If health or mobility issues keep them from attending celebrations in-person, there are still ways they can participate. Schedule a video chat with them so they can watch the festivities. Consider sending them archive pictures of the occasion or video clips to be included in the celebration. If you’re celebrating a holiday, see if they have old family stories or traditions that can be included or worked into the event.
Keep Them Up to Date – After the celebration is over, make sure you keep your grandparents in the loop. Consider sending along pictures taken at the event, recipes from dinner or dessert, or interesting trivia from the day. It will help to make them feel included in the excitement and connected with the family.
- Allow Them to Participate
- Involve Them in Their Own Way
- Keep Them Up to Date
Grandparents are in a unique position, since they share a deep bond with their grandchildren without having to take on the everyday responsibilities of raising them. By being aware of the risks and following the recommendations of health and government officials, grandparents can still support their grandchildren by giving them plenty of love, smiles, and warm hugs – and of course, that one special kiss.