April 05, 2021
Article by Chaa Yen from ForFunk (Mummy Lifestyle Blogger).
How's everybody? I am ChaaYen from ForFunk.
I hope everyone is surviving the pandemic well. For those with little ones, I hope they ain't driving you too crazy. I have to admit it was initially quite tough entertaining my infant (less than 6 months old still) indoors. Because of COVID-19, we have been keeping our child indoors for a long time.
But...we soon realized this was a terrible decision. During my child’s first ride on public transport, he didn't take it too well.
This was when we realized that it was important to expose the child slowly to the outdoors. We can't possibly coop him indoors forever like Rapunzel. One day, the pandemic will pass, and he will have to be integrated into the bigger world.
It was important to stay safe, but we definitely did not want to overdo it! Here are some of the precautions we took while we were out having some nice fun.
Baby Face Shields: A Pandemic Must-Have?
If your baby isn’t fussy and doesn’t mind having something in front of their face, a face shield would be good. Especially during the pandemic, this extra layer of protection can be useful in crowded or enclosed spaces.
However, one downside is that babies' heads grow quickly, and depending on the design, some face shields—especially the two-piece types—can be quite difficult to put on.
Wet Wipes & Sanitizer: Your Pandemic Sidekicks
Wet wipes and sanitizers are a must. During this pandemic, do try to touch as few things as possible. Always sanitize your hands before touching your child. If you have a curious little one at hand who loves using their sense of touch, do remember to wipe their hands before they put them into their mouths.
Face Masks for Older Kids
During the pandemic, mask-wearing has become mandatory in many places, including Singapore. Children above 6 years old are required to wear a face mask.
If you are an environmentally friendly parent or are into cute designs, you might want to consider reusables. Just at SGD 5.90 (MYR 15.90/USD 4.90), you can get a cute one from Cheekaaboo. It's 100% cotton and has an in-built pocket insert for the carbon filter that protects the child from harmful particles below 0.3 microns. This includes dust, exhaust gas, and even pet fur. You still have to change the carbon filter once a week, as it cannot be washed.
Finding Balance in a Pandemic-Driven World
While the pandemic has certainly changed the way we live and parent, it’s all about balance. Stay safe, but don’t go overboard. Slowly reintroduce your little ones to the outside world while maintaining the necessary precautions.
Curious how to turn a tricky topic into a teachable moment? Check out 4 Fun Learning Activities to Teach Your Kids About Coronavirus and make learning about the pandemic engaging and age-appropriate!
