Do You Kiss Your Toddler on the Mouth?

on February 14, 2009 at 7:30 AM

There was a recent poll in The CafeMom Newcomers Club asking moms if they kiss their babies on the mouth -- and, overwhelmingly -- almost 90 percent said always, yes, yuppers, and I sure do!

I was in the minority on that one. I wasn't a big baby-lip kisser when my tots were infants because, well, they didn't do it right. Babies can't pucker, and when I'd place my lips over theirs, all I got was a sip of cold sloppy drool. Precious drool, yes, but drool nonetheless.

Today, I smother my toddlers with a lot more lip-smackers, but most of the time my kisses land on their foreheads, cheeks, and once in a while, even their bellies.

As I stopped to consider why I don't kiss my kids on the lips that much, an anonymous mom came up with one possible explanation:

I honestly think that kissing on the mouth is reserved for more intimate relationships. When I see people kiss their kids on the mouth, it drives me nuts. I just think it's gross. I'm not bashing you, it's JMHO.

My dad's parents kissed on the mouth, but I never allowed my grandparents to do so with me. Also, my daughter's birth mother and Grammy kiss her on the mouth and I HATE IT!

But then I was thinking that might not be it, after I read michelle6_10's rationale for why she smooches on the lips:

IMO, a parent-child relationship is an intimate relationship, just not a sexual one. Once they get older, I wouldn't, but when they are little I kiss on the mouth.

Poll Results

Question: Is it okay to kiss a toddler on the mouth?

Yes

94%

Total Votes: 631

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Poll Results

Question: For those who answered "yes" above, who is allowed to kiss your toddler on the mouth?

His parents only.

31%

His parents and relatives only.

44%

His parents, family, and friends only.

15%

Everyone -- I have no problem with innocent mouth kisses.

Other.

Total Votes: 571

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Sign up for an account or Click here to log in.

If you answered "no," in the first poll, I'd love to know why the idea of lip kissing kids makes you uncomfortable -- maybe I feel the same way.

SMOOCH! everyone. Happy Valentine's Day!

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: health, learning, siblings, valentine's day

Comments (106)

aidensmomma508

on Feb 14, 2009 at 7:58 AM

I voted yes....but I rarely do kiss my toddler on the mouth....like maybe 2 times ever....I kiss him on the cheek the most.

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3rdtymsthecharm

on Feb 14, 2009 at 8:06 AM

my sister is 20 and she still kisses my parents on the mouth

DeeGillette

on Feb 14, 2009 at 8:31 AM

I kiss my son on the mouth. I've never really thought about it and not doing it. He is my son, a product of myself and my husband so why would I not kiss him on the lips? He's 3 now and he's starting to be much more independant and not want kisses so I get them when I can, lips, cheeks, forhead, where ever they land, LOL.

butterflysmom

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:04 AM

I did witj all five of my angels but now there are ten eight and six and our twins are five we quit when they reached five now we kiss them on there foreheads and cheeks and thei noses

pagirl71

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:05 AM

I kiss my kide on the mouth when they were little. Not so much now especially my son. I just think it's a way your raised. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing.

PrincessZ20

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:08 AM

I give my 2 year old kisses on the mouth...and I still kiss my parents on the mouth from time to time. It's just a quick little peck, not anything more involved. I agree, a parent-child relationship is an intimate one, but, as mentioned, there are different levels of intimacy.

I'm not comfortable with complete strangers trying to kiss my kid on the mouth...but he's at the point where he believes kisses go on the mouth and once he decides to give you a kiss, it will land on your mouth no matter what your plans are! But in theory, complete strangers won't be coming up and soliciting him for kisses, so it's kind of a moot point :)

celticreverie

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:25 AM

We are a kissing family. Ever since Becka was little :) Mostly DH and I do it though.. I wouldn't mind if the grandparents or our super close friends did it, but they don't really do it. A stranger is a no, or even an aquaintence.

When I kiss my husband, it can be sexual and intimate and full of passion or it can be a nice peck to show affection. When I kiss my daughter there is nothing sexual or passionate. It's a wonderful sign of affection and my daugther even comes up to us to give us kisses: with cute puckered lips (she's two but has puckered up for at least 10 months or so...)

SmileyMoo

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:40 AM

my favorite place to kiss my litte one is on the head because I looooove the smell of baby hair. I dunno why I just do. However, she is 14 months old and she grabs my face and kisses me on the lips. Its innocent. I don't see anything wrong with it.

Mommy2Bears

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:42 AM

We kiss our girls on the mouth with a little peck but they are 2 and 1. I'm sure as they get older it will be cheeks and foreheads. But just as the others have said their is nothing sexual about it just showing affection.

mztog75

on Feb 14, 2009 at 9:46 AM

I did kiss my daughter on the mouth but than she started to kiss everyone on the mouth so I just started kissing her on her check,forehead,chin, belly,etc,