1 year old COVID test tomorrow - tips please

[BalconiWaferAddict]

So my little one (12months) was sent home from nursery with a fever. Caregivers and I are fairly sure it’s teething (molar 1 cut last week) but are getting a COVID test tomorrow morning anyway.

Does anyone have any tips for swabbing a baby this young? How do I get their mouth open? How far should I insert it? Would rather not traumatise them if possible. So far I have pin down gently with octonauts on, lightly hold head and bribe with chocolate after (no judging - desperate times mean I’m pulling out the big guns).

It’s drive through so they’ll be strapped in their car seat, but they’re a stubborn one who hates being messed with. Both myself and my DH will be there.

It'll be both nostrils, not the throat.

Keep them strapped in the car seat and have one of you playing a video on your phone to distract. We've done it twice - it's not nice but it's over faster if one of you holds their head still while you swab. Then launch chocolate buttons and cuddles! It's over in seconds, but isn't nice. Good luck :)

Nostrils only. Very straightforward. Have a cartoon on your phone playing and chocolate as reward afterwards.

I tested my 14 month old using the postal kit. The instructions say both nostrils instead of tonsils is acceptable. I waited until he was breastfeeding to put the swab in, not sure if this is an option in a car though. Maybe distract with a youtube video?

Oh thank god re just nostrils - he clamps down even when getting his teeth done and I have to wrestle the toothbrush back 😂

@weepingwillow22 good shout re breastfeeding. Slightly worried he’ll bite (kid has alllllll the teeth) but I’ll give it a go.