Why do we need to keep babies safe from infection?

Babies have immature immune systems which means they’re more at risk of infections, especially in their first few weeks of life.

Infections that might be mild in older children or adults can be serious in babies and can even belife-threatening, so it’s important to take steps to keep them safe.

How can you protect babies from getting infections? 

There are some key things that everyone can do to help prevent serious infections in babies, including any friends and family who might visit you and your baby. Follow THANKS – Think Hands And No KisseS.

Illustration from The Lullaby Trust depicting hands being washed, and an X next to a pair of lips. T H A N K S - meaning, Think Hands And No KisseS. Remember to wash your hands before touching a baby, and only kiss a new baby if you're their parent or carer.

T • H • A • N • K • S

Think Hands And No KisseS.

Always remember to:

  • Wash your hands before touching a baby
  • Only kiss a new baby if you’re their parent or main carer.

And if you or any visitors are ill:  

  • Don’t visit a baby if you are ill or have been ill recently. This includes active cold sores as well as diarrhoea and vomiting illnesses. 
  • Stay away until you are fully recovered. This is a key part of keep babies safe from infection.
  • Ask visitors to do the same. If you have a baby, make sure friends and family know when it’s best to stay away to protect your baby.

What are the signs of infection in babies?  

It can be difficult to tell when your baby has an infection or if your baby is unwell as they can cause lots of different signs and symptoms. You know your baby best, so trust your instincts and, if you feel that something’s not quite right, contact your midwife, health visitor, GP or NHS 111. If you’re very worried, go to an emergency department.   

What to tell your health professional

If you think your baby might have an infection, it’s important to tell your health professional anything they might need to know – even if they don’t ask. Being open will help them diagnose and treat your baby. Let them know anything during pregnancy or after birth that might be relevant, including the following.

If the person who gave birth:

A baby is sat in a car seat. The close-up of their face shows their slight grin as they are putting their fisted hand in their mouth. They have light skin, light brown hair.
  • Had any illnesses during pregnancy, such as flu-like symptoms.
  • Missed any routine vaccinations in pregnancy, such as COVID-19, RSV, influenza or pertussis vaccines.
  • Had chicken pox seven days before or after baby’s birth.
  • Has blisters or a rash on their breast/nipple (if breastfeeding).
  • Has ever had a genital herpes infection, even if they don’t have symptoms at the moment.
  • Had sexual contact with a new partner during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.
  • Had symptoms of sexually transmitted disease during pregnancy.
  • Travelled overseas during pregnancy.

If you or your baby: 

  • Have tested positive for Group B Strep.

If your baby has had contact with anyone who: 

  • Had chicken pox.
  • Had an active cold sore.

More information - spotting/preventing infections

We have several free resources available to help you spot and prevent infection. The below resources might help you, too.
An illustration of a hand holding a phone with the Baby Check app open by The Lullaby Trust. It is on a page saying 'temperature', with an illustration of a baby and a thermometer.

Baby Check app

Peace of mind in your pocket.

Our Baby Check is free and features 17 simple checks you can do if your baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and, when completed, the app lets you know whether your baby needs to see a health professional.

Remember to trust your parenting instincts, as you know your baby best. If you feel that something’s not quite right, contact your midwife, health visitor, GP or NHS 111. If you’re very worried, go to an emergency department.

Frequently asked questions

Two women are sat at a cafe and one is holding the baby up in their arms. They are both smiling, but the baby has the biggest and widest smile of them all. They have light skin and the baby is wearing a baby grow.

Remember

Being a new parent means you will naturally want to protect your baby, including from getting ill. Follow the THANKS guidelines to help protect them, and let any friends, family or visitors know about them too.

You know your baby best so trust your instincts if you think something’s not right. As babies are more vulnerable to infections, especially when they’re very young, it’s important to get help straight away. The signs and symptoms listed here will help you spot when an infection might be serious, plus you can download the Baby Check app which can tell you when it’s time to seek help.

Every baby safe. Every family supported.

If you found this information helpful, consider donating today to help us reach and help the next parent or carer, just like you. Your kindness will:

  • Empower families with trusted advice on keeping their baby safe
  • Support grieving families through the darkest days of their lives
  • Fund research seeking answers into sudden and unexpected deaths of babies and young children
  • Take us one step closer to a world where no baby dies suddenly or unexpectedly