Bringing a child into the world can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Unfortunately, the recent pandemic has done nothing to make their work easier and assuage these fears.
With the coronavirus still lurking around every corner, taking care of your baby requires additional work. You have to take extra precautions to keep your little one safe and healthy.
Whether you are at home, spending time in the garden, or taking your baby to their paediatrician, the coronavirus has introduced a difficult new reality that all parents have to face and overcome to protect their child from this frightening disease.
Baby Care Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If you want to keep your baby safe and healthy during these trying times, follow these tips shared by medical specialists from leading maternity hospitals:
1. Clean and disinfect your home regularly.
Maintaining a clean, germ-free home is crucial in keeping the coronavirus away from your home and your baby.
Clean and thoroughly disinfect every surface in your home, particularly frequently touched ones, regularly. These include door handles, tables, chairs, handrails, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and taps.
Make sure you sanitise surfaces and rubbish bins in or near your baby’s room as well.
Read the label of the disinfectant and other cleaning products to know how to use them correctly and safely.
If you don’t want to use disinfectant sprays and wipes, clean surfaces with soap and water or diluted household bleach solutions.
2. Be smart when shopping for baby supplies.
Formula, diapers, and wipes are some of the essentials you always need to have at hand when you have a baby. As such, make sure you never run out of these items.
If you are shopping at a supermarket, follow all protocols to stay safe and reduce your risk of acquiring the coronavirus. These include wearing a face mask, following physical distancing rules, and limiting the time you spend outdoors.
A safer option is to shop online or have your baby supplies and other groceries delivered to your home. Doing so ensures you avoid crowded areas, which means you lower your risk of getting and bringing home the coronavirus.
Whether you are shopping online or at a supermarket, consider always getting a few weeks’ worth of the supplies you need at a time. By doing so, you reduce the time you spend outside or at the supermarket, as well as your risk of exposure.
Additionally, it is best to avoid bringing your baby when you go shopping. And always wash your hands thoroughly, take a bath, and change into clean clothes before holding or touching your child after going out.
3. Speak with your paediatrician regarding your baby’s scheduled check-ups.
With the coronavirus still being a looming health threat, many paediatricians are conducting both virtual and in-office post-natal check-ups. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about missing key well-baby visits.
For regular health visits, a virtual or telehealth consultation usually suffices. Your paediatrician will still be able to see if your baby has the right muscle tone and appears to be gaining weight based on their age and not having any distress, such as breathing difficulties.
However, your paediatrician will likely require you and your baby to visit their clinic if they notice something concerning during the video call.
But if your concern is a diaper rash or forceful spitting up, your specialist can monitor these through regular video check-ins.
4. Do not downplay the importance of your baby’s vaccinations.
In addition to urgent check-ups, you also have to bring your baby to your doctor’s clinic to get their vaccinations.
Health experts do not recommend delaying these vaccinations since timing is critical to protect your baby against various diseases.
To keep up with the important vaccinations, discuss with your paediatrician the safest timeline for your baby.
Also, follow all protocols when going out with your baby, even if you are only going to your doctor’s clinic.
5. Go outdoors from time to time.
Aside from taking your baby to your paediatrician’s clinic, spend half an hour or so with them on your lawn, if you have one, or go for a walk in the park.
Spending time outdoors allows you and your little one to breathe fresh air. It enables you to get vitamin D from the sun as well.
These benefits are crucial for both you and your baby’s physical and mental health.
Spending time outdoors comes with low risk to your baby since they are in their stroller and not touching any surfaces. However, maintain a six-foot distance from others if you are going to a park or any other public green space.
6. Limit in-home visits to people you know and trust.
Finally, although many people want to see your baby, limit your guests to the ones you are sure have not been exposed to the coronavirus and other communicable diseases.
This ensures you keep your baby safe from the dreaded disease.
It is also best to let the guests wash their hands thoroughly and wear a mask before getting close to your baby.
You will do well to consider delaying guests from visiting your home until your baby is at least two to three months old.
Taking care of yourself is also crucial in keeping your baby healthy during the pandemic. As such, follow all recommended practices to stay COVID-19-free and continue to be the best person to look after your child.
