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Children, Youth and Families During COVID-19

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may have concerns about how COVID-19 might affect your health or your baby’s health. Parents may have questions about how to support their children while they are away from school, or parents may have concerns about children’s mental health. Children and youth may be anxious about the pandemic.

You and your child may wonder how the COVID-19 test is given. To help reduce anxiety and worry for children who must take the test, BC Children’s Hospital developed an informative video. You can watch as a Child Life Specialist shows how the test works and how children will feel when receiving it. Watch now to learn more about the COVID-19 test for children.  

Maternal and Infant Health

Pregnancy
There is no current evidence that suggests you are more likely to become infected with COVID-19 while pregnant. It is still important to practice physical distancing and careful hand washing. This is especially important if you might be at greater risk of becoming infected. If you are unsure if you are at greater risk, or have any questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. To learn more about pregnancy and COVID-19, see:

Infant Feeding
Breastfeeding is a good way to help protect your baby from becoming sick. Continue to breastfeed and hold your baby skin-to-skin often. Washing your hands often can help keep your baby from getting sick. To be extra safe, wear a mask when breastfeeding if you are feeling unwell. If you are using a breast pump, thoroughly wash all parts of your pump and feeding equipment each time. If you are supplementing or exclusively using formula, have enough formula on hand to last you two weeks.

To learn more about infant feeding during COVID-19, see:

Parenting During COVID-19

Parenting during the pandemic offers unique challenges. Children may be bored and miss friends. Most are no longer in childcare or school. You may have additional concerns about your children's physical and mental health.

Positive Parenting During a Pandemic
Children and youth may need extra support to cope with being away from friends and not being able to participate in their usual activities. Learn about how we can talk to children and youth about the pandemic.

Resources for Adolescents and their Parents
Learn about you can support your teen during the pandemic.

Promoting Mental Health for Children and Youth

Physical distancing requirements and isolation can affect mental health for children and youth. Find resources for supporting children.

Children with Special Health Needs

You may have additional concerns if your children have special health needs.

Safety

Learn more about preventing injuries during the pandemic.


Last updated: July 21, 2020

Is it an emergency?

If you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, it could be a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
If you are concerned about a possible poisoning or exposure to a toxic substance, call Poison Control now at 1-800-567-8911.

Thanks to our partners and endorsers:

Northern HealthBritish Columbia College of Family PhysiciansProvincial Health Services AuthorityVancouver Coastal HealthBritish Columbia Medical Association: Doctors of BCIsland HealthCollege of Pharmacists of British ColumbiaCollege of Physicians and Surgeons of British ColumbiaFraser Health AuthorityCollege of Dietitians of British ColumbiaInterior HealthCollege of Dental Surgeons of British ColumbiaBC Centre for Disease Control