Being a new parent comes with a lot of advice—some helpful, some not so much.
For Haeli Christiansen, a first-time mom from Virginia, setting boundaries for her newborn sparked an unexpected online debate.
What started as a simple family moment turned into a viral sensation that caught the attention of millions.
Christiansen, 31, shared a TikTok video showing herself gently stopping her mom from kissing her infant son, TJ, and it immediately divided viewers.
In the clip, Christiansen leans in to kiss her baby, and as her mom attempts to do the same, she playfully taps her mom’s head, stopping her mid-smooch.
She added a caption that read, “The word of the day is ‘boundaries.’”
The video quickly racked up over 12.3 million views, drawing both support and criticism.
The Backlash and Haeli’s Response
Not everyone was amused.
While some parents praised Christiansen’s protective instincts, others were quick to accuse her of being too strict—or even a “bad mom.”
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Christiansen addressed the criticism head-on.
“It’s not that serious,” she explained.
“People have gotten awfully worked up over something that has no impact on their lives whatsoever.
My husband and I made a decision to try to keep our baby healthy and safe, and that matters more than random comments saying I’m a bad mom because someone can’t kiss my son for a couple months.”
Health Concerns Behind the Rule
Christiansen shared that her decision was rooted in genuine concern for TJ’s health.
Born in October 2025, right in the middle of flu season, her newborn was especially vulnerable.
“Infants don’t have an established immune system or the ability to fight off illnesses like adults do,” she explained.
“A common cold for adults could land a newborn in the hospital and be life-threatening.”
Her caution wasn’t just theoretical.
Christiansen revealed that she herself had been hospitalized twice as a baby after being kissed by family members who unknowingly carried germs.
Family Support Makes a Difference
Contrary to what some critics assumed, Christiansen said her family has been supportive of the boundary.
In fact, her mom encouraged the rule based on her own experiences.
“Before TJ was born, my mom emphasized that I shouldn’t let people kiss him,” Christiansen recalled.
“She’s been very supportive, and the rest of our family has been on board as well. No one has really pushed back.”
The playful video was meant to be humorous rather than a serious enforcement of rules.
“We thought it would be funny,” Christiansen said.
“I don’t slap my mom, and she has a great relationship with me and my son. We never expected the debate it sparked.”
Addressing the Criticism
Despite the negative comments labeling her as a “bad mom” or claiming she was “ruining her baby’s life,” Christiansen made it clear that the rule is temporary.
She plans to allow kisses once TJ has built up his immunity around six months of age.
“Our family and friends still love him, and whether or not they can kiss him doesn’t determine the love they feel for him,” she said.
“We’re not keeping him in a bubble.
There’s a big difference between asking people not to put their mouth on my child for a few months and overprotecting him.”
Encouraging Other New Parents
Looking back, Christiansen says she’s glad she posted the video.
She hopes it will empower other parents to make choices that feel right for their families without feeling guilty about outside opinions.
“I hope other new parents feel confident doing what they think is best for their baby,” she said.
“Boundaries don’t make you a bad parent—they make you a responsible one.”
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