How to Take Care of your Baby During COVID-19.

We know this is a worrying time for everyone, and that you may have particular concerns if you are pregnant or have a baby. We have put together the advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) and caring for your baby that is currently available and will keep updating this as we know more.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and caring for your baby

If you have a young baby, continue to follow public health advice:

• Continue to breastfeed your baby if you are doing so
• It is important that you continue to follow safer sleep advice to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• If you show symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) try not to cough or sneeze on your baby. Make sure they are in their own separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket
• If your baby is unwell with a cold or fever don’t be tempted to wrap them up more than usual. Babies need fewer layers to lower their body temperature. Click here for more advice on temperature
• We are not aware of any advice for babies to wear masks, whether they are infected or not. There is a 
• potential risk of suffocation and other hazards with doing this. The latest Government guidance says that Children  under 2 yrs. do not need to wear masks.
• Always seek medical advice if you are worried about your baby – either linked to coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other health issue.

Taking your baby to a clinic during the Covid crisis

During this time you may be worried about taking your baby for their routine appointments at your GP surgery or clinic. You may be anxious about what to expect when you get there, which is understandable. We have worked with some of the people who might help to look after you and your baby to help you understand what it might be like. It is really important that you take your baby to any appointments they have, or to get help if you are worried about their health.

Things will be a bit different and you may find that:

• Reception staff and nurses will be wearing PPE; Reception staff wear masks, nurses are in a gown, apron, paper mask and visor. Some staff are drawing animal faces on the masks to make it a bit easier for babies and children to look at
• There will only be a few people at the clinic as most are having telephone conversations with doctors. Anyone with Covid symptoms is asked to stay at home, so there are very few people attending clinics at the moment. Babies are a top priority.
• You will be asked to wait in the waiting room as usual, however as it is quiet you should be able to stay 2 metres apart from others.
• Clinics have a regular cleaning rota, and you might see people cleaning around you
• You may have a few appointments combined into one – for example a six week check and first vaccinations.