Key takeaways: Most babies with COVID-19 have mild illness, but babies under 6 months have higher rates of hospitalization than many older children. Watch for fever, poor feeding, and breathing trouble. COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy passes antibodies to babies. The AAP recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children 6 to 23 months. Recommendations have been changing, so ask your pediatrician.
COVID-19 is now one of many respiratory viruses babies may catch. Here’s what parents should know.
Signs in Babies
- Fever.
- Cough and congestion.
- Poor feeding.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Fussiness or unusual sleepiness.
- Trouble breathing.
Symptoms are often like a cold. Testing can confirm COVID-19.
Who’s at Higher Risk
- Babies under 6 months.
- Babies born preterm.
- Babies with certain medical conditions.
Caring for a Sick Baby
- Keep feeding breast milk or formula.
- Saline and suction for congestion.
- Fever relief as advised by your doctor.
- Watch breathing and wet diapers.
From the author
From First Breath to First Birthday is my month-by-month guide to your baby’s first year, written as a NICU and postpartum nurse. My book covers common first-year illnesses and the warning signs that mean it’s time to call the doctor, explained the way I’d explain them at the bedside.
If You Have COVID-19
- Keep breastfeeding. The CDC and AAP support continuing.
- Wash your hands and consider wearing a mask when caring for your baby.
Prevention
- COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy helps protect young babies through antibodies.
- Vaccination for babies: the AAP’s current schedule recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children 6 to 23 months. Federal recommendations and AAP recommendations have differed in recent years, so talk with your pediatrician about what’s right for your baby.
- Handwashing, avoiding sick contacts, and good ventilation.
MIS-C
Rarely, children develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) weeks after infection, with fever and other symptoms. It needs immediate care.
Seek medical care right away if your baby: is under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, has trouble breathing, has blue or gray lips, can’t feed, has fewer wet diapers, or is very sleepy. Call 911 for severe breathing trouble.
The Bottom Line
Most babies have mild COVID-19, but young babies are at higher risk. Vaccination during pregnancy and following your pediatrician’s advice can help protect your baby.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Related Articles
- Flu in Babies: Prevention and Warning Signs
- Breastfeeding When You’re Sick
- RSV in Babies: Prevention, Symptoms, and When to Go to the ER
- Bronchiolitis: What Parents Need to Know
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule. https://www.aap.org/immunizations
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19: children and teens. https://www.cdc.gov/covid
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. COVID-19 vaccination considerations for obstetric-gynecologic care. https://www.acog.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
