'Don’t kiss my baby': Kristen Doute’s baby rules shouldn’t be controversial

When Kristen Doute laid out her strict rules for meeting her newborn, the internet had thoughts. But as a mum who’s been there, I say: good on her.

When The Valley star Kristen Doute laid down her rules for meeting her newborn baby girl, Kaia Lily, the internet did what it does best: it had opinions.

The 42-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum, who welcomed her first child with partner Luke Broderick, 34, on June 20, took to Threads to share a no-nonsense list of dos and (mostly) don’ts for those hoping to get close to her daughter.

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“Don’t kiss my baby”: Kristen Doute’s mum rules are the kind we all need

The rules, straight from Kristen herself

“Don’t kiss my baby; don’t touch her face,” Kristen wrote in a July 7 post. “If you were out of town, at a party, have even a TICKLE in your throat – don’t come over; get that TDAP shot, baby!”

The TDAP vaccine (short for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is the U.S. equivalent of Australia’s whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine. Here, it’s recommended that pregnant women receive the vaccine in their third trimester, and anyone planning to be in close contact with the baby should be up to date too.

Kristen continued: “If I’m cool with you holding her, I’ll let you know. So please don’t ask and make it weird. (Moms – you’re not crazy. Babies are small & germs are big.)”

She followed up on July 8 in an Instagram Story to explain her approach, saying: “Thank you, mums and people who just ‘hearted’ the way that I want to protect my baby… Just support it. It’s up to me… I think a lot of mums feel guilty that they don’t want to let people hold their baby or get too close. I’m like, ‘Hello, it’s called boundaries,’ and I want her to be healthy and safe. This little nugget.”

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'The Valley' stars, Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick got engaged in September 2024

I had rules too - and not everyone liked them

I had my youngest son during a whooping cough outbreak, and I can tell you - it changes everything. I had rules. Strict ones.

No kissing. No cuddles unless you were appropriately vaccinated. No visiting if you’d been travelling, to a party, or had so much as a raspy throat. Some people were understanding. Others acted like I was being dramatic.

I was accused of being overprotective. I was told I was making people feel “unwelcome.” And I definitely felt the chill from people who stayed away altogether.

Babies need protection, not politeness

But here’s the thing: newborns aren’t just tiny versions of adults. Their immune systems are immature. A mild illness in us can be really dangerous for them. A sniffle can mean a hospital stay. A kiss can spread viruses like RSV or cold sores that can be life-threatening.

And yet somehow, we’re made to feel awkward for putting rules in place?

Kristen was right when she said, “Moms – you’re not crazy.” Because that’s how it feels, especially in the fog of sleep deprivation and postpartum hormones. But boundaries are not only allowed - they’re necessary.

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It’s not about your feelings - it’s about their safety

As parents, we are the line of defence. If we don’t advocate for our babies, who will? Setting boundaries doesn’t mean being rude. It means being responsible.

And if someone feels a bit miffed that they didn’t get to snuggle a six-day-old baby with a runny nose? That’s a them problem.

So whether you're a reality TV star or just another mum doing her best, your rules are valid. Your boundaries are worth defending. And your baby's health? It's more important than anyone’s ego.

Originally published as 'Don’t kiss my baby': Kristen Doute’s baby rules shouldn’t be controversial