There’s a cognitive bias known as “the curse of knowledge,” sometimes referred to as “the curse of expertise.” This bias occurs when you mistakenly presume that everyone possesses the same level of understanding about a particular subject as you do.
As a clinical microbiologist, I assumed it was common knowledge that kissing a newborn on the head is ill-advised. Yet, NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Raj recently highlighted this danger in a TikTok video, and judging by the flood of comments, it was a revelation for many.
Last year, a survey by the UK charity, The Lullaby Trust, revealed that 54% of new and expectant parents were unaware that allowing kisses could pose serious infection risks to newborns.
But why is kissing a newborn so perilous? The infant’s immune system is not fully developed, making them more susceptible to severe infections. During the initial three months, babies have fewer infection-fighting cells, rendering even mild adult infections potentially life-threatening for them.
Herpes, for instance, may only cause cold sores in adults, yet can make babies seriously ill and, if systemic, could prove fatal. Newborns are also vulnerable to bacterial infections such as Group B streptococci (GBS) or E. coli, which adults typically resist.
Showing Affection Safely
Parents shouldn’t hesitate to request visitors refrain from kissing or touching their newborn. It’s not overreacting; it’s safeguarding the child’s wellbeing. Visitors should practice hygiene, avoid facial contact, and reconsider their visit if unwell.
Remember, while kisses may be expressions of affection, they can inadvertently harm a baby. Prioritize health over sentiment and ensure the safety of these vulnerable little ones.
Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Vocabulary List:
- Cognitive /ˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tɪv/ (adjective): Related to the mental processes of perception memory judgment and reasoning.
- Ill-advised /ˌɪl.ədˈvaɪzd/ (adjective): Not wise or sensible; likely to produce undesirable consequences.
- Susceptible /səˈsɛptɪbəl/ (adjective): Easily influenced or harmed by something.
- Perilous /ˈpɛrɪləs/ (adjective): Full of danger or risk.
- Inadvertently /ˌɪn.ədˈvɜː.tənt.li/ (adverb): Without intention; unintentional.
- Wellbeing /ˌwɛlˈbiː.ɪŋ/ (noun): The state of being comfortable healthy or happy.
How much do you know?
What is the cognitive bias known as when someone presumes everyone understands a subject as they do?
Why is kissing a newborn considered perilous?
What is one of the infections newborns are vulnerable to when kissed?
What do parents need to request visitors to refrain from doing around newborns?
What should visitors prioritize when visiting newborns?
Who highlighted the danger of kissing newborns on the head in a TikTok video?
Newborns have a fully developed immune system.
Adult infections can be life-threatening to newborns due to their immune system.
Parents should prioritize health over sentiment when it comes to newborn safety.
Visitors should avoid facial contact if they feel unwell when visiting newborns.
Dr. Karan Raj is a scientist specializing in pediatric care.
The article is republished from The Wall Street Journal under a Creative Commons license.
Newborns are more susceptible to severe infections because they have fewer infection-fighting cells during the initial three months, rendering even mild adult infections potentially for them.
Parents should request visitors to refrain from kissing or touching their newborn to safeguard the child’s .
The danger of kissing newborns on the head was highlighted by Dr. in a TikTok video.
Visitors should practice hygiene, avoid facial contact, and reconsider their visit if they are .
While kisses may be expressions of affection, they can inadvertently harm a .
Prioritize over sentiment and ensure the safety of these vulnerable little ones.
