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COVID Babies – Impacts of Quarantine on Development


Written on January 27, 2023

The Global Pandemic of 2020 has left its mark on our lives in a variety of ways. It has changed the way we shop, the way we work, and even the way we learn. The lives of our kiddos have also been changed, especially for our “COVID Babies.” Babies born just before, during, or shortly after the global pandemic do not know anything different than the lives we live now. 

So how has this new “normal” affected the way they learn and grow? Has it even affected them at all? Here’s what the latest research shows: “COVID Babies” were less likely to “wave” to greet others, point/use gestures, and say their first words prior to their first birthdays. 

So, how can we support these “COVID Babies” and make sure they are on the right track? Meaningful play and reading together can be great ways to work on development. Exposing your child to as many different experiences as possible can create new environments for them to learn. It doesn’t have to be big and expensive. Something as simple as packing a snack and heading to the park can create new and unique learning opportunities for your little one. Click HERE  for a list of more ideas. 

If you have concerns about your kiddos development, click HERE for a link to our milestones page resources or schedule a free screening with one of our skilled therapists at BDI Playhouse. It’s never too early to make sure your little one has the skills needed to grow!

REFERENCES

Byrne, S., Sledge, H., Franklin, R., Boland, F., Murray, D. M., & Hourihane, J. (2022). Social communication skill attainment in babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic: A birth cohort study. Archives of Disease in Childhood. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2021-323441 

Emily Francis, M.S. CCC-SLP