Visiting Newborn Babies During the Pandemic

And you know what's another important thing that we may (or may not) be missing out on? Welcoming a newborn!

I thought this may be a worthy topic to talk about because I have sisters and friends who are almost about to pop anytime soon.

As a mother, I understand that they have serious worries about their newborn once the babies are out. However, it would be sad if extended family members, especially the grandparents, who would want to be the first to welcome the newborn baby, won't be able to see the new baby right away.

BUT, with COVID-19 still in our midst, welcoming a newborn may not be as common as how it used to be. Parents may wish to lay down their guidelines when it comes to allowing extended family members to visit.

However rare, infants are at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19. Newborns are most vulnerable during the first month because of their immature immune systems. Their airways are much smaller, causing them more likely to have breathing issues especially with respiratory virus infections.

Although the effects of the virus are much milder in children than in adults, it is important to know about recent reports about Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS), a rare condition related to coronavirus in young children.

Aaron Milstone, M.D., M.H.S., a pediatrician at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and also an infectious disease expert at The Johns Hopkins Hospital shared about PIMS . 

It may be painful to not be able to see and hold your new family member,  after all, babies grow so easily. It would hurt to miss out on the time that will go by.

With precautionary measures in place, it may be safe to visit and even hold your family's new bundle of joy. I have listed down safe practices to observe when visiting the newest addition to your clan.

As we know, a newborn's immune system is not yet developed. If you know you are sick or if you are feeling sick, then please delay seeing the little one.

It would also be important to ensure that you practice social distancing. If you are unsure that you may have exposed yourself to possible virus carriers, please isolate yourself for some time for the baby's sake.

Be healthy, If you have a cold, cough or flu symptoms of any kind, just please stay at home. 

This is pretty basic and should be common sense. Keeping your hands thoroughly clean with soap and water is one of the best ways to keep the virus out. 

I cannot phrase this to sound more positive. Just don't do it!

All that sweet little baby goodness may be deliciously tempting, but I am saying this again, a newborn's immune system is still immature, plus an infant child has incomplete vaccination. This only means that the child is vulnerable to all kinds of infection.

A baby may contract some kind of herpes virus from a loving kiss or may catch meningitis if kissed by someone who may not be aware of having cold sores.

Now, more than ever, when we are at a time of great pandemic risk, we would not want to risk the life of a little one.

Lastly, respect the wishes of the parents. Bringing home a baby from the hospital during an extraordinary time like this may be a bit daunting and overwhelming for the parents, especially for the mother who just gave birth.

Feeling anxious about the baby's welfare and the pandemic is completely valid and understandable. The good thing about this is that loving family members will always be there to help support the parents when their help is called for.

I am pretty sure that the parents of your new family addition do not intend to keep the baby in a bubble for so long, and especially, not away from you. Do not take it personally, it is just so important to give some time for the baby to settle in well first and be healthier for some weeks. You would have plenty of time to spend with the little one, for sure.