CDC warns parents not to put masks on babies during coronavirus pandemic because it may suffocate them
- Experts say infants have such small airways that a mask could do them harm
- Babies are also unable to reposition the masks if they obstruct their breathing
- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has told New Yorkers that they must wear masks in public
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
The CDC has warned parents not to put face masks on babies during the coronavirus pandemic as it may suffocate them.
While the wider public have been advised to wear a mask or face covering when they go out in order to prevent the infection spreading, pediatricians say it may be harmful for babies.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said infants have such small airways that a mask could do more harm than good and doctors have warned of suffocation.
‘No child under the age of two should ever wear a mask due to the risk of accidental suffocation,’ said Dr. Mike Cappello, a neonatologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital Park Ridge in Illinois told Fox 5 News.
Experts including Dr. Mike Cappello, a neonatologist at Advocate Children’s Hospital Park Ridge (pictured), have warned parents not to put face masks on babies during the coronavirus pandemic as it may suffocate them
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said infants have such small airways that a mask could do more harm than good and doctors have warned of suffocation. Pictured: a company selling masks for babies on Amazon
‘Children that are that young have very small airways and they lack the strength and wherewithal to reposition themselves if there was an obstruction from the mask.
‘The size of the airway and the risk for limiting oxygen delivery to their lungs and organs would be very significant.’
On the CDC website it says: ‘Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.’
Amazon searches reveal several companies selling masks that are supposedly specially made to fit the size of a baby.
Advice adds that if you have to go out you should place a blanket loosely over the car seat or carrier but never over the baby.
Yesterday Gov. Andrew Cuomo told all New Yorkers that they must wear faces masks in public.
The new outbreak-fighting mandate will require a mask or face covering on busy streets, subways, buses or any situation where people cannot maintain six feet of social distancing.
Advice adds that if you have to go out you should place a blanket loosely over the car seat or carrier but never over the baby
The promised executive order from Cuomo echoes recommendations from the CDC that list it as a way to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The order takes effect Friday, the governor said, and either a mask or a cloth covering such as a bandanna will work.
‘Stopping the spread is everything. How can you not wear a mask when you’re going to come close to a person?’ Cuomo said at his daily briefing. ‘On what theory would you not do that?’
The governor said there will initially be no civil penalties for noncompliance, but he’s urging merchants to enforce it among customers.