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If you’ve been paying attention at all (heck even if you’re trying to ignore it), it’s apparent that there is a COVID-19 surge going on across the country. The cooler weather is conducive to the spread and holiday gatherings haven’t helped to stall numbers anywhere. As vaccines are starting to be distributed across the country, we still need to remain vigilant and many moms are wondering what the safest course of action is. Simply put, we all want to know how to go out with kids safely.
We’ve been in lockdown for an extended period of time, but the holiday season is usually one of the busiest times of the year. Most of us want to end the year with a semblance of moving back to normalcy in getting things done and enjoying outdoor activities.
But there is still cause for concern. “Now that the COVID vaccine is here and being rolled out nationally, people are likely to become more lax in washing their hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing,” Peter Bailey, M.D. told Mom.com.
What can you do to keep your kids safe?
Holiday safety tips 2020: How to keep kids safe when leaving the house
The winter months are usually filled with a ton of activities. While it can be safer to keep everyone home, there are some ways to safely head out this holiday season.
Use hand sanitizer
Take hand sanitizer with you when leaving the house. Use it frequently, especially if you will come in contact with doorknobs or objects other people may touch. Make sure you have enough for you and the kids and use it frequently to prevent carrying the virus home with you.
Don’t let the kids touch everything
If you are outdoors, this might be limiting what kids can play on at a park. And while we don’t recommend that you go to the store with kids this holiday season, if you have to, don’t let them run their hands along items on the aisles. Develop a hands-to-yourself policy for everyone’s safety.
Limit outings to your own household
We get it, everyone has been cooped up all year but this is not be the time to meet friends for a playdate. It can be especially hard for kids to keep social distancing when the excitement of playing with a friend is at hand. Keep activities and outings with only those in your household.
Use masks
At this point, we should all be wearing masks and expecting others to do so. While the American Academy of Pediatrics states that kids under 2 years old should not wear masks, everyone else should. Of course, if you plan on being in open space where there is no one else around, you can put it away, but if you start to encounter people, have everyone mask up.
Tips for taking a drive with kids
Even if you are doing a great job with keeping everyone home, for the most part you might want to take a drive as a family to get out, see holiday lights, and enjoy the winter landscape. When taking kids out for a drive during the coronavirus surge, you’ll want to make sure everyone stays safe.
Plan the trip
If you plan on being in the car for an extended period of time, plan ahead. This means knowing more than just where you’re going. Plan rest stops so you can be as safe as possible by avoiding crowds and potentially contaminated areas.
Dress appropriately
We’re in the middle of winter and its common to have those heavy jackets on. But if you’re putting the heat on in the car, make sure to take the kiddos' jackets off while you drive. This will prevent them from overheating. It’s also important to make sure there is no risk of slipping out of the car seat harness in an accident.
Get a car tune up
When the pandemic first hit, I deferred getting my car’s oil change because I didn’t want to be at the dealership. But don’t put something like this off too long. You don’t want to risk getting stuck on the side of the road during the pandemic and having to deal with tow trucks and repair shops. Plan ahead and get that service.
Wear masks in drive-thrus
If you stop to grab a quick bite to eat, make sure to wear your mask in the drive-thru. By using the drive-thru, you limit the amount of contact you have with others, and by wearing a mask, you help reduce exposure when paying and grabbing your food.
Having trouble keeping a mask on your kid? Here’s a tip sent to us by Tiphany Janik, who is mom to a 3-year-old boy. “Spending a couple of dollars more on a mask that your child can get excited about (i.e. Star Wars or dinosaur related) is worth it if they struggle with wearing one.”
How to put together a COVID kit for your car
Don’t get stuck on the road unprepared. Build a COVID kit for your care to make sure you have the essentials needed to keep your family safe while out and about enjoying winter activities. Put together this easy-to-make kit COVID-19 car kit that has essential items in the event that you find yourself in need.
These items include:
- Latex gloves
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant spray
- Masks
- Disinfectant wipes
- Goggles
Have enough for the entire family just in case someone forgets a mask or you need to clean something at a rest stop. These supplies are a smart addition to your travel first aid kit, even when we're not in a pandemic.
