I’m an ex paramedic – here’s why letting anyone kiss your baby could be deadly

KISSING your newborn on the lips could prove fatal, an ex-paramedic has warned.

Although the affectionate act is generally harmless for adults, it can pose a serious risk to new babies.

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Just a quick peck on the lips can lead to seizures, serious breathing issues and even death, experts from Tiny Hearts Education have warned.

This is why Nikki Jurcutz, who runs the site, said she was "heartbroken" to find seven cold sores on her top lip just six days after giving birth.

The new mum was carrying the herpes virus, which in adults can cause cold sores and genital ulcers.

The reason babies are at such high risk is because their immune system is not fully developed, Nikki explained in a post.

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Called neonatal herpes, it is very rare in the UK but can devastatingly lead to death if the virus spreads to the baby’s organs.

"The virus can be passed onto the baby through close contact with an infected person, especially during an outbreak," she wrote.

If you're new mum with a cold sore like Nikki, naturally, you may be worried about keeping your baby safe.

The expert suggests taking these precautions to minimise the risk of your little one getting the virus.

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1. Don't kiss your baby on the face
2. Don't kiss their hands
3. Cover up the cold sore when in close contact with your baby (face masks work)
4. Use hand sanitiser thoroughly before holding your newborn
5. Use hand sanitiser thoroughly before touching things that they will touch, such as dummies or bottles
6. Keep the area around the cold sore moist by applying ice and using lip balm
7. Don't touch your cold sore with your hands
8. Take care when breastfeeding - milk may pass on antibodies

Nikki also urged new parents to warn visitors, including close friends and family, of the risk of HPV.

In a previous , the expert shared her list of newborn rules she sent to loved ones before giving birth.

This included:

1. No kissing the baby
2. If you're sick, stay away
3. Please don't show up unannounced
4. Wash your hands before holding the baby
5. Give the baby back when they cry
6. Don't post pictures of her online without asking
7. Ask parents for consent before changing their nappy
8. Don't wear perfume or strong scents
9. No whooping cough jab, no visiting until the baby is six weeks old
10. No opinions, just support

"These conversations can be difficult to have once baby is here, so sending it before is very important," she said.