Wear cloth face masks in public.

Wear cloth face masks in public.

People can spread the coronavirus even when they don’t have symptoms or before symptoms start. To slow the spread, the CDC says everyone over the age of 2 should wear a cloth face mask when they’re in a public place like a store or pharmacy, especially in areas with lots of COVID-19 cases. Fit is important, so make or buy masks that are sized for small faces. Try on masks at home so children have time to get used to them. Kids may be more likely to want to wear masks if they help make or decorate them. Make sure your child doesn’t touch the mask while wearing it. Remove it carefully, and wash it after each use.

Take care if you get sick. A new mom who tests positive for COVID-19 or thinks she could have it might choose to temporarily stay away from her baby in order to lower the chances of spreading the virus. Talk about the pros and cons with your medical team. If you go this route and still want to breastfeed, you can pump breast milk and have a healthy caregiver feed your child. If you might be sick but don’t want to separate from your baby, take extra steps to avoid spreading the virus. Wash your hands often, and wear a face mask when you’re 6 feet away or closer, including when nursing.

What to Do if Your Child Gets Sick With COVID-19

If your child has symptoms that you think might be COVID-19, call a doctor. They can tell you what to do and whether the doctor needs to see your child in person. Don’t just show up at the doctor’s office -- call first.

In the unlikely event that your child has COVID-19, they’ll likely stay at home to recover. There’s no specific treatment for the virus. Your child should rest and drink plenty of fluids. Talk to your doctor before giving your child an over-the-counter pain reliever that’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. There have been some concerns that it may worsen the disease, but that, too, isn’t certain. Acetaminophen may be a safer option.