Table 2.

Recommendations for face mask communicative practice with babies, infants and children.

Babies •Talk to the baby through the mask. •Try to keep mask wearing to a minimum. •When not wearing a mask, maximise the facial interaction between mother / father / caregiver and baby. •Find and implement alternative ways to communicate and connect during mask wearing- for example; mothersshould be provided with clear face masks or clear face shields to ensure that bonding and attachment are not disrupted, and the baby’s attempts to learn to read faces are not thwarted. •For long-term babies in the neonatal unit (such as those who require complex surgical procedures), and for those babies whose family does not visit regularly, clear face masks would be recommended for a team of nurses caring for these babies. It is understood that these masks are more expensive than the regular masks worn by staff, therefore there will be an attempt to limit their use.

Infants and children •As above, plus … … •Let children see the mask and then put it on the face. Explain to children that the mask will be worn while outside which helps them anticipate. •Play peek-a-boo with the mask on and then away, revealing a smile so that they know the parent is still smiling under the mask. •Help the child learn from looking at the eyes and eyebrows to understand the expression and feeling.