covid 19 and your little ones

With all the talk on the Covid 19 virus, I wanted to share some tips and advice on talking about the virus with your little ones, along with how you can help them and you stay well.

Firstly there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to catching the virus – very few cases have been reported in children
The symptoms are likely to be less severe in children rather than in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease
The following symptoms may develop in the 14 days following exposure –
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
The incubation period of Covid-19 is between 2-14 days
Covid -19 is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the droplets can be transferred directly into mouths or noses of others within 2 meters or could be inhaled . Its also possible that the droplets that maybe on surfaces or objects so can be transferred when touching these surfaces and then our own moth , nose or eyes.

How to prevent the spread of infection…

Washing of hands – with soap and water or using an alcohol sanitiser if hand washing is not possible.
- When leaving and returning home
- After being to the toilet
- Before eating or snacking
- Before leaving school or nursery
Encouraging little ones to cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing in the bin or a hand and then washing them.
Children inevertibly touch their eyes, nose and mouths frequently so regular hand washing is recommended, making this fun can help.
Singing a song to the tune of “baby shark “ is fun but also encourages them to wash them for the recommended time of at least 20 seconds.

The verses go like this;

Make them wet, doo doo doo do do
Use some soap
Rub the backs
Rub the fronts
Wash your nails
Rub your thumbs
Finger tips
Rinse and dry

Using little phrases like “catch a cough or sneeze” and “catch it & bin it”

As adults we need to be aware of how we talk about the virus around our little ones. Children will react & follow our lead so creating fear in them, with your fears. They hear your verbal reactions to the television or in conversation with others, they will watch you actions, so be mindful of washing your hands and catching any coughs or sneezes, show them by example.

If they come home from school they may have questions and concerns, so have time to listen and reassure. Talk to them about how they may not be able to see older relatives for a while but it’s fun to Skype or Facetime them.

If you are worried about your symptoms or those of a child, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment. There is lots of helpful advice and up to date information on the NHS website.

I hope you and your families all keep well.

Sam, The Baby Guru

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