MELBOURNE (TIP): The iconic tradition of blowing out candles on birthday cakes may soon be passe — at least for Aussie kids! Australian children are to be banned from blowing out candles together on birthday cakes — because they could be puffing germs onto one another.

In what is seen as an attempt to “bubble wrap” children, youngsters attending birthday parties will be told to take along individual cup cakes on which to place single candles. Australian doctors have warned the strict new hygiene guidelines for childcare, by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), go too far, News.com.au said.

The NHMRC is urging childcare centres to stand up to parents who insist on sending a sick child to daycare — even if they have a medical certificate. The daycare staff will now have to wash toys, doorknobs, floors and cushion covers every day. “Children love to blow out their candles while their friends are singing ‘Happy birthday’ ,” NHMRC says. “To prevent the spread of germs when the child blows out candles, parents should either provide a separate cupcake, with a candle if they wish, and (either ) enough cupcakes for all the other children (or) a large cake that can be cut and shared,” it says.