As children born in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic reach kindergarten age, parents and healthcare professionals are watching closely for potential long-term effects on development. The cohort, often referred to as “pandemic babies,” includes about 3.5 million children born in the United States between March 2020 and 2021.
“These were the children who were born in the time of lockdowns, and therefore were less exposed to interactions with adults and peers, had lower preschool attendance, and in some instances saw their screen time increase by nearly two hours every day,” said Joe Aracri, DO, Chair of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Pediatric Institute.
Many of these children missed out on traditional pre-school or daycare experiences due to pandemic restrictions. According to Dr. Aracri, this has led to noticeable social delays among some children. He also noted that even those with more social exposure may have been affected by increased stress and isolation during that period.
“As a result, we have seen some emotional and developmental challenges in this age group,” Dr. Aracri said. “We strongly encourage our families to work alongside our skilled pediatricians and clinicians through these fundamental years to ensure that their health and development milestones are being met.”
Research published in Biological Psychiatry found that children born during the pandemic since July 2020 showed reduced verbal, motor, and overall cognitive performance compared to those born before the pandemic.
Pediatricians have observed that many children from this group struggle more with emotional regulation, fine motor skills such as holding a pencil, clear communication, and direct play with peers—skills considered important for kindergarten readiness. Parallel play continued longer than usual into toddlerhood for many of these children.
To help families prepare their children for school this year, AHN pediatricians recommend several strategies: communicate regularly with your child about their day; watch for signs of anxiety such as sleep problems or irritability; familiarize your child with their new school environment ahead of time; establish consistent routines for study space and sleep; keep up-to-date on wellness exams; set reasonable limits on screen time following American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines; and be aware of available mental health resources.
One resource highlighted is Cai & Kate—a YouTube show developed by AHN behavioral health specialists aimed at helping young children understand emotions. Another is Mental Well-Being Powered by Spring Health, which offers behavioral health services including therapy and crisis support for Highmark members aged six or older.
Parents concerned about their child’s emotional wellness are encouraged to consult with pediatricians or seek help from clinicians at the AHN Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Institute.
“For many children starting this new academic year and new life chapter, it will be an adjustment – and by having a skilled pediatric team behind you, that adjustment can be much more manageable,” Dr. Aracri concluded.
Appointments with AHN pediatricians or behavioral health clinicians can be made by calling 412-DOCTORS.
