How to Take Care of a Newborn During the COVID-19 Pandemic

New parents are facing additional challenges during the coronavirus pandemic while trying to care for their newborns. Learning the ropes as a new parent can feel overwhelming even at the best of times. But if you have had a new addition join your family in the last few months, trying to keep your baby safe and healthy in the midst of a global health pandemic can make your day-to-day seem even more daunting. From seeing your pediatrician over a screen instead of in person, to securing the formula and wipes you need while everyone else is hoarding supplies, COVID-19 has created a challenging new reality that new parents must face.
 

Keeping your baby well and healthy is an essential part of building their immune system. Giving your child the best possible start is more important than ever. Breastfeed them exclusively for the first 6 months of their life, then complement breastmilk with a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day to give them all the vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, protein, and antioxidants they need. A diverse diet with a colourful mix of fruits and vegetables as well as grains and proteins will help keep your child’s immune system strong. Dark green leafy vegetables and orange/yellow coloured fruit and vegetables are especially good for their immunity.

In ordinary times, a baby’s first year is full of checkups, adorable weigh-ins on the scale at the doctor’s office, and a pretty packed vaccine schedule, with shots administered every few months. During the coronavirus pandemic, however, venturing into any healthcare setting with your little one can feel very risky—as we have been told to stay home as much as possible.
 

Even during the pandemic, it is important for babies to have their growth, development, and well-being tracked by a doctor. This is especially true for newborns and babies with complex health conditions. Finding health problems during checkups lets doctors give care to prevent them from getting worse. Not seeing a doctor until symptoms are more serious can affect a child's long-term health. Make sure that the good you are doing by staying at home doesn’t compromise your baby’s health in any way possible.
 

A good first step is to call your regular doctor or local health clinic for their specific advice, and to find out if they are still seeing healthy kids in-person. If your doctor’s office has closed, you may have to call around to find a walk-in clinic still accepting patients and offering vaccinations. Many doctors have switched to “virtual care” or telemedicine, scheduling video conference appointments and using apps and services like Zoom and Skype instead.
 

A video visit is more ideal than a phone call because it allows the doctor to see the interaction between the parents and the baby, ask questions, and even assess any roadblocks with breastfeeding, if needed. But your pediatrician can schedule a more thorough in-office follow-up if they notice anything concerning over video, such as a respiratory problem. Otherwise, they can continue to monitor problems, such as diaper rash, feeding and/or forceful spitting up, through subsequent video check-ins.

Childhood vaccinations are part of essential health care services. Routine baby and childhood vaccines prevent illness, lasting health problems and even death. Keeping your child up to date on vaccinations remains critically important. Vaccines are your baby’s best defense against preventable illness. Most pediatricians’ offices have set up a schedule for shots, based on when they are most effective for babies and children, so it’s important to follow this plan.
 

While there are many reasons to be cautious during this uncertain time, postponing early vaccines for babies and young children could create a vaccine gap and possibly expose your child to life threatening diseases like measles, pertussis, or pneumococcus. The hepatitis B vaccine should be offered before you leave the hospital and your baby should receive his or her fist set of vaccinations between six to eight weeks of life.

Connecting with others can be challenging during this time of social distancing. Although grandparents and other family and friends will want to come meet your baby, try to connect with video chats and through social media to stay in touch. Newborns have an immature immune system and are more susceptible to infections during the first few months of life. The good news is that lack of visitors or interaction with other children should not negatively affect the early cognitive or social development of your newborn. Early development is dependent on interaction and attachment to parents and caregivers. Singing and talking with your infant, reading stories, tummy time, and getting some socially distant time outside are what your baby needs to develop in the first several weeks after birth.
 

When you are out in public, continue to wear a cloth mask or face covering, but do not put one on your baby or other children under two due to the danger of suffocation. And keep in mind that wearing a face covering is not a substitute for social distancing, frequent handwashing, or other everyday precautions.
 

Now is the time to lean into staying home and safe while enjoying extra snuggle time. When you need to go out, enjoy solo walks in the fresh air with your baby while making sure to keep a six-foot distance from others as the risk to your baby is low because they will be in their stroller and not touching any surfaces. However, it is best to avoid bringing your baby into the grocery store and pharmacy since it may be harder to maintain distance from others.

• Stocking Up

New parents across the country may also be dealing with shortages of critical supplies they need like diapers, wipes, and formula. This is especially affecting families who rely on special varieties of allergen-friendly formula and families who cannot afford to stock up on many products at once. Apart from looking in stores and online, you could try reaching out to the supplier or manufacturer directly, or also ask your pediatrician's office if they have extra samples or if there's an alternative brand that will work for your baby for the time being.
 

Look at purchasing to get a few weeks' worth of stock for what you need at a time. This reduces your time going to the store and your risk of exposure. And if you don't have anyone else to stay with the baby when you do a grocery run or head to the pharmacy, it might be best to stick to ordering what you need online instead. Online, next-day deliveries have taken off, and are often times cheaper than going to the store, in addition to being the safer option.

• Taking Care of Yourself and Your Baby
  
  Both the current pandemic and caring for a newborn can be stressful. Postpartum depression is common occurrence among new mothers and is easily treated. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing depression. Increased stress levels and fatigue could impact your baby’s sleep practices as well. Safe sleep is an important part of keeping your infant healthy, so be sure to follow appropriate sleep guidance such as placing your baby on his or her back for all sleep times, including naps; using a firm, flat sleep surface, like a mattress in a crib, covered by a fitted sheet; and keeping soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and soft toys out of your baby’s sleep area.
  
  Spending time with your newborn is such a special part of life. Take the opportunity during this pandemic to focus on your family and rebalance the things that matter. Do not be afraid to reach out to family, loved ones or your doctors and pediatricians for assistance and advice.