{"id":29529,"date":"2022-02-04T09:19:05","date_gmt":"2022-02-04T14:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/?p=29529"},"modified":"2023-10-27T09:42:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T13:42:10","slug":"keeping-baby-healthy-during-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtm.com\/household\/keeping-baby-healthy-during-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Steps to Keeping Your Baby Healthy and Safe During the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"keeping-baby-healthy-pandemic\"

If you are pregnant or are caring for a newborn, here\u2019s what you can do to protect yourself and keep your baby healthy during the pandemic.<\/p><\/div>\n

If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, here\u2019s what you can do to protect yourself and your child.<\/p>\n

1. Get vaccinated<\/h2>\n

COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people getting the virus and can also reduce the risk of spreading it. Be sure to get everyone in your family who is 5 years of age or older vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends that people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.<\/p>\n

2. Do not put a mask or face shield on your baby<\/h2>\n

Babies move frequently. Their movement may cause the plastic face shield or mask to block their nose and mouth, or cause the strap to strangle them. Children younger than two should not wear masks or face shields<\/a>. Putting a face shield or mask on your baby could increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)<\/a> or could strangle or suffocate
\nyour baby.<\/p>\n

3. Limit visitors to see your new baby<\/h2>\n

The birth of a new baby typically brings families together to celebrate. Before allowing visitors into your home consider the risk of COVID-19 to yourself, your baby, people who live with you, and visitors, like grandparents or other people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Bringing people who do not live with you into your home can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. Some people without symptoms can spread the virus. Limit in-person gatherings and consider other options, like celebrating virtually, for people who want to see your new baby.<\/p>\n

Avoid interacting in person with people who might have been exposed to COVID-19 as much as possible. If you or someone in your household is sick with COVID-19, follow recommendations for isolation.<\/p>\n

4. Keep your distance<\/h2>\n

Keep six feet between your baby and people who do not live in your household and between your baby and those who are sick. Consider the risks of COVID-19 to you and your baby before you decide whether to go out for activities other than healthcare visits or child care. Avoid crowds and indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors.<\/p>\n

Ask your child care program about the plans they have in place to protect your baby, family, and staff.<\/p>\n

5. Know possible signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection in babies<\/h2>\n

Babies under one year old might be more likely to have a severe illness from COVID-19 than older children, but most babies who test positive for COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms. Reported symptoms in newborns with COVID-19 include fever, being overly tired or inactive, runny nose, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, and trouble breathing or shallow breathing.<\/p>\n

If your baby develops symptoms or you think your baby may have been exposed to COVID-19, get in touch with your baby\u2019s healthcare provider within 24 hours and follow the steps for caring for children with COVID-19.<\/p>\n

If your baby has emergency warning signs (such as trouble breathing), get emergency care immediately. Call 911.<\/p>\n

6. Take your baby for well-baby checkups<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t skip your baby\u2019s healthcare appointments. Newborn visits should be done in person, if possible. That way your baby\u2019s healthcare provider can:<\/p>\n