Neonatal and childcare amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Neonatal and childcare amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
This is undeniably a scary time for all parents. While protecting themselves from the highly contagious COVID-19, they are trying to ensure the best of health for their children today and for years to come. To help parents navigate through these tough times, expert paediatricians at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai share their inputs:
NEONATAL CARE
You will be relieved to know that COVID-19 usually presents is mild in new-born babies and the recorded incidents of transmission from mother to baby remain very low. However, the healthcare facility you choose to welcome your baby needs to have strict infection-prevention protocols to ensure their safety.
Many infecting mothers across the world are debating whether to breastfeed. While the benefits of breastmilk are well-known it is imperative for the baby to receive breastmilk to build immunity in these unprecedented times. But remember to wear a mask at all times if you are infected and are constantly coughing and sneezing.
Parents need to keep in mind that babies don’t expose themselves to the disease by walking out of the house without a mask, the people around them do. Parents and guardians should ensure minimum contact with the outside world, including neighbours and relatives for their own safety and therefore their baby’s.
To further protect your child, practice excellent personal hygiene and consider Vitamin-D supplements to build the baby’s immunity.
In case your little one is exposed to the disease, he/she may not necessarily get fever. If the baby has diarrhoea and vomiting, get in touch with your doctor, as these symptoms may be indicative of the virus.
CHILD CARE
Teach your children the importance of social distancing, hand hygiene and washing their toys often. Keep them engaged with indoor activities to stimulate their brains. Good mental and physical health should be your top priority for the children.
VACCINATION
While the world awaits a COVID-19 vaccine, there is no reason to skip the already available vaccines. This is will end up making your children sick from other diseases. WHO and The advisory committee of the Indian Academy of Paediatrics strongly recommend vaccinations for children. Your paediatrician can help you determine which vaccines are absolutely urgent and the ones that can be delayed.
Vulnerable population children with immune-compromised statuses or children recovering from malignancies or cancer require special care and should be protected from the outside world.If you notice any flu-like symptoms, teleconsult your doctor and take these children to the hospital only if absolutely necessary.