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Dealing with COVID-19 concerns has been a way of life for families for almost two years. But with the rapid rise of the highly infectious Omicron variant — particularly in kids — it’s understandable to have new questions and concerns about what to do if your baby or child develops symptoms of the virus. After all, can babies even be tested for COVID? 

If you suspect that your baby has developed COVID-19, you don't have to be left guessing — there are a few things you can do to get some answers. And, if you’re not in that situation at the moment, it’s still good to know what is and isn’t a possibility for your family when it comes to COVID testing. Here’s a breakdown.

Yes, babies can be tested for COVID-19. "Babies can be tested right from birth," says Sunanda Gaur, M.D., professor of pediatrics at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. "Even premature babies are routinely tested when they are born to a COVID-positive mother."

Mayuri Morker, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in Illinois, points out that "there is no age limit for COVID testing." So if you want or need to get your child tested, there’s no overall restriction that should keep you from doing so. 

There are several types of COVID-19 tests available, but the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) largely breaks them down into two groups:

As for the right type of test for infants, it depends. Continue Reading Below Read This Next Symptoms of COVID-19 in Babies and Children Caring for a Baby Who Tests Positive for COVID-19 How Does the Omicron Variant Affect Kids and Babies? Symptoms of COVID-19 in Babies and Children Caring for a Baby Who Tests Positive for COVID-19 How Does the Omicron Variant Affect Kids and Babies?

"While a rapid test may be used, it can be difficult for parents to accurately administer it and some rapid tests are not as accurate with the Omicron variant," says Jennifer Schwab, M.D., a pediatrician at Connecticut Children’s Care Network and Rocky Hill Pediatrics in Connecticut, and chief of the Division of Community Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut. 

Many at-home rapid tests have a minimum age requirement for use as well. The popular BinaxNOW at-home COVID test, for example, along with most other at-home rapid tests, recommend using the kit only on those who are at least 2 years old.

Meaning that it’s really best to work with your doctor or a medical professional to get your infant tested. "Babies are tested the same way as everyone else, with a nasal sample," Dr. Morker says. "It can be rapid or PCR, ideally performed at a testing site or doctor’s office." Many pediatric practices also do throat swabs if that method is preferred.

Your baby’s health care provider will guide you on the type of test your infant should receive. "We generally use a rapid test if a baby has been exposed to a family member [with COVID-19] and has symptoms," Dr. Schwab says. "If they have no symptoms, we recommend a PCR on day five."

Yes, kids of other ages can get tested for COVID-19, although doctors generally recommend consulting with your pediatrician about the process.

"If you’re ever concerned about COVID-19 in your child, you can certainly start by calling your pediatrician," says Rosemary Olivero, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease physician at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Michigan. "Your doctor’s office can help you find the fastest and easiest way to get testing done."

Your pediatrician will also help provide guidance on what type of testing is best for your child (meaning PCR or rapid) and when to test your little one, given that testing accuracy can vary depending on how long it’s been since exposure or the onset of symptoms, Dr. Morker says.

Your pediatrician may also want to test for other viruses like the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), she points out. 

You have several options when it comes to COVID-19 testing for kids, although your child's age may play a role.

There are a few things you can do to make the process of COVID testing on kids easier, including:

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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