This can be an exciting time for you and your family. We’re sure you are eager to introduce your newborn to all of your friends and family. However, during this time of COVID-19, things are different and you may have questions about what to do or not do in order to keep your baby safe from this virus.
The First Six Weeks
During the first six weeks of a baby’s life is when it is most vulnerable. Something that may be mild to you, may require a trip to the emergency room with an infant this young. It’s recommended that during this time, that you do not have visitors if that’s possible. You want to make sure that your baby is safe as his or her immune system continues to develop.
For a new mom, the first six weeks are going to be the hardest with all of the changes that are happening. It’s not uncommon for new moms to feel overwhelmed and depressed during this time, which is why the support from visitors in the past has been helpful in supporting a new mom. There are some things you can do to continue that support:
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Use video to talk to friends and family, and you can even introduce your newborn to them via video chat, like Zoom, Facebook, or FaceTime.
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Say yes to friends or family when they offer to cook meals and drop them off.
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Say yes to friends and family when they offer to shop for you or help in some way, while supporting your social isolation during this time.
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Talk to your doctor if you feel extremely overwhelmed or depressed.
When is it OK?
After the first six weeks and your baby’s immune system has developed and he/she is much stronger. It is ok to begin introducing others to your baby, but there are still guidelines that you should follow during this time.
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Keep the group small. It’s better to have a very small, selective group of people around your baby than a large group who may visit for a shorter period of time. You should be very selective and critical of your guests current social distancing environment. Are they currently social distancing? Do they work from home or are they going to a location where they are more likely to interact with several people at a time?
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Take safety precautions when around baby. Safety precautions include following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which includes washing hands before, during and after visiting baby, wearing a mask and social distancing 6ft apart.
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Visit Outdoors. Some options do carry less of a risk, such as visiting outdoors, where everyone continues to social distance 6ft apart and wears a mask.
When Should You Exercise More Caution?
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When the guest has a cough or fever. They should not be around your newborn until they are healthier.
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When the infant was born with low birth weight, neurological disorders, or respiratory difficulties.
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When a parent’s immune system is compromised.
Important Things to Consider
One of the most challenging things for new parents to do during this time is to be selective in who they are inviting and to set guidelines for those guests. Saying no is hard. Friends and family will want to hold your new baby, and saying no comes with a feeling of guilt or fear of damaging relationships.
When it comes to siblings, the changes can also be challenging. If the siblings are older, they are more likely to understand the importance of keeping a distance from their new sibling or limiting their time of socializing. However, for younger siblings, it may not be as clear. They may see the new baby as a prize, or something they are not allowed to touch. Instead, teach them how to interact with them, touching their feet instead of their hands.
Lastly, although wearing masks are important and part of the AAP Guidelines, it’s important to emphasize to not put a mask on your newborn. They are not required to wear one during this time and can be a risk for suffocation.
If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your physician.
