Parents often worry when their baby is unwell. Understanding the typical symptoms and appropriate care measures for COVID-19 can provide reassurance and help parents respond effectively if their little one contracts the virus.
Identifying Symptoms in Infants
COVID-19 symptoms in babies can resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, making identification challenging. Common signs often include fever and a cough, which might even present as a barking cough similar to croup. Infants may also experience a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can also occur, though these are less common. Some infants might show changes in behavior, such as increased fussiness, altered feeding patterns, or sleeping more or less than usual. Babies under one year old are at a higher risk for serious illness.
Managing Mild Cases at Home
For mild COVID-19 symptoms, home care focuses on comfort and symptom relief. Ensuring adequate hydration is important, so offer fluids frequently. If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so.
Fever management involves using medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for babies over 12 weeks old, if the fever is over 102°F (38.8°C) or is causing discomfort. Always consult a pediatrician for dosing, especially for infants under 12 weeks. Nasal saline drops and a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can help clear congestion, making it easier for the baby to breathe, feed, and sleep. Apply saline to loosen mucus, then gently suction it out, limiting suctioning to no more than four times a day to avoid irritation.
Knowing When to Contact a Doctor
Certain signs indicate a need for immediate medical attention for a baby with COVID-19. Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom, which may manifest as rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute for newborns), nasal flaring, grunting sounds, or chest retractions where the skin pulls in around the ribs and collarbone with each breath. Bluish lips or face, new confusion, or an inability to wake up are also severe warning signs.
Signs of dehydration, such as a sunken soft spot on the head, sunken eyes, crying with few or no tears, or fewer than six wet diapers per day, warrant a call to the doctor. For infants under 12 weeks, any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher requires immediate medical consultation. If symptoms worsen after an initial improvement, or if you notice severe abdominal pain, a rash, or bloodshot eyes, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Protecting Your Baby from Infection
Preventing infection is important, especially for infants who cannot yet be vaccinated. Good hand hygiene is foundational; frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before handling your baby or preparing food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Ensuring household members are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, if eligible, helps create a protective environment around the infant. Limiting exposure to sick individuals and avoiding crowded indoor spaces can further reduce risk. Improving indoor ventilation by opening windows, using fans, or utilizing air purifiers can help reduce airborne virus particles. If a caregiver is sick, wearing a mask around the baby can also offer protection.