We are still learning how COVID-19 affects babies. Research shows
that compared with adults, symptoms of COVID-19 are less severe in babies and
children. But some data shows that babies age 1 and under are at higher risk of
serious illness with COVID-19 than older children. This may be because:
- A baby’s immune system is still developing. Your
immune system protects your body from infection. - Babies have smaller airways for breathing, so they
may be more likely to have breathing problems with a respiratory virus like
COVID-19.
Babies who have other medical conditions or who are premature may be more likely to have serious illness from COVID-19. A premature baby is a baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
How common is COVID-19 in babies?
COVID-19 in babies seems to be uncommon. A July report from
the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association
shows that less than 1 in 10 COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are in babies and
children. Fewer than 9 percent of these babies and children with COVID-19
needed hospitalization.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in babies?
We are
still learning about symptoms of COVID-19 in babies. Many babies with COVID-19
have no symptoms or mild symptoms. When symptoms happen, they may include:
- Fever
- Lack
of activity - Runny
nose - Cough
- Rapid
breathing or breathing problems - Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Feeding
issues
How do babies get COVID-19?
It’s not clear whether a pregnant woman with
COVID-19 can transmit the virus to her baby. Early research suggested that
babies born to mothers who were infected with the virus did not test positive
for COVID-19. But more recent data published in the Journal of American
Medical Association (JAMA) and other journals suggests that transmission
during pregnancy may be possible.
After birth, a newborn can get COVID-19 by being in close
contact with an infected person. This includes the baby’s mom or other
caregivers.
What should you do if your baby has COVID-19 symptoms?
If your baby has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been around
someone with COVID-19, call her health care provider right away. Get
emergency medical care if your baby:
- Seems confused or won’t wake up
- Looks blue around the nose, lips or on the skin
- Has trouble breathing
- Can’t keep liquids down
How
can you protect your baby from COVID-19?
Here are some steps to help protect your baby from infections
like COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often.
- Clean and disinfect objects you touch regularly.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Practice social distancing. This means staying
home when you can, and keeping at least 6 feet distance from others. - When you’re around others, wear a cloth face
cover or a facemask over your nose and mouth. Babies and children age 2 should
not wear a face mask. - Keep up with your baby’s well visits and vaccines. This is an
important part of protecting your baby’s health. - Talk to your health care provider about how to keep your baby
healthy during the pandemic.
Breast milk also can protect your baby from infections and illness. Breast milk contains antibodies, which are cells in the body that fight off infection. In general, breastfed babies have fewer health problems than babies who don’t breastfeed. Learn more about COVID-19.
