COVID-19 Q&A: Newborns
April 27, 2020
Usually, family and friends would be begging to meet your new little one. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the days and weeks are flying by while friends and family keep a safe distance. Is it okay for you to have people over to meet the baby? What about the proud grandparents? Let’s talk about the safest options with COVID and newborns right now.
Is it safe to have my parents come visit with the baby?
During this time, it is important to protect to health of our elderly population. Men and women over the age of 65 are at higher risk for developing complications of COVID-19. I would also advise against travel at this time. The only way to ensure not contracting the virus is to stay at home.
I know quarantine can be extremely difficult. This time with your newborn is beautiful. And grandparents and friends want so badly to be a part of your incredible moment. But in the end, their health as well as the health of your family needs to be the priority.
Is it safe to have a nanny or a baby nurse?
Remember, any time you bring people into your home, you increase your risk of contracting the virus. You absolutely increase the chance of contracting the virus if you have a nanny come in and out of your house.
If you are going to have a nanny or baby nurse, you should consider having that person live in your house so you can all stay home as a family unit.
Is it safe to have formula delivered to the house?
Yes! Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.
However, the virus can live on surfaces. Therefore, ensure you eliminate any chances of transmission. Good hand washing hygiene before preparing and eating food is very important. Make sure to wash your hands for 20 seconds before preparing the formula.
If I have symptoms, should I continue to breastfeed my infant?
There is no evidence that this coronavirus is transmitted through breast milk. However, if you are having symptoms of coronavirus, it is important to take the right steps to avoid transmission to the baby.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds before breastfeeding, and wear a mask if you are having symptoms of COVID. If you feel more comfortable pumping, clean the pump and your hands before using.
Is it safe to take my newborn for a walk?
Yes! It is important for our own mental health to get out of the house and get some light exercise. Nature and exercise are important tools to help fight fatigue and baby blues, which can be common after having a baby.
If you do take a walk with your newborn, protect them from the sunlight. With current concerns of COVID and newborns, I suggest picking a location that isn’t heavily populated and a time that isn’t popular. Early morning is a great time to avoid crowds and the sun!!
My newborn is sneezing, is this a sign of COVID-19?
Not necessarily. It is easy to become overwhelmed when trying to figure out what are just normal newborn noises and when something might actually be wrong with your baby. Many people worry that any sneezing or coughing may be a sign of having contracted COVID.
But rest assured that newborn sneezes can be completely normal. Sneezing is very common in newborns – it is actually a reflex controlled by their nervous systems. Newborns also have smaller nasal passages that get clogged more easily. Therefore, their little noses have to work a little harder to keep them clear. Newborns sneeze to get rid of anything from dust to mucus or even breastmilk.
If your newborn’s sneezing is associated with cough, fever, or shortness of breathe, contact your pediatrician immediately.
Is it safe to take my newborn to the pediatrician for well child care and vaccinations?
Newborn checkups and vaccinations are very important to the health of your newborn. Most pediatricians are taking extreme steps to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
There are many concerns and questions you will have after bringing your baby home from the hospital. It is important to have a good communication with your pediatrician. Trust that your pediatrician and nurses are doing everything in their power to keep COVID and newborns apart!
There are also steps you can take as a parent to ensure the safety of your baby when going to the pediatrician.
