Do I need to test my toddler?

[confused88888]

I have Covid (currently on day 6 of isolation) and DH is on day 1. Our toddler (18 months) isn’t showing any symptoms - so should I order them a PCR or not? We don’t have any childcare so there’s no issue from that POV. Thanks.

No, I wouldnt. I found the whole experience of testing my youngster traumatic. I would only test if they have symptoms now.

There is no point because they’re going to have to isolate with you anyway aren’t they?

I would, because once they develop symtoms they will have to isolate for ten days as well. So if they are going to get it and going to have to isolate, I would want to catch the positive as quickly as possible to shorten the isolation period.

No! I wouldn't in those circumstances.

I would be testing them before they go anywhere as they will have been in very close contact and could be asymptomatic. Also as mentioned above the sooner you get a positive the shorter their isolation will be.

If you do choose to test, I recommend ordering a home test and swabbing while they're sleeping. It's the only way I've been able to test my 18 month old DD!

No. Obviously just keep them home with you. Save the trauma of testing for when they actually have symptoms.

Thanks for the replies. I only have 4 more days of isolation to go - without testing, how will I know that my toddler is safe to go out and hasn’t got asymptomatic Covid?

Are you in England?

In wales there is no need to test under 5s even if they have symptoms. And they arent required to isolate either.

But you never know that your toddler hasn't got asymptomatic Covid. Unless, I suppose, you never take him/her out to where other people are at all.

Surely the question is do you think it reasonable to stick a swab up your toddler's nose? Once or twice? Occasionally? Regularly?

But you never know that your toddler hasn't got asymptomatic Covid. Unless, I suppose, you never take him/her out to where other people are at all.

@amicissimma true, but there’s a higher chance of them having it at the moment, because me and DH have both got it.