How to Protect Your Baby During Cold, Flu and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Season

We have heard the public health experts tell us that in order to protect ourselves from respiratory (lung) infectious diseases, like colds, flu, and coronavirus (COVID-19), we must practice social distancing. We know this must be done to protect our very vulnerable members of our community, including our precious babies. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children under 6 months are more likely to be hospitalized due to the flu than other children. As care providers cannot administer the flu vaccine to children this young, the onus is on parents and other caregivers to help protect babies from infectious diseases. Here’s are some ways we can keep our babies safe.

Tell your loved ones that while you know they want to meet your newest addition, now is not the time.

As parents, ensuring the safety and the security of our babies is first and foremost. Even if loved ones offer to wear masks and gloves when they visit, there is still a chance of infectious disease transmission. Instead of beating around the bush, be honest with your loved ones and ask that they understand your role as a parent. Express excitement about when they can meet your baby in the future. If you experience any resistance to what you have expressed, be firm. Even if your childhood best friend swears that her sniffles are nothing serious and that she just wants to visit for a few minutes, now is the time to put on your fierce protective armor as a parent and caregiver and set that strict boundary.

When you are up for it and are confident your loved ones are not sick, consider opening your home to a limited number of visitors a few months down the line. Ensure you have hand soap and sanitizer available for visitors to use as soon as they come to your home.

Take advantage of photo and video messaging services, like FaceTime and WhatsApp.

Now, more than ever, it’s easy to connect with loved ones on our cellular phones and computers. Consider setting up a group session on a video messaging service, like FaceTime or WhatsApp, so loved ones can virtually meet your baby. If you prefer to share photos, consider doing that in a single group text chat so you do not have to send several messages. For a special touch, if you were gifted a new baby outfit or toy from a loved one, consider taking a picture of your baby dressed in that clothing or playing with the toy and send it to the giver of the gift. This will show your loved ones that you are thinking of them at this time.

Note if any in the household, like an older sibling, has the symptoms of illness.

It’s inevitable that siblings will bring home germs and illness from school, the playground, playdates, and other places. Ensure you are encouraging older siblings to wash their hands often and avoid kissing the baby before, during, and after illness. Be observant of any older siblings in the event that they are experiencing cold, flu, or coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and be proactive if you feel they might be sick. Contact your pediatrician as soon as possible and be sure to adhere to medications as prescribed even if it’s over-the-counter.

Nurse your baby for at least six months if possible.

Numerous studies have proven that breastfeeding babies exclusively for six months leads to less colds and other infectious diseases. How? Your breast milk contains antibodies that protect your baby. Interestingly enough, if your baby is not feeling well, your breastmilk will change in response to their saliva to ensure your milk has what it needs to keep your baby safe. If your baby does get sick, studies have shown the breastmilk can help shorten the length of their illness.

What about if you have the flu? If you have the flu, it is advised that you continue to breastfeed if possible as long as you cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze and use proper hand hygiene. If you feel physically unwell to the point where you cannot breastfeed directly, consider hand expressing or pumping for bottle feeds. You can also use donor milk. If you have not been able to breastfeed, please rest assured that there are many other things you can do to keep your baby safe.

Consider the flu vaccine if you and other caregivers will be around your baby.

Care providers will typically encourage expecting mothers to get the flu vaccine while still pregnant. Why? You pass on the antibodies from the vaccine to the baby. We know that the flu can have horrible consequences for babies, up to and including death. As such, taking preventative measures is highly advisable. Talk to your care provider about the vaccine and the benefits and risks. If you did not get the vaccine while pregnant, consider getting it postpartum.

Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces often.

Germs and viruses can live on surfaces, like supermarket carriage handles and toys, for several hours. The truth of the matter is that babies love to touch surfaces and place their hands in their mouths. So wipe down everything they touch, including their siblings’ toys. Practice proper hand hygiene several times a day by washing your hands and your baby’s. When you don’t have access to warm water and soap, wipes and sanitizers can help keep you safe.

Bottom Line

There are several ways to protect yourself and your baby during winter months. Using the right precautions can keep your baby safe and healthy. Contact your pediatrician if you are concerned that your baby is sick as soon as possible.