COVID-19 has impacted people of all ages across the globe. It’s natural for new or expecting parents to be concerned about their babies being affected by the global pandemic.
To keep your children healthy and protect them from contracting the virus, it is vital to follow preventive measures strictly. Due to the introduction of several mutations of coronavirus, the research on its symptoms and impact on babies is still being conducted.
This article discusses the protective measures parents must follow to keep their babies, infants , and toddlers safe from COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 in babies
Coronavirus spreads through the respiratory droplets released by an infected person in the air through coughing or sneezing. Physical contact of children with a surface or object contaminated with the virus can also result in transmission.
The symptoms of this contagious virus are mostly mild in babies. The commonly found symptoms include:
- High fever
- Coughing and Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Congestion, runny nose , or sore throat
- Diarrhea
Why do Babies React Differently to COVID-19?
According to experts, children often suffer from cold or flu making them immune to illnesses such as a common cold. The immune system of children interacts with the virus differently than adults making it less harmful.
Ways to protect your child from Coronavirus
The number of babies contracting coronavirus is relatively less than adults. Around 6% of children suffered from COVID-19 and only a few among them had severe illness.
However, intensive care and preventive measures must be observed to minimize the exposure of your little ones to infected people or possible infected surfaces. The following precautions have proven to be helpful for that purpose.
General precautions
The precautions parents and family members must follow to ensure that their babies remain unaffected by COVID-19 are:
Avoid putting on a face shield
Children yonder than 2 years of age must not wear face shields or masks. It increases the risks of SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome). Babies often move around and a face shield can block their nose or mouth and cause strangulation.
Limit Visitors and Practice Social Distancing
The arrival of a newborn brings together a family to celebrate the birth. But gatherings accelerate the risk of exposing yourself or your baby to people who have contracted coronavirus already. You must avoid bringing in people who don’t live with you.
Covid-19 patients can be asymptomatic as well, so you must prefer celebrating virtually. In case anyone visits, they must wear a mask, wash their hands and stay at a distance of 6 feet from you and the baby.
Be aware of the possible COVID-19 symptoms in your babies
Premature babies or the ones with chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to covid-19. You must be well-aware of the symptoms of this virus so that quick action be taken if your baby is at risk of getting infected.
Visit your baby’s healthcare provider regularly
You must visit your baby’s healthcare provider regularly on scheduled dates. It is essential to ensure the baby is doing well and doesn’t have any possible covid-19 symptoms.
Ensure safe sleep
The global pandemic has affected the mental health of everyone around the world. Most parents feel anxious and stressed during the current situation. However, you must make sure that your baby gets a sound and peaceful sleep.
A few tips for prevention of SIDS or other sleep-related issues include:
- Place your baby on his back or neck
Maintain Social and Emotional Health
You must stay optimistic during these difficult times by consulting your healthcare provider and learning ways to cope with anxiety. Stay in touch with friends and family and try to lift each other during this pandemic.
Instructions for Mother Suffering from COVID-19
The chances of coronavirus transmission from a mother to a newborn child are low. If you are covid positive, you must follow the below mentioned precautionary measures during the isolation period:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. If water is not available use an alcohol-containing sanitizer
Tips for Infected Breastfeeding Mothers
Breast milk is a rich source of nutrition for newborns and protects them against diseases. Breastfeeding mothers suffering from covid-19 have to be extremely cautious while feeding their babies. Useful tips include:
- Wash your hands with soap before breastfeeding
Isolation Period for Covid-19 Infected Mothers
The isolation period details for covid positive mothers are listed below:
For symptomatic mothers
- 24 hours of no fever without taking medications
For asymptomatic mothers
- 10 days after your corona test came out positive
Can COVID-19 affect unborn babies?
According to studies, vertical transmission of the coronavirus was not observed among newborns.
However, the transmission of antibodies from infected mothers to newborns was noticed.
Final Thoughts
The coronavirus wave has taken over the whole world. It’s extremely important to protect your babies from exposure to covid-19 by following a few easy and simple precautionary measures. If mothers or family members of newborns, infants, or toddlers contract coronavirus, they must wear a mask and wash their hands frequently to ensure the physical well-being of their babies.
