Play dates during the pandemic: What do you need to know before reintroducing kids to fun with friends?

After months of social distancing and staying at home, many kids are bouncing off the walls and families are ready to reintroduce their children to fun with their friends. 

But, with the coronavirus still spreading, one of the biggest questions is: Are play dates OK?

There are important things to consider, of course.

"It’s natural for children to play together and share toys and hug and touch," Tamasyn Nelson, assistant professor of pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, said in a release. "It’s just that in these times, it’s not encouraged."

Which means, even as summertime fun is calling, families need to continue to weigh the risk to themselves and others. For those living with older family members or with members who have chronic illnesses, outings may pose a higher risk, Nelson said.

MORE: Swimming during the pandemic: What the CDC wants you to know before you hit the pool

Before play dates, Nelson said, it’s important to disclose to other families if children or parents have been sick or had a potential exposure to someone with COVID-19.

And, if cases are increasing in a particular area, it's important to consider if outside interactions are really worth it, she said.

"Overall, it's vital that parents have open conversations with their children, family members and other parents about their concerns and comfort levels," she stressed.

Tips for keeping kids safe as they play together

• Stay outdoors: "Our current understanding is that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets," she said, "so it is better to have children play outdoors where there is a free flow of air rather than having children play together indoors in a more confined space. Staying outdoors is definitely less risky."
• Have kids keep their distance: It's safest to follow the 6-foot recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, she said. "If that is not possible, then wearing masks can serve as a protective barrier." Children under age 2, she noted, should not wear masks, as it could lead to other dangers.
• Keep play groups small: Limiting the number of children and adults interacting will reduce chances of exposure, she said.
• Schedule play dates with the same group: If families want play dates to be routine, Nelson recommends keeping the group of playmates the same to limit potential exposure to the virus.
• Wash hands well and wipe down toys: Making sure that kids wash their hands before and after they play, and that toys are sanitized, "will be an important step in keeping them safe," Nelson said. It's also important to disinfect shared surfaces.
• Don't share snacks: Not sharing food will also help reduce the risk, as well as washing hands before and after eating.
• Spend less time together: "Keeping visits shorter will be best," she said.

Reach Jessica Bliss at jbliss@tennessean.com or 615-259-8253 and on Twitter @jlbliss and please support local journalism.