What Age Can Baby Kiss You?
Babies begin showing affection through kissing at varying ages, with some starting as early as 3-4 months old with open-mouth kisses, as noted on Reddit's r/beyondthebump. Others may start giving more deliberate kisses around 8-9 months. By 14 months, many babies are selective about who and when they kiss. Sources like Parents.com cite 16-18 months as the average age for hugging and kissing. It's important to note this is a range, and each baby develops at their own pace.
- Early Kisses (3-9 months): These are often more reflexive actions than intentional expressions of affection. The baby may simply be exploring their environment and enjoying the sensation of touching their face to yours.
- Later Kisses (14 months and older): As babies develop, their kisses become more deliberate and affectionate, often accompanied by other displays of affection like hugging. They also may start exhibiting selectivity in choosing whom to kiss.
- Safe Kissing Practices: Always prioritize your baby's safety. Avoid kissing your baby on their mouth to reduce the risk of infections, such as cold sores or illnesses.
Factors Affecting Kissing Development
A baby's development is influenced by various factors, including:
- Temperament: Some babies are more outwardly affectionate than others.
- Exposure: Babies who observe affectionate kissing between adults may learn to imitate this behavior earlier.
- Individual Development: The timing of developmental milestones varies widely between children.
It's crucial to remember that the age a baby starts kissing is not a cause for concern as long as they are otherwise developing normally.
