Newborn baby and Covid risks

Sb2012 · 2020-09-24T19:48:39+00:00

What’s the risk to newborns. How dangerous is Covid 19 for them? I know it’s relatively mild in primary age kids but what about babies? Anyone know what the data says about risks to babies? I have 2 primary school kids who always bring bugs home. They adore their new born sibling and I know it will be hard keeping them away. How are other mums or dads with newborns coping with this situation? Even if my older kids stay away from baby but pass it to me, I’m with my baby 24/7 so I’m assuming whatever I get baby will also get. Feeling very anxious for my baby at the moment.

RoseGoldEagle · 25/09/2020 18:43

Hi OP, sorry I can’t really help but I’m due a baby any day (and also have two older ones) and am worried about exactly the same thing. DH can’t work at home and mixed with a lot of people- obviously following guidelines but it’s still a risk, the older two are in nursery 2 days a week (which is my choice or course, I could pull them out, but I will really struggle with 3 under 4s every day without a break. Midwives have said the risk to newborns if they catch up isn’t high as long as they’re healthy but it’s hard not to worry.

Jrobhatch29 · 25/09/2020 18:53

Hi, my baby is 5 months now but I understand your worry.

This study in the uk looked at hospitalised children. They found babies under one month had a higher risk of critical illness but when you read it says they were very premature. It also says that the babies might have been in NICU anyway because of being premature and not necessarily because of covid. They had serious underlying conditions too. There doesn't appear to be a particular risk to newborns or infants.
It says they are hospitalised at slightly higher rates to primary age children but this may be due to a lower threshold for admitting babies.

www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3249

Congratulations on your baby. I have two older kids too who are constantly in the babies face!!

123456kent · 25/09/2020 19:57

I have a 5 month old and a nearly 3 year old in nursery. I can’t allow myself to go to the ‘should I be letting older one near younger one’ place as I really feel that is no way to live life. Some things can be avoided, that is not one of them. I would clearly be devasted if either or both were to get ill but for me, trying to prevent it by keeping them apart is not an option.

Jrobhatch29 · 25/09/2020 20:15

@123456kent

I have a 5 month old and a nearly 3 year old in nursery. I can’t allow myself to go to the ‘should I be letting older one near younger one’ place as I really feel that is no way to live life. Some things can be avoided, that is not one of them. I would clearly be devasted if either or both were to get ill but for me, trying to prevent it by keeping them apart is not an option.

I completely agree with that. My boys adore their baby sister and I don't want to ruin that special bond by constantly saying keep away from the baby!

Original poster

Sb2012 · 25/09/2020 23:24

Aww bless my boys are exactly the same with their baby sister. She’s only 3 months old and the love of their lives and I really don’t want to have to limit their contact with her. However, she was a little premature and I always worry how her underdeveloped immune system would deal with a virus such as this. ☹️

OP posts:

Original poster

Sb2012 · 25/09/2020 23:27

@Jrobhatch29

Hi, my baby is 5 months now but I understand your worry.

This study in the uk looked at hospitalised children. They found babies under one month had a higher risk of critical illness but when you read it says they were very premature. It also says that the babies might have been in NICU anyway because of being premature and not necessarily because of covid. They had serious underlying conditions too. There doesn't appear to be a particular risk to newborns or infants.
It says they are hospitalised at slightly higher rates to primary age children but this may be due to a lower threshold for admitting babies.

www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3249

Congratulations on your baby. I have two older kids too who are constantly in the babies face!!

Thanks for this. It’s reassuring to know baby is 3.5 months old and was a little premature (33weeks) however she seems to be catching up. I remember when we were discharged from hospital the consultant looking after her repeatedly told me that risks to babies is very low. I’m just worried as that was early June and not much was known about the virus back then and guidance is always changing.

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