Bringing Home a Newborn During the COVID Pandemic

A new baby is supposed to bring families together in celebration. Navigating this stage during a pandemic has been more nerve-racking for some new parents. Below are some recommendations to consider, which may ease your mind and optimize the safety of visits with loved ones:

Get vaccinated/boosted, and encourage eligible loved ones to do the same. Nearly every newborn case of COVID-19 we have seen derived from exposure to a parent, sibling or other loved one who had COVID-19. Herd immunity is powerful and our best weapon against infection in this medically fragile age group.

Limit the visitors who see your baby.

Consider having visitors do an at-home COVID-19 test prior arrival.

Reschedule visits with individuals who have any symptoms of illness.

Visitors must wash their hands before touching and holding the baby.

Consider having visitors wear a mask while holding the baby, or while they are around the new family.

Children under 2 should not wear face masks, nor face shields.

Keep your home well-ventilated, and try and maintain 6 feet of spacing when possible.

If your baby will be attending daycare, be sure to ask about their guidelines and rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Make sure your visitors have had their regular vaccinations: a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) for any adult (once), and an updated flu vaccine.

We also recommend checking this CDC page for the most recently updated guidelines, which includes topics like how to care for your newborn at home if you test positive for or have been diagnosed with COVID-19.