Nurse mom argues kissing toddler on the lips has many health benefits: 'Nature has its reasons'

Kissing your baby might feel like the most natural, loving thing in the world, and according to one nurse and mom on TikTok, it’s not only instinctive, it’s actually good for your baby’s health. In a video posted by @jothemama, a nurse and mother, she responds to a commenter who was 'grossed out' by the idea of kissing babies on the mouth.

Her reply was, however, a calm explanation that has since captured attention online: “If you didn’t make that child, don’t kiss that child. But mothers, especially breastfeeding moms, have this overwhelming wish to smooch their babies, and it’s a really good thing.” She explains that the immune systems of mothers and their babies are constantly communicating through saliva, skin contact, and shared microbiomes. When a baby nurses, for example, the mother's body actually analyzes the baby’s saliva through the skin around her breasts. 

“It’s like your body is custom-making a health drink for your baby, based on exactly what they need at that moment,” she says. The same kind of exchange happens when a mother kisses her baby, especially on the lips or face. It’s nature’s way of helping babies grow strong immune systems, and strengthening the bond between mother and child at the same time. But she is also talking about the importance of common sense, saying, “If you’re sick, have a contagious illness, or an active cold sore, it’s best to avoid kissing your baby. But if you’re healthy and following your instincts, go for it. Nature has its reasons.”

Her video prompted hundreds of comments from parents who related deeply to her message, some sharing their own experiences, others offering cultural or personal perspectives.@mxlee25 wrote, “I was not prepared for the need to smell and kiss my baby constantly!” But not everyone feels the same about mouth kisses. @cam offered a culturally sensitive viewpoint, saying, “In my country, we teach not to do so because some kids might start thinking it’s okay for adults to do that, and that could lead to horrible situations. No hate at all, it’s just different for us.” Some parents found a middle ground.

@CierraVibes said, “I give my baby all the kisses, but I don’t really do mouth kisses. It feels weird, and I don’t want him to think it’s okay for others to.” Others, like @Mimi, are more cautious due to health concerns, “I have cold sores. I haven’t gotten any for a while, but I plan on refraining from kissing my baby just in case.” Still, the overwhelming support came from parents who agreed that affection is not only natural but necessary.

And it’s not just about immunity, parents chimed in about the emotional and psychological benefits, too. @Bri | Momma Fitness Trainer said, “Yes! I do this with her and her two older brothers. It helps build her immune system for whatever they might bring home.” Meanwhile, @Madie, who plans to become a child psychologist, pointed out: “It’s also good for their psychological development! Babies need lots of love and healthy attachment to grow into healthy people.”

For more videos like this, you can follow @jothemama on TikTok!