Health

Dad's Unique Affection: Kissing Baby Through Plastic Wrap Sparks Online Debate on Parenting and Health Risks

On March 18th, in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, a father wanted to shower his newborn baby with affection but knew he couldn't. In order to find a solution, he came up with a clever idea: he would kiss his baby through a plastic wrap.

22 March 2024

The baby's reactions to this unique interaction have been captured and shared on Weibo, sparking widespread reactions and discussions among Chinese netizens. The trending topic on Weibo is #DadKissesNewbornThroughPlasticWrap#. In the video shared on the platform, the baby seemed to be resisting the plastic wrap on his face, showing the struggle between the father's affection and the baby's dismay. This tender moment between father and child has struck a chord with many parents and non-parents alike.

Babies have delicate skin that is more susceptible to infection from bacteria and viruses. In this case, the plastic wrap acted as a barrier, providing some protection against potential pathogens that the father might have been carrying. The father's actions may be seen as a strong expression of love, but they also demonstrate an awareness of the baby's vulnerability and a desire to balance affection with protection.

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Netizens on Weibo have engaged in both praise and criticism of the father's actions. Some users found the scene adorable and charming, while others raised questions about the cleanliness of the plastic wrap and whether it would cause discomfort for the baby. Here are a few translated comments from the platform: - "Protective, but can the plastic wrap be clean? When it touches the baby, doesn't it feel unpleasant?"

- "So cute! New dads are so careful." - "It's easy to see how much increased affection the father has for his child." - "Not all new parents can keep their cool with their babies." Moreover, there has been a discussion about the risks of viruses spread through kissing or close contact. A commonly mentioned issue is the Herpes Simplex Virus, which can cause cold sores (fever blisters) and can be passed on to newborns through physical contact. In severe cases, this virus can lead to complications such as neonatal herpes, which can cause brain damage, skin infections, or even death. In healthcare articles cited on the Weibo post, some experts also mentioned the risks of kissing babies or touching their faces: - Kissing your baby on the mouth exposes them to around 270 different types of bacteria that live in the adult mouth. - Many parents unintentionally transfer bacteria from their own hands to their child's face, which can lead to infections such as skin rashes or even the transmission of diseases like influenza. Another healthcare concern is the potential transmission of pathogens responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease, caused by the Coxsackie virus. This illness typically affects children under the age of five and can be passed through kissing or close contact with an infected person, leading to fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks.

Beyond kissing, other daily habits parents engage in can also pose health risks to their children. For instance, some parents might wipe their babies' noses or give them a special "kiss" on the forehead to make them feel better. However, these actions can introduce bacteria and viruses into the baby's respiratory system, leading to illnesses such as the common cold or pneumonia. In summary, while the viral video increased awareness about the vulnerability of newborns and the importance of protecting them from potential pathogens, it also triggered a discussion about the risks of close physical contact between parents and their babies.

Although many Chinese netizens found the father's actions endearing, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between affection and protection that parents face every day. To conclude, parents must be mindful of their actions and the potential risks they pose to their children. Kissing or close physical contact should be done with caution and proper hygiene practices, especially when dealing with newborns or young infants who may have weaker immune systems.

In recent news, a similar topic has been trending on Weibo: "Nine Child-Raising Mistakes." The article covers a range of common misconceptions or errors made by parents, including the importance of breastfeeding, proper dental care, and avoiding rough play that can harm a baby's brain. With this kind of education and awareness, parents can better understand the potential risks involved in raising a child and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. As society becomes more involved in shaping parenting practices, particularly through social media platforms like Weibo, the importance of sharing accurate information and promoting responsible parenting cannot be overstated. By raising awareness about potential health risks and encouraging parents to think critically about their actions, we can help create a safer and healthier environment for future generations. It is crucial to remember that while physical affection between parents and children is essential in building strong emotional bonds, it must be balanced with a concern for the child’s health and wellbeing. As society learns more about the effects of viruses and bacteria on our children, it's essential to keep an open mind, question our habits, and take steps to minimize any potential risks. In the end, parents should always prioritize their children's health and safety above all else. By staying informed and practicing good hygiene, parents can minimize the risks posed by viruses and bacteria and give their children the best possible chance at a happy and healthy life.