Challenges and silver linings in raising newborns amid pandemic

Lack of social support, hygiene worries among concerns; WFH allows parents to get more involved in raising kids

Ms Ruby Liang and Mr Derrick Sim with their three children - Ellie, 11 months old; Christian, four; and Noah, seven. The couple try to avoid taking the family to places visited by those with Covid-19. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RUBY LIANG
Mr Bryan Tan with his wife Adriana Lim Escano and their four children - (from left) Samuel, three months old; Deborah, five; Joshua, seven; and Michael, 11. Mr Tan said of the impact of the pandemic: ''It was harder for the rest of our family and friends to celebrate the arrival of our newborn. We missed that community involvement.'' ST PHOTO: MOHD KHALID BABA
Ms Ruby Liang and Mr Derrick Sim with their three children - Ellie, 11 months old; Christian, four; and Noah, seven. The couple try to avoid taking the family to places visited by those with Covid-19. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RUBY LIANG
Ms Haanusia Prithivi Raj.
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The birth of a child is usually a time for celebration, but the Covid-19 pandemic has presented parents of newborns with a new set of challenges.

A lack of social support, isolation at home and worries about hygiene are among the key concerns, said parents and experts.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 28, 2021, with the headline Challenges and silver linings in raising newborns amid pandemic. Subscribe