Why can't you touch a newborn's head?

There is a thick and durable membrane just under your baby's scalp that protects her brain, so gently touching the fontanelles won't hurt her. To help ensure your baby's head is protected, it's a good idea to remind friends, family members, and caregivers to be careful and gentle with your baby's head.

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Why is it bad to touch a baby's head?

A baby's soft spots are called fontanelles. They allow your baby's brain to grow larger at a fast rate over their first year of life. It's important to avoid pressing into their soft spots, as it could cause damage to their skull or brain.

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How fragile is a newborn head?

Your baby's head and neck muscles are very weak for the first few months. If you pick them up by or under their arms, you risk injuring their arms or shoulders. Worse, their head will dangle and could flop around, potentially causing a brain injury.

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Why can't you touch a newborn's face?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Even if you aren't feeling under the weather, if you've recently had a cold or sinus infection, it's absolutely essential not to hold, touch, and especially kiss a newborn or infant.

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Why can't newborns hold their head up?

At birth, your newborn can't control their head because their motor skills aren't developed and their neck muscles are weak. For the first few months, you'll need to cradle your baby's neck and head when you lift them, hold them, carry them, or put them down. (For guidance, see our video on how to carry a newborn.)

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Soft spot on my newborn baby head - are they safe to touch? When will they close?

15 related questions found

Is it normal for my 2 week old to hold his head up?

Babies Hold Their Head Up During Their First Weeks of Life

But during the first several months of life, those muscles aren't developed enough. Babies can lift their head during this time, but they have very little control, which is why parents are instructed to support the baby's neck early on.

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What happens if newborn neck is not supported?

When this happens, tiny blood vessels can tear and bleed inside the baby's brain, causing problems such as: blindness • deafness • fits • learning difficulties • brain damage, or even death.

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Why you shouldn't kiss a newborn?

Kissing, sharing drinks, or transferring things from mouth to mouth can transmit RSV. Washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact when you are sick will decrease the spread and help protect our littlest family members.

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Can I kiss my newborn on the head?

Yes. You can kiss a newborn on the head, and the cases of any infection caused by a kiss are rare. However, staying away from the baby is better if you have a cold, cough, or any contagious disease or infection.

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Can parents kiss newborns face?

Dr Prasad says to prevent serious health consequences, everyone, including moms, should avoid kissing infants early on. He notes that given the rise in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and other illnesses, it is critical that everyone is aware of the dangers of kissing newborns.

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What happens if you press newborn head?

During a head first birth, pressure on the head caused by the tight birth canal may mold the head into an oblong rather than round shape. Newborn head molding is a common occurrence that usually disappears after a few days.

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Can bouncing a baby cause shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome does not result from gentle bouncing, playful swinging or tossing the child in the air, or jogging with the child. It also is very unlikely to occur from accidents such as falling off chairs or down stairs, or accidentally being dropped from a caregiver's arms.

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What happens if a newborn falls on their head?

If your baby fell on their head or hit their head, they might have a concussion, which is a mild and temporary head injury. Signs and symptoms usually show up within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 weeks. You should watch for signs of concussion in your baby, including if they: Were unconscious but are now awake.

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What happens if you accidentally push the soft spot on a baby's head?

Can I hurt my baby's brain if I touch the soft spot? Many parents worry that their baby will be injured if the soft spot is touched or brushed over. The fontanel is covered by a thick, tough membrane which protects the brain. There is absolutely no danger of damaging your baby with normal handling.

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Why is it important to hold a newborn head?

Handling your new born baby.

Supporting your baby's head is paramount until the baby's muscles have developed enough strength the baby will be startled and fearful of being dropped this is called the Moro Reflex. This is why it can be so tricky to move a sleeping baby without waking them.

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What is the kiss syndrome in babies?

KISS syndrome is not a disease but a malfunction and blockage in the upper cervical in children. The definition of KISS in english is 'Kinematic Imbalance due to Suboccipital Stress'. This means imbalance in motion due to stresses in the upper neck region.

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Can parents kiss their newborn on the lips?

The dentists have advised that parents refrain from kissing their children on the lips, particularly before their baby teeth have developed, as they could spread harmful bacteria to their young ones. Before the first tooth appears, a baby's mouth is usually free from cavity-causing bacteria.

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Do newborns like when you kiss them?

Do Babies Like Hugs, Kisses, and Other Signs of Affection? Clearly, there are many different ways in which babies express their affection for their parents and caregivers. But do they enjoy being on the receiving end? In short, yes.

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Why can't you kiss a baby on the lips?

Don't Let Anyone Kiss Your Baby on the Lips

A herpes simplex virus infection is a communicable disease that is highly contagious and also pretty common around the world.

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Can my husband kiss our newborn?

02/4​Why you should not kiss newborns

Newborns have a weak immune system, which makes it crucial to take extra care of them in the first few weeks. Exposure to any kind of virus and bacteria can put their life at risk.

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How do I know if I hurt my newborn's neck?

A stiff neck means your child can't touch the chin to the chest. To test for a stiff neck, lay your child down. Then lift his head until the chin touches the chest. If he fights you, place a toy or coin on the belly.

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What not to do with newborns?

Things Parents Should NOT Do With A Newborn
  • Letting Him Sleep On His Tummy. Image source: iStock. ...
  • Letting Anyone Kiss Your Newborn. ...
  • Leaving Dirty Diapers On For Too Long. ...
  • Over-do The Outfits. ...
  • Letting Your Newborn Cry For Long. ...
  • Leaving Your Baby Alone. ...
  • Punishing Your Newborn. ...
  • Giving Your Newborn Cow's Milk.

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When should I start tummy time?

When should I start tummy time? Tummy time should start soon after birth as part of a pleasurable daily routine. You might begin with 1 to 2 minutes a few times a day. Over time, you can gradually build up to 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.

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