Caring for your Newborn during COVID-19 pandemic
As COVID-19 continue to spread extensively, people are still exploring and learning more about this deadly virus and the different ways to protect it – following physical distancing, washing hands and wearing a face mask in public places. While these safety measures are being strictly followed by adults but parents might wonder how to take care of the newborns amidst this pandemic. If you are new parents, then your concern about your infant’s health amidst this pandemic is quite understandable. Even, if no one in your family is suffering from this disease, make sure you take all necessary precautionary measures to keep the little on safe. However, don’t panic and follow some simple steps to keep your newborn healthy and strong.
Breastfeeding
According to different research and surveys, breastfeeding is crucial and necessary especially during this time to fight against infection and boost up the immunity of the newborn. As per World Health Organization (WHO), if breastfeeding mothers have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, they must be careful and take up precautions like wearing a face mask and follow hand hygiene so that the little one does not get infected. Clean the breast pump every time before and after its usage with warm water.
Follow good hygiene and sanitation
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or rub your hand with an alcohol-based sanitizer before touching the baby or his/her belongings. Babies under 2 years of age should not wear a mask as they have smaller airways and breathing under a cloth covering is difficult for them. Make sure whoever enters your home, should wear a proper face mask and sanitize their hand before touching anything or attending the baby (if necessary). Ensure to follow all safety protocols before preparing the food of the little one. Stay updated and seek advice regarding the latest protocol from the trustworthy sites or your child’s pediatrician only.
Follow the norms of Physical Distancing
It’s important to follow the guidelines of organizations like WHO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India regarding the norms of physical distancing. At this point of time, your friends, relatives might be too excited to meet the newborn physically but it’s better to maintain a proper distance from the newborn or opt for a video conference to meet the newborn.
Keep all the belongings of the baby clean
Ensure to disinfect all high-touch surfaces in your home, it’s also essential to keep all your baby’s belongings like toys, bottles, bed sheets, clothes clean with warm water regularly.
If both the parent is sick
If both the parent is sick or has any kinds of symptoms related to COVID-19, it is essential to stay separated from the newborn as much as possible to prevent transmission. As the virus affects differently for different individuals, make sure to get in touch with a consultant of general medicine and the baby’s pediatrician to create a feeding and caring plan for the neonate.
Stick to the immunization schedule
Ensure to keep your infant updated on vaccination as it is critically important to fight against any disease. Your neonate’s best defense against preventable diseases is possible only with routine vaccination.
Consult your infant’s pediatrician
Never hesitate to consult your baby’s pediatrician when required or if the scheduled vaccine is delay to administer to your baby. In case your baby is facing any discomfort feel free to take advice or consult with your doctor immediately.
Breastfeeding
According to different research and surveys, breastfeeding is crucial and necessary especially during this time to fight against infection and boost up the immunity of the newborn. As per World Health Organization (WHO), if breastfeeding mothers have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, they must be careful and take up precautions like wearing a face mask and follow hand hygiene so that the little one does not get infected. Clean the breast pump every time before and after its usage with warm water.
Follow good hygiene and sanitation
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or rub your hand with an alcohol-based sanitizer before touching the baby or his/her belongings. Babies under 2 years of age should not wear a mask as they have smaller airways and breathing under a cloth covering is difficult for them. Make sure whoever enters your home, should wear a proper face mask and sanitize their hand before touching anything or attending the baby (if necessary). Ensure to follow all safety protocols before preparing the food of the little one. Stay updated and seek advice regarding the latest protocol from the trustworthy sites or your child’s pediatrician only.
Follow the norms of Physical Distancing
It’s important to follow the guidelines of organizations like WHO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India regarding the norms of physical distancing. At this point of time, your friends, relatives might be too excited to meet the newborn physically but it’s better to maintain a proper distance from the newborn or opt for a video conference to meet the newborn.
Keep all the belongings of the baby clean
Ensure to disinfect all high-touch surfaces in your home, it’s also essential to keep all your baby’s belongings like toys, bottles, bed sheets, clothes clean with warm water regularly.
If both the parent is sick
If both the parent is sick or has any kinds of symptoms related to COVID-19, it is essential to stay separated from the newborn as much as possible to prevent transmission. As the virus affects differently for different individuals, make sure to get in touch with a consultant of general medicine and the baby’s pediatrician to create a feeding and caring plan for the neonate.
Stick to the immunization schedule
Ensure to keep your infant updated on vaccination as it is critically important to fight against any disease. Your neonate’s best defense against preventable diseases is possible only with routine vaccination.
Consult your infant’s pediatrician
Never hesitate to consult your baby’s pediatrician when required or if the scheduled vaccine is delay to administer to your baby. In case your baby is facing any discomfort feel free to take advice or consult with your doctor immediately.