5 Ways To Keep Your Family Safe as COVID-19 Restrictions Ease
Caring for a newborn is a challenge, even when we aren’t in the midst of a global pandemic. As the world eases up restrictions, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about our safety, especially as a new mom during coronavirus. Whether you’re heading back into the office, returning to a favorite local restaurant or making a grocery run, here are a few steps we recommend taking to minimize your family’s risk during this global pandemic.
1. Wear your face mask.
Whenever you venture further than your backyard, wear a mask. Not only will your mask protect you and your family, but it may also protect your neighbors. You never know, you could be asymptomatic and unknowingly carrying the virus. Ask anyone who is visiting your family—especially if they’re visiting indoors—to wear a mask as well. Whenever you return home, throw your face masks into the wash with a mild detergent. We recommend keeping two masks in rotation for each of your family members, so there’s always a clean one on hand.
And remember, according to the CDC, children under age two should not wear a mask.
2. Keep hand sanitizer handy.
Bring hand sanitizer with you in your stroller, bag or glove compartment so you’re protected 100% of the time. We recommend keeping a few bottles on hand—maybe you have a smaller bottle that travels with you and a larger pump bottle that stays by your door for when you come home. Hand sanitizer is already a useful tool for any mom with a newborn, but it’s indispensable if you’re a new mom during this pandemic. Especially if you have older children prone to running off and touching everything in sight, hand sanitizer is a great way to keep hands virus-free when there’s no sink available. Be sure to use a hand sanitizer that’s at least 70% alcohol to reap maximum virus-killing benefits. Pick up a 75% alcohol hand sanitizer spray here.
3. Continue to social distance—especially around the baby.
Even as the United States reopens, social distancing should remain a part of your everyday life. If you’re seeing a small circle of family and friends outdoors to preserve your sanity, make sure you’re keeping a full six feet of distance, especially if you’re holding the baby. In the best of circumstances, it’s nerve-wracking to see family and friends reach out to touch your new baby who still has a very new immune system. Factor in a global pandemic, and it’s more than reasonable to insist on a parents-only policy around holding the baby. Your friends and family will understand. However, socially distant doesn’t have to mean emotionally distant. Lean on your support network via virtual wine nights, birthday car parades and hellos from the doorway. You don’t have to do this alone.
4. Maintain small groups.
Limit the people you’re seeing to a closed circle to minimize risk. If you’re making the call on seeing someone for the first time since quarantine started, be honest with each other about how many other people you’ve been seeing. Has your prospective guest been visiting public spaces regularly? Do they live with or care for someone who might be at high risk? These could be reasons to reconsider the visit. Seeing a small group of people—and only a few at a time—will help to reduce your risk of exposure. Besides, you can always hop on a Zoom call. If you haven’t tried the “Fix My Appearance” feature yet, prepare to be amazed.
5. Ask visitors not to make stops first.
When close friends and family do pay you outdoor visits, ask them to come directly to your house—no stopping at the grocery store first. You can pledge to do the same. This way, you’re unlikely to track germs from public indoor spaces to your loved ones’ houses. Especially if you or your guests have those aforementioned little ones who love to explore the world through touch, making direct trips is a sure way to decrease risk.
