Keep Calm: New Parents and Coronavirus

As a parent, protecting your baby is your first priority. You work hard to keep them safe, happy and healthy every moment of the day. But with reports of coronavirus spreading quickly across the country, it’s understandable to feel concerned. Thankfully, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined that “There is no evidence that children are more susceptible. In fact, most confirmed cases of coronavirus reported from China have occurred in adults.”

Coronavirus and Babies

There have been limited reports of clinical outcomes for children and babies infected with this new strain of coronavirus. But even so, you can take steps to prevent your baby from becoming infected and ensure your family stays healthy by limiting the spread of germs in your home. The Department of Homeland Security suggests these helpful tips for keeping the virus at bay:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
• Stay away from others when you’re sick
• Wash your hands frequently and use soap

Whether you’re bringing your new infant home from the hospital for the first time, or you have an older baby, it’s more important than ever to take precautions for your little one’s health. Your baby needs time to build a strong immune system as they grow. It’s a good idea to avoid crowds and public places such as malls, sporting events, concerts, large gatherings and airplane travel. Your pediatrician can give you advice on how long to follow these practices for your child. The CDC also recommends keeping your child away from anybody you know is sick, and watching your baby for any signs of illness, which might include coughing, fevers and difficulty breathing.

Coronavirus Infection and High-Risk Groups

Currently, newborns, babies and older children are not classified as members of high-risk groups, according to the CDC. Older adults or people who have chronic and serious medical conditions including lung disease, heart disease or diabetes are currently listed as high-risk for acquiring coronavirus infection.

Stock Up on the Essentials

Preparation is your best defense when you live in a community where an outbreak occurs. You may worry about venturing out for the necessities, but make sure you stock up on the essentials in advance. Household items like baby wipes, formula, diapers and groceries, or even extra medications should be on your preparation list. And when out shopping for your supplies, you can mitigate the spread of germs by avoiding high-touch surfaces whenever possible. Surfaces to avoid can include things like door handles, handrails and elevator buttons. If you must touch these surfaces, use a tissue or your sleeve to avoid picking up germs when out and about.

Next Steps

To stay up to date with the latest coverage on coronavirus, including how to best protect yourself and your family, visit the CDC online. AdventHealth also has answers to frequently asked questions surrounding coronavirus, available on our Coronavirus Resource Hub.