Should visitors kiss my newborn baby?
You can set a no kissing boundary. People with a current or recent cold sore shouldn’t kiss a newborn, and everyone should wash their hands.
The short answer
NHS guidance says visitors with a current or recent cold sore shouldn’t kiss a baby. It also recommends handwashing before handling a baby, avoiding kisses near the mouth, nose and eyes, and discouraging people who are ill from visiting.
You can set a clear boundary
It is reasonable to ask visitors not to kiss your newborn. NHS neonatal herpes guidance says the virus can pass to a baby through contact with a cold sore and that babies are especially vulnerable in the first weeks after birth.
The same guidance says people with a current or recent cold sore shouldn’t kiss a baby. If someone has a known herpes infection, they should avoid touching the baby unless they are a close family member or carer and have washed their hands carefully.
Reduce infection risks during visits
Ask everyone to wash their hands before handling the baby. NHS guidance says to avoid kisses near the baby's mouth, nose and eyes, and to discourage anyone who isn’t a close family member or carer from kissing the baby. Follow any additional instructions from your maternity or neonatal team.
A visitor can still show affection by talking softly, smiling or helping with a practical task. You don’t need to justify a boundary that helps you feel comfortable caring for your baby.
Know when to seek help
If your baby may have been exposed to a cold sore or develops a rash, sores, poor feeding, fever or unusual drowsiness, contact a healthcare professional promptly and mention the possible exposure. NHS advice treats possible neonatal herpes symptoms as urgent.
This article summarizes UK NHS guidance and isn’t a diagnosis. Follow your local health service’s advice, especially if your baby was born early or has a medical condition.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.