As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, we've learned more about the virus and how to protect ourselves from it. Key steps include:
With communities reopening, wearing masks in public is even more important. Most states have orders that require people to wear a mask in public. But kids must be over age 2 to wear masks. So parents might wonder how they can help protect their babies and toddlers.
Coronavirus can spread when people breathe, talk, cough, or sneeze. When someone wears a mask, it keeps the virus from reaching other people. This is true even for people who feel fine and have no symptoms because they can still be infected and not know it.
Wearing a mask also can stop the virus from reaching you. If everyone wears a mask when they're out in public, fewer people will get sick. And because children under 2 years old can't wear masks, they're protected from infection when people around them do.
Babies and toddlers under 2 years old shouldn't wear a mask because:
While most COVID-19 infections have been diagnosed in adults, kids can get infected. In children, the virus sometimes causes a mild illness, and often causes no symptoms at all. But some babies and children have gotten very sick from the virus, sometimes weeks after becoming infected. Babies and toddlers can't wear a mask, so it's important to protect them in other ways.
You can protect your little one by avoiding large crowds and keeping a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from other people when out of the house.
At home and in public, do all you can to help stop the spread of the virus:
Yes. Doctors' offices are taking steps to keep patients safe. These include regular deep cleaning, limiting the number of people in waiting areas, screening people who enter the building, and requiring masks for anyone over 2 years old.
When you call, ask the staff what they're doing to keep patients safe so you can be prepared. For example, they may allow only one parent or caregiver to go with the child.
During this time, stay in touch with your child's doctor about:
Vaccines and well visits. Keeping your child's vaccines up to date is a key way to keep your child healthy. Ask how your health care provider is giving vaccines and doing regular checkups. Some do well visits through telehealth while others might postpone an in-person visit. For newborns or children with complex medical conditions, they may want to schedule an in-person visit right away. They will work with you to answer your questions and make sure your child gets any needed vaccines and checkups.
Sick visits. If you think your child is sick, don't wait to get care. Call your doctor for advice or instructions.
Call 911 right away if your child might have a health emergency. Signs include your child turning blue, not breathing, being very sleepy or hard to wake up, or being unconscious.
Reviewed by: Mark T. Ogino, MD;Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date Reviewed: 12-08-2020