Testing for babies?

[babyin2020]

Has anyone tested their baby? I have a 4 month old who has developed quite a bad cough enough for me to feel it's reasonable to get a test.

My question is has anyone tested their baby and how did you do it, I don't see a baby being able to do the throat swab so is it just the nostril?

Any help would be great :)

Yes, just for little children you can do both nostrils rather than one throat and one nostril - it's a bit less accurate in theory than doing throat + nasal swabs, but in practice I can't see how it would be physically possible to do a throat swab without it touching all the other bits of their mouth, which they also say makes it less accurate, so two nasal swabs seems to be the way to go! There are instructions for under-5s here: www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-07/Testing-under-5s-Instructions.pdf

I've only done it on a 2 year old, not a baby - it isn't very nice but he did get over it quickly afterwards each time (he's had to have three tests since August). With a four month old you don't have to worry so much about them making an escape during, but I might still recommend doing it while they're in a car seat - it was much easier with my toddler as it gives you both hands free. Obviously get them straight out for a cuddle afterwards once you've sealed the swab! I would probably also have a feed ready for a baby of that age afterwards, since the toddler option of giving chocolate buttons isn't appropriate! Good luck, hopefully it won't be too upsetting for you or little one.

Thank you so much, I managed to get it done so fingers crossed now :)

Oh well done - hope it wasn't too bad for either of you and that you get the results quickly

My poor baby has been tested 7 times since the summer. He hates it but it’s over quickly and he’s fine again 2 mins later.

I keep him in his car seat, hold him still with one arm/hand and swab with the other hand. Nostrils only.

The worst bit was having to climb into the back seat to do it!! Not allowed to leave the car so can’t use the doors, I have a little car and I’m quite big! Very awkward manoeuvre.