Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time and many parents are eager to share their little one with extended family. However, our world is still in the middle of a global pandemic and extra precautions are encouraged to protect newborns.
“A newborn’s immune system takes two to three months to mature,” said Robert Michael, MD, a pediatrician with Samaritan Lebanon Health Center. “While exposure to certain germs and viruses help build an infant’s immune system, we don’t yet know enough about COVID‑19 and it is best to avoid potential exposure.”
Follow these practices to help protect your baby against the virus:
- Limit contact only to those who live in the same household. Offer to show baby through the window or during an online video session.
- Anyone handling baby should wash their hands frequently.
- Wear a face covering when you need to go out and are unable to maintain social distancing.
- Keep baby at home as much as possible. While you must attend doctor appointments, avoid public places like the grocery store. Have family members shop for you or take advantage of online shopping and grocery pickup.
- Frequently clean and sanitize high‑touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops.
- Call your pediatrician if baby starts to show any signs of illness.
Robert Michael, MD, is accepting new patients at Samaritan Lebanon Health Center. He can be reached at 541-451-6282.