The nation's top health officials say putting masks on toddlers and infants during the COVID-19 pandemic will cause more harm than good. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says infants and toddlers under the age of 2 should not be wearing masks because they have small airways and aren't strong enough to change positions if they can't breathe. Local doctors are echoing that suggestion. “Newborns and infants should not wear a mask,” says Dr. Donald Beno, pediatrician at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay. “Infants can accidentally suffocate since some masks can present a choking or strangulation hazard. If the mask causes difficulty breathing, and/or the mask prompts the child to touch his or her face frequently, these should be cautioned.” Here are some tips for parents with infants: Keep new babies out of public settings; practice social distancing in all interactions Only introduce a new baby to symptom-free family members wearing a mask and who have washed their hands for 20 seconds Use FaceTime or video calls to interact with family and friends. Disinfect countertops, light switches and door handles often. Make sure siblings wash their hands appropriately and discourage any touching of the baby’s face If you need to go out, place a blanket loosely over your baby’s car seat or stroller – but NEVER over the baby.
