Covid test on baby

[Namechngeforthis]

Would you allow a PCR test to be done on an 11 month old? (No close contact with a positive case and no symptoms but it’s been requested)

She has had a negative lateral flow at home done by me and was very very distressed

Yabu- just do the test
Yanbu- I wouldn’t allow it

@ladycarlotta

What? At last count I've taken my child for 11 PCR tests since Covid hit right as she turned one. I do them at walk-in centres usually so I do them myself. Even the drive-through ones we generally had to do it ourself in the car. Honestly, it's fine. They only ask you swab the nose. It's not pleasant but it's fine, and they do forget quickly. I think you're being U to think that this is a huge traumatising deal.

It may be fine for your child but that doesn't mean it's fine for all parents and that doesn't mean those parents are being precious. We can get on with it and do it we have to but depending on your particular child it can absolutely be traumatic. More so for the parents than the children long-term, though my child does still fairly regularly mention the swab and not wanting to ever do one again

Children under 12 years you do yourself. They provide you with a test and park up. The guy I had told me not to even try the throat and just do nose (not too far up, only til it tickles), 3yo wasn't happy, but I alternated between nostrils a few times, definitely wasn't 15 second.

You won't be able to get a PCR test anyway just because the nursery wants one. Just tell the nursery that you rang 111 and relayed the circumstances and they said no.

For all those saying you can't just get a PCR you can in some local authorities. My DD has just finished self isolating as a close contact and the letter we had from our local authority (was a school nursery bubble) advised us to get a PCD test one day 3-5 of contact, so it may be possible to have a PCR for this. Madness if they weren't a contact though.

If I could manage to keep them off nursery then no way would I test. I'm guessing most people cannot have their kids offnfor 10 days

A medical reason, yes. Otherwise no.

I honestly would just keep my baby off but it obviously depends on your family set up. I have a 6 and 3 year old and haven’t ever had to test them, me and DH have only recently had to do our first tests and mine was only because I was going for an operation. I hear of so many people doing so many tests!!

You can't actually book a PCR test for her unless she has symptoms.

Presumably she doesn't have symptoms if you did the lateral flow test?

I've done three pcr tests on DD, the first when she had just turned 1 and then another a month later (this one was positive) and then another when she was 18 months. You do it yourself, just the nose. It's easier at a drive in centre as they're in their car seat and that helps. Be warned that you have to already be in the back seat as you aren't allowed to get out the car so you need someone else to drive you. Or do a home test

I would do the test btw - if it helps the nursery staff feel safe I would definitely do what I could to help and keep them safe

Just one of your comments - my toddler is in nursery and we have had to do a few tests and never have we been told to do the throat swab. Only ever the nose.

Also - once at a test centre it was suggested that I take it on my babies behalf- just saying

Absolutely not.