DON'T KISS BABY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2648, 17 November 1919, Page 7

DON'T KISS BABY.

Should babies be kissed ? Certainly not ! That seems to be the unanimous opinion, not only among medical men, but also among women, hygienic leaders who have the welfare of the children of the country at heart.

As one doctor put it to the writer: "I can conceive of no surer way of conveying disease—consumption, influenza, skin and mouth diseases — than by allowing babies to be kissed promiscuously by flattering friends and relatives. The mother who does not guard her baby against such peril-is risking its future health and happiness, and perhaps its life." America long ago recognised the peril which lurked in the baby kiss, and carried on a campaign against kissing. Artistic "signs bearing the words "Don't kiss me," were hung about the babies' necks. A State Government lecturer was appointed whose principal work was to lecture on the evils of kissing. He held meetings all over the States, and in a very short time was able to announce that he had. secured the assistance of 2,000 mothers, who had become anti-kissers so far as their babies were concerned. At one time it was proposed to make baby-kissing a criminal offence.

"This man,"'said the keeper softly, "imagines he has millions." "Isn't ' that nice ?" answered the visitor. "Whenever he needs money, all he has to do is to draw on his imagination."