Although COVID-19 has been reported to have a milder effect on younger ones, they certainly are not immune to the deadly virus. Here are tips for parenting during the coronavirus to ensure the child is safe from this disease that has been wreaking havoc worldwide. Now, more than ever, it is important to ensure that your kid is properly vaccinated against childhood illnesses and to also know the best time to bathe baby as you go through different daily events. Making sure your kids do not have any illness at all is paramount because a child who is already ill will find it difficult to recover if they contract COVID-19.
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Signs And Symptoms Of COVID-19
Like every other disease, the coronavirus has its signs and symptoms. This means that with proper evaluation you should have an indication of whether a person could have the coronavirus by knowing some of the symptoms of the infection. The symptoms resemble those of a person with a cold or the flu, although they can be differentiated. The signs include fever, cough, and the more commonly known difficulty in breathing. In some cases, it is accompanied by a sore throat. In some people, pneumonia is also observed. Be observant of any family members and if they display any of these symptoms have them seen by a medical professional right away.
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Asymptomatic Carriers
Asymptomatic coronavirus is a case where a person does not show signs or display symptoms caused the virus, yet they carry the virus and can infect others. This makes it even more dangerous than the symptomatic case because the person poses a threat of infecting people without anybody’s knowledge. On average it takes 5-6 days for symptoms of the coronavirus to show. However, some people are carriers for up to 14 days without displaying any illness. This is one of the reasons to keep your kids at home at all times. Observing the tips for parenting during the coronavirus, which include avoiding contact with outsiders will help reduce the risk of contraction. It is reported that 1 out of every 4 carriers could be asymptomatic.
Limiting Time With Other Children
When it comes to preventing the spread of the virus, social distancing is one of the best tips for parenting during the coronavirus that parents can observe. It has kept us from total collapse and has helped to extremely reduce the rate of the spread. Do not take your children to go play with other children, or accept unnecessary visitations. If you want to keep you and your kids safe, this is a sacrifice you need to make for the meantime. If they do come in contact with other kids then clean them up and sanitize using soap and water. Change their clothes right away and wash their face and hands.
Cloth Face Covering
Face masks have become a common commodity in the world today. Thousands have been donated in the fight against the virus. So what do they do? They prevent the droplets coughed out by an infected individual getting into the nostrils or mouths of a non-carrier. The results have shown that the rate of the spread of the virus significantly dropped when we compare times when masks were not used and when people started using masks more. If your kid is 2 years or older, you should consider getting them to wear a cloth face covering. However, this is not an alternative to social distancing but rather a complement.
Hand Hygiene
One of the main mediums the novel coronavirus is transmitted through is our hands. Not from hand to hand touch alone, but also when we touch recently contaminated surfaces. When a person infected with the virus coughs (or drops any sort of body fluids) on any surface and we come in contact with the same surfaces within a 15-minute interval we are most likely to contract the virus. This is even more so for children because they are the most likely to put their hands to their faces and mouths which is how the virus gets into the body. Therefore, parents must observe not just good, but excellent hand hygiene for their kids.
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Keep Children Healthy
Keep a close and observant eye on your kid for any signs of illness. If you observe any symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19, such as coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately. You need to ensure that you get them checked without delay if they display any signs of illness. Following the medical tips for parenting during the coronavirus on what to do if you are sick is also important in protecting your children. It isn’t just the coronavirus symptoms that need to be treated with urgency, the child’s health needs to be at its peak. The best time to bathe baby would be in the evening, after the day’s activities.
Role Modeling Tips For Parenting During The coronavirus
For parents with older kids who can wash their hands on their own and practice some of the preventive measures, role modeling tips for parenting during the coronavirus is a good addition. Children will naturally follow what a parent does instead of just what they are told to do. You need to show them that you are also invested in what you are teaching them. Unlike adults, kids may not fully grasp the importance of the preventive steps you teach them. Be a role model for your kids because they need that motivation and confirmation. They need it to know this isn’t just an unnecessary imposition being placed on them.
Cancel Non-Essential Travel Plans
One of the best tips for parenting during the coronavirus is to cancel all non-essential travel plans, even if they seem completely harmless. Perhaps you plan to move to another city for a short time – while being extra careful about getting the virus. You should consider a thorough revision of your travel plans. The world is not as it used to be, this is a fact that does not have to be stated at all. Canceling all non-essential travel plans will go a long way in preventing you and your kids from getting the virus. While adults may be able to conduct themselves better in public, one slip and a toddler will have contracted the virus.
Sick Family Members
There are cases where an immediate family member whom you live with may happen to fall sick. Although not necessarily with the coronavirus, it is important to practice adequate distancing while following the tips for parenting during the coronavirus. Ensure your kids do not go anywhere near ill family members to avoid them also falling ill. It is more important now than ever to ensure your kids are as healthy as they can be. Anything that threatens to jeopardize that must be dealt with strictly. If you are the sick one then you should have someone else take care of your child until you fully recover and can do it yourself.
Bathing
Normally you would only need to bathe your baby 2-3 times a week, but you might be asking how often should you bathe your baby now with the current need for extra hygiene. You need to ensure they are well bathed every day. How often should you bathe your baby? You don’t have to overdo it, bathing them once a day is enough to keep them clean and hygienic. If they go out (for any reason whatsoever) and have contact with people, you must take extra steps to get them cleaned up. Change their clothes and thoroughly wash their hands. Some of these tips for parenting during the coronavirus may stand in stark contrast with previous recommendations, but the virus necessitates them.
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