Being the mom of a young child can be stressful at times. But in the times of a pandemic, things are even harder. With worrying news swirling all around, it is difficult to tell fact from fiction. And, in such times, moms of newborns and toddlers are especially confused.

So, in today’s article, we will answer all your questions about parenting during Coronavirus and share important tips for moms of newborns and toddlers.

First, let us start with a little background…

 

What is Coronavirus?

The novel virus, never seen before 2019 is officially named COVID-19. It belongs to a family of colds and enters through eyes, nose, and mouth. The best way to avoid it is by avoiding touch and contact.

Wash hands. Avoid congested public places. Stay 6 feet away from the other people.

 

Coronavirus in Kids

Scientists are still researching about COVID-19 and its impact. From what we know right now, it is less severe in children than adults. This is a moment of relief for parents. But don’t let your guard down just yet.

Children aren’t immune to the disease. Compared to older children, infants are at high risk of getting infected.  In a study conducted in China, only 10 out of 745 infants who came in close contact with people infected with COVID-19 were infected.

Now, let us talk about some important coronavirus tips for parents of newborns and toddlers.

 

1. Keeping a Newborn Safe

To keep your baby safe, avoid crowds, and say 'no' to visitors. Scrub and wash your hands before holding or touching the baby. If someone (a nanny, for instance) is going to hold the baby, make sure they wash their hands and wear a mask. If possible, you can also request them to change their shirt.

There is no problem with breastfeeding your baby. The mother's milk is a rich source of antibodies that boost the immune system in the baby's body.

 

 

2. Visiting the Paediatrician for Vaccination or Well-Child Visit

It is safe to avoid visiting the doctor's office. Most pediatricians are offering virtual check-ups. However, it is also important to get routine vaccinations. Call your child's pediatrician to learn about the best time to avoid the crowd.

If you are strictly in quarantine, and your family is staying indoors, it is okay to delay the vaccination.

 

 

3. Calling a Nanny During the Pandemic

It is not advised to call your nanny unless absolutely necessary. But as a mom of a newborn, it is okay to ask for help when you need it. In such an event, if you call a nanny, inquire about their social distancing.

Also, make it clear that they stay home if they experience any symptoms. To ensure your family’s safety, follow the CDC recommendations for employers.

 

 

4. Visiting Grandparents

We feel you! But the kids cannot go to meet their grandparents. Adults over 60 and those with an existing disease are under high risk. the COVID-19 is more lethal for the elderly than the children.

But this shouldn’t stop them from seeing their grandparents. Make sure your little ones Facetime or Zoom with their grandparents regularly.

 

 

5. Educating yourself about the Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

Another great Coronavirus tip for moms of newborns and toddlers is to learn the facts about Coronavirus. Social media is full of unauthentic news.

So, instead of trusting everything you come across, you may have a read on some reputable sources like:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children --- CDC
• Keeping Children Healthy When School is Out --- CDC
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) --- Kids Health
• What to do When Your Child is Sick? --- Kids Health

 

 

6. How to talk to your Child about Coronavirus?

Little ones have big questions that aren’t easy to answer. As the self-isolation is extending, it is natural that kids have questions.

 

Why cannot we go to preschool/daycare?

Why cannot we go to see grandma?

Why cannot our friends visit?

Or, why cannot I have a birthday party?

 

This can be a pretty long list. To answer the question in an age-appropriate way, keep your answers simple.

Tell them these are the ‘new rules’ to ‘stay healthy.’ Tell them they cannot meet friends or grandparents to ‘avoid getting sick.’

 

7. Educating Your Child about COVID-19

This brings us to our next tip, educate your child. Children are intelligent and more capable of registering information. This free comic by Goats and Soda from npr is a fun way to introduce kids to Coronavirus.

You can also print this free source from sesamestreet in communities to How to teach your child how to wash hands properly.

 

 

8. Maintain Daily Routines

With everyone working from home, things have changed for moms of newborns and toddlers. It may seem difficult but try to keep your daily routines the same. Follow regular wake-up times, mealtimes, naps, and bedtime. Check out our  Guide on Baby Nail care.

Even if it seems hard to implement at first, you can do it. Children thrive when they follow routines.

 

 

9. Home Schooling/Distance Learning Made Easy

All moms teach 24/7 but not all moms are teachers. Distance learning is difficult especially for moms of toddlers and preschoolers. But, don’t beat yourself up.

Here are a few tips to help you cope with it without losing your sanity.

• Follow an easy routine that is workable for you and your child.

• Make and hang a to-do chart and checklist.

• Offer little rewards for following the routines properly.

• Let your kid spend the day in activities like coloring/drawing/painting. They are good for refining fine motor skills.

• Make workstations and toy stations for specific activities. For example, setting up play-dough on a disposable mat will making cleaning easy.

• Make a quiet corner with a snuggly blanket, books, and toys. Any time the kids are fussy, send them to the quiet corner. It works better than calling it a ‘time-out.’

• Don’t force kids to follow these routines. Let them do things with their pace.

Preschoolers and toddlers don’t need to follow a curriculum. They learn as they play.

So, let go of the guilt of not being the best homeschooling mom.

 

 

10. Give them Lots of Love

This may sound cliché, but there is one thing we have learned from COVID-19, it is how uncertain life can be.

The time that you have with your newborns and toddlers is a blessing.

Ignore little messes, forgive their tiny mistake.

Shower them with love. 

 

Wrapping up…

These are testing times for everyone. For moms of newborns and toddlers, there are new challenges.

Remember that your mental health and the happiness of your family is very important.

This time will pass, your little one will go to school and learn new things every day. They will socialize with their friends and play and thrive outside.

Right now, their safety and their health should be your first priority.

We hope these Coronavirus tips for moms of newborns and toddlers will help you.

How are you coping during the pandemic? Share your experience with us.

 

 

Much Love : Zora

 

Please note: ZoraBaby and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always advisable to consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances. Terms of service & Disclaimer.