UK’s COVID Lockdown Babies Experiencing ‘Ongoing’ Negative Impacts: Report

Playground equipment is taped off to prevent use during the COVID-19 pandemic at Brambles Primary Academy in Huddersfield, northern England, on June 4, 2020. Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns on babies’ language and social skills are still “ongoing,” according to a report published on Wednesday.

The report (pdf), published by the Institute of Health Visiting and charity alliance First 1001 Days Movement, includes a review of relevant reports, research, and national data, and the results of a new UK-wide survey taken between July and early September of 555 professionals and volunteers who work with babies and their families.