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Think toddlers kill romance? Parents of under-fives are proving otherwise, survey finds

Think toddlers kill romance? Parents of under-fives are proving otherwise, survey finds

New YouGov research suggests parents of under-fives are among the UK's most recently kissed groups.

Loving parents are sharing tender kiss while holding their adorable baby, creating heartwarming scene of family affection and togetherness in comfort of their home copy space. Parenthood concept

Hollie Bond

Published: June 4, 2026 at 4:54 PM

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Many parents of young children will know that finding time for themselves can feel almost impossible between nursery runs, sleepless nights and the endless demands of family life.

But new research suggests that romance may not be taking quite as much of a back seat as many people assume.

According to a new YouGov survey commissioned by Waken Mouthcare, creators of alcohol-free mouthwash, SLS-free toothpaste and dental floss, parents of children aged four and under are among the UK's most recently kissed groups, with many still prioritising affection and connection despite the challenges of raising little ones.

Parents of under-fives are kissing more often than the UK average

The research found that 41% of parents with at least one child aged four and under had kissed someone romantically in the previous 24 hours.

That compares with 29% of UK adults overall.

The survey also found:

66% of parents of under-fives had kissed someone romantically within the past week
Just 3% said they had not kissed anyone romantically in more than a year
Among all UK adults, 19% said they had not kissed anyone romantically in over a year

The findings challenge the common stereotype that becoming parents to young children means romance disappears altogether.

Why romance changes after children

While parents of toddlers appear to be making time for affection, the research suggests their relationships may look different from before they had children.

Almost half (44%) of parents with children aged four and under said they kiss less than they did five years ago.

Among adults without children, that figure was considerably lower at 26%.

According to Waken Mouthcare founder Simon Duffy, the results point to a shift in how couples connect once children arrive.

The interesting thing in the parenting data is that romance clearly hasn’t disappeared after children, it’s just changed rhythm. People may have less time and less spontaneity, but they are still prioritising affection and connection.

Simon Duffy, founder of Waken Mouthcare

For many families, spontaneous date nights and lazy mornings together may be replaced by quick moments of affection squeezed into busy days, but the survey suggests those moments still matter.

Parents are more conscious about 'kiss confidence'

The research also found parents of young children were more likely than the average UK adult to value feeling prepared for romantic moments.

Four in 10 parents with under-fives (40%) said fresh breath makes someone instantly more kissable, compared with 30% of UK adults overall.

The report suggests parents may be especially aware of maintaining confidence and connection, even when life feels hectic.

Rylan weighs in on romance and parenting

The findings form part of Waken's Big Kiss campaign, fronted by broadcaster Rylan, who has partnered with the brand as its Creative Director and "Head of Teeth".

Commenting on the results, he said: "Anyone managing to keep romance alive while chasing a toddler around deserves a medal, frankly."

The campaign also features stories from members of the public sharing some of their funniest, most awkward and memorable kissing experiences.

What the research found

The survey was conducted by YouGov between 15 and 18 May 2026.

A total of 2,078 UK adults took part, including 139 parents or guardians with at least one child aged four and under.

While the data highlights that romance often changes after children, it suggests affection remains an important part of many relationships, even during the demanding early years of parenthood.

For parents navigating nappies, nursery pick-ups and bedtime battles, that may come as reassuring news.

Authors

journalist and two young kids sat on a bench in France for a review of Eurocamp

Hollie BondSenior Digital Journalist

Hollie is Senior Digital Journalist at MadeForMums. She writes articles about pregnancy, parenting, child health and getting pregnant. She has written for a number of national lifestyle magazines and websites over the past 12 years including Family History Monthly, You and Your Wedding and Muddy Stilettos. She has two children aged 5 and 8 and hasn't slept since 2017!