Does anyone else have a baby / young toddler and really not want to wear a mask

[roarfeckingroarr]

Because of how it might impact their development?

DS is 13 months and is so close to speaking. I talk to him all the time to help his development. I feel uncomfortable about him not being able to see facial expressions, see me speak, hear words clearly etc while we're out and about (a lot of the day).

Anyone else feel this way?

I hear what you're saying. I've occasionally had to briefly remove my mask when getting my 3yo to behave properly - she seems to get my smiles etc fine with a mask on, but the "Mummy means business" face gets a bit obscured apparently!

I think if it's just shops and transport it's tolerable, but it's not ideal IMO.

The answer is that we don’t know yet if child development has been affected because it is an ongoing live experiment.
There has been some research though, as the area of the brain that uniquely recognises faces (the FFA) is only located in the right hemisphere. Before the age of two, the right side of the brain receives most of its info from the left side of your body, so the research is based on babies who had congenital cataract type eye conditions in one eye only.
The research was primarily used for people with prosopagnosia (that condition where people can’t tell faces apart) as well as autism, and it’s really fascinating:
brownstone.org/articles/the-damage-of-masking-children-could-be-irreparable/

@Skyll

Why are you out and about inside so much? Aren’t we supposed to be limiting doing this?

You won’t be wearing it outside or at home ?

No, we’re not. Hope that helps to clarify your lack of understanding!

I agree with you OP and will continue to only put one on if I absolutely have to.

Well the govt guidance disagrees with you www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#let-fresh-air-in-if-you-meet-indoors-meeting-outdoors-is-safer

The vast majority of your time with her will be in the home environment so it's not an issue. Out and about in the park, don't bother, but shops I would. It's protecting you, her and others, and 20 minutes wouldn't be a major issue.

No, I don’t feel this way. My DH is ECV and I would rather her Dad was alive for her.

Masks are only going be legally required in shops and on public transport, how much time do you spend on them in a week?

Unless you're planning on being in shops & on public transport all day every day, so having to wear a mask all the time, YABU.

For context my DD was 9 months old when first lockdowns etc happened so obviously has had a major part of her speech development time under high levels of restrictions. If you'd asked me had it affected her social skills with other children I'd say yes possibly as she's quite shy with kids (not so much adults) but her speech is excellent. I have worn a mask in shops all the way through even when you didn't have to but that half an hour a couple of times a week, plus every nursery pickup and drop off, doesn't seem to have had any impact. Obviously she's only a sample of one. If you're worried just take her to the pub where no need for a mask?

I’m scared that my dog won’t understand me so completely with you on this one.

@gettingolderandgrumpy

I’m sorry it’s public transport and shops it’s not 24/7 so I don’t see the issue .

This 100%, how much time does anyone need to spend in either situation?

OP you’re being unreasonable and a bit melodramatic to think it’ll have this much impact.

@Helpstopthepain

I’m scared that my dog won’t understand me so completely with you on this one.

I can’t figure out if you’re joking, how much time does your dog need to spend in shops or on public transport?

I don't you think wearing a mask for an hour at a time will make a different to your child's development. Mask wearing will likely go on a field a few years yet so it's something they need
to get used to. It's not like you're wearing them 247.

@LawnFever my dog gets the bus to the supermarket daily because he’s really forgetful and always has to go back for milk etc. I’ve told him to take a list but he just doesn’t listen.

OP I can completely understand your concern. My DS was 12m at the beginning of the first lockdown and was right on track/slightly ahead on all his milestones. We didn’t bubble with anyone and it was just me at home with him most of his waking hours. He had a mild speech delay and I’m almost certain it was a consequence of lockdown. I started him at nursery and he came on leaps and bounds. ALL his interactions with the outside world were through a mask.

Me. I have a 3 year old and hate masks. I refuse to wear one.

I have to congratulate you OP for identifying another completely ridiculous reason for not wearing a mask.

@firstimemamma

Me. I have a 3 year old and hate masks. I refuse to wear one.

But you only have to in a shop or public transport, how much time do you spend in either that it’s such an issue?

Actually, have you kept him facing you in his pushchair while you're out and about so that he can do all of those things while you're out and about? Logically I think facing outwards would be more 'damaging' to speech development than a facemask (disclaimer- I don't think outward facing is harmful either...)

@8dpwoah

Actually, have you kept him facing you in his pushchair while you're out and about so that he can do all of those things while you're out and about? Logically I think facing outwards would be more 'damaging' to speech development than a facemask (disclaimer- I don't think outward facing is harmful either...)

Just came on to say that I used a forward facing buggy and drove my car or walked everywhere and I had two early talkers. There is so much more to it

Your children will be fine. Most of your interaction is at home. If you are really spending that much time out of the house during an increase risk period of a pandemic, it might be time to rethink your habits to minimize risk to your children.

You’re being a little over the top I would say. Wear a mask, it’s important. So long as you’re talking to your little one enough at home there really won’t be a problem, he will be absolutely fine. As pp’s have said he can still hear you.

How much time do you spend every day taking your baby to shops and on buses?

I genuinely don't understand the dislike for masks or the idea of it encroaching on civil liberties. They've been an absolute godsend for me.

OP, unless you and your baby are in a shop / on transport all day everyday I can't imagine you wearing a mask will delay his development.

@LawnFever not much time at all, it's simply not a way I want to live.

[quote SweetBabyCheeses99]The answer is that we don’t know yet if child development has been affected because it is an ongoing live experiment.
There has been some research though, as the area of the brain that uniquely recognises faces (the FFA) is only located in the right hemisphere. Before the age of two, the right side of the brain receives most of its info from the left side of your body, so the research is based on babies who had congenital cataract type eye conditions in one eye only.
The research was primarily used for people with prosopagnosia (that condition where people can’t tell faces apart) as well as autism, and it’s really fascinating:
brownstone.org/articles/the-damage-of-masking-children-could-be-irreparable/[/quote]
Not all research is created equal (and want you’ve quoted really isn’t research at all, rather an op Ed piece quoting some cherry picked evidence to be suggestive that masks cause harm and thus scaremonger parents into not complying with public health guidance.)

One thing to look at is the source of the info. Brownstone Institute’s About Us info tells you that they’re a non profit aimed at basically protecting civil liberties that the people who fund Brownstone feel are being eroded.

Taking him round the shops all day isn't great for development either!

Try playing with him at home, taking him to the park, going for walks, going swimming. Lots of opportunities for interaction and no masks needed.