As the coronavirus in India continues to surge, we need to be more careful and protect ourselves and our families from it. Steps to keep your child safe during the pandemic
STOPPING THE SPREAD STARTS WITH YOU-
1. Maintain social distancing and avoid crowds
2. Washing hands frequently
3. Get vaccinated
4. Don’t leave the house without a mask
After a deadly second wave of coronavirus in India, unlock and communities opening, wearing masks in public becomes even more important. But infants up to 2 years old should not wear masks. So, parents need to be extra careful if their child is below 2 years to protect them from coronavirus.
WHY SHOULD WE WEAR MASKS?
Coronavirus can spread through breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Wearing a mask prevents the virus from spreading to other people. Even people who feel fine and experience no symptoms must wear it because they never know they might be infected as well.
Masks are for your safety as well as they can stop the virus from reaching you. If everyone wears a mask when they were out in public, the infection rate would be lower. Since children under 2 years of age can’t wear masks, they’re protected from coronavirus when people around them do.
WHY SHOULDN’T A BABY WEAR A MASK?
During coronavirus, Infants under 2 years old shouldn’t wear a mask –
1. Due to smaller airways, breathing through a mask is harder for them.
2. If it becomes hard for them to breathe, they’ll not be able to tell anyone or take it off by themselves, they could suffocate.
3. There may be some pieces in a mask that a baby could choke on, like strings or elastic bands.
4. There are chances they will try to remove the mask, which means touching their face a lot. This can increase the risk of coronavirus in infants.
HOW TO PROTECT KIDS FROM CORONAVIRUS?
You can protect your little one by avoiding going out until it is necessary. Even if you have to go out, avoid large crowds and keep a safe distance from other people.
At home or in public, make sure to follow these precautions to help stop the spread of the coronavirus:
1. Avoid people who are sick at all costs.
2. Wash your hands frequently and properly, and encourage others in your home to do the same. This becomes more important –
WHEN YOU COME BACK HOME FROM OUTSIDE
before handling your child
before breastfeeding your child or preparing a bottle of food
1. Clean surfaces and objects that are being touched more often with a disinfectant
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
3. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, not your hands and wash your hands afterwards immediately
4. Wearing a mask at home is a must if you feel sick. To stop the spread of coronavirus in infants, limit infants limit contact with your child until your symptoms have recovered or stopped.
5. Do not carry your baby out until it is the doctor’s clinic that you are going to.
CAN I TAKE MY CHILD TO THE DOCTOR’S CLINIC FOR VACCINES?
Yes, you may. Nowadays Doctors’ clinics are taking all the necessary steps to keep their patients safe, especially baby patients. These include frequent cleaning and sanitizing, limiting the number of people in waiting areas, screening people who enter the building, and mandatory masks for anyone over 2 years old. keep your child safe
During these difficult times, stay in touch with your child’s doctor about:
Vaccines and well visits. Keeping your child’s vaccines up to date is very important to keep your child healthy. Ask how your doctor is giving vaccines and doing regular check-ups for infants these days. Some might consult online while others might schedule an in-person visit if it is necessary. Don’t worry they will work with you to answer all your queries regarding your child’s health. Make certain that your child gets all the needed vaccines and check-ups on time.
When babies start teething and crawling this may be an ideal time to start baby on solids. This is often because she is prepared to chew and would be comfortable sitting in a high chair and holding her head steadily. Starting baby on solid Chart
Sick visits. If you think your child is sick or showing symptoms of coronavirus, contact the doctor immediately. Steps to keep your child safe during the pandemic
