Coronavirus Concerns & prevention methods at Lavender Hill Photography, nothing is more important than your little one’s safety! We will hopefully come out of the lockdown meaning my small studio will finally open its doors to you (yay!)And, I am making every precaution to maintain a sterile environment at my studio so that my littlest clients and their families are protected – which I should mention I was doing long before this new strain of Coronavirus was a concern. I’ve always been extremely conscientious about germs anyways.

I’m very fortunate because my studio is in a separate location from my home so there’s no kids or pets in and out to spread germs around. Clients park directly in front of my door and come inside through my house and then separately to my garden-located studio. I always recommend leaving a car seat cover over baby until we get settled inside the studio anyway so they’re not exposed to the cold breeze or any germs outdoors. I sanitize every surface that can possibly be touched before and after sessions so that germs aren’t spread between clients. I wash all blankets, wraps, etc. that come in contact with your baby prior to every session as an added protection and practice good hand hygiene to a great degree. I use hand sanitizer liberally and frequently throughout the session. Before I ever touch your baby, my hands are sanitized just to be safe.

Additionally, I will never schedule a session if I’m even slightly under the weather. I will reschedule if I’ve been exposed to anything and wait until after the incubation period to ensure I’m in the clear and won’t develop symptoms before I even consider rescheduling our appointment. I take your baby’s health VERY seriously and would never knowingly put anyone at risk. As far as I’m concerned, you can never be too careful! I will keep masks on hand at the studio and am happy to wear one during the session if it makes parents feel more comfortable.

Lastly, my studio has a strict no-sick policy. Clients are required to reschedule if their child or anyone in the family who will be attending the session is under the weather to prevent anyone bringing unnecessary germs into the studio. I am monitoring my temperature daily just to ensure I never run a fever and I’m asking my clients to check theirs as well before coming to the studio.

*Right after we get a green light from the Government and I will be able to open the studio, sessions will be limited to immediate family only. Only the people being photographed (parents, sibling, etc) will be welcomed for newborn sessions for few following weeks. Extended family will be restricted from newborn sessions over at least the next month or so to limit the number of people visiting the studio.

While I might avoid taking the baby to public places frequented by large crowds or stores during this time, a one-time trip to my fairly isolated studio is  safe. Truthfully, baby has a far greater chance of being exposed to germs in the hospital or during check-ups at the pediatrician.

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If you’re still concerned, there are some simple steps you can take at home to protect yourself and your loved ones from this new strain, as recommended by the CDC:

• COVER ANY COUGHS OR SNEEZES.  It’s always best to cover your nose and mouth with a paper tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then immediately discard the tissue in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water. If you’re not in a place where you’re able to actually wash your hands, sanitize with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• WASH YOUR HANDS! THOROUGHLY AND FREQUENTLY. It is important to wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds frequently throughout the day to avoid spreading germs. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol making sure to cover all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE (EYES, NOSE, MOUTH) WITH UNWASHED HANDS. 
• DON’T SHARE PERSONAL ITEMS. It’s best to avoid sharing personal items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, cosmetics, towels, or bedding.
• SANITIZE HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES DAILY. High touch surfaces include, but are not limited to: counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, light switches, phones, tablets, keyboards, and remotes. Use a household cleaning spray like Detol to sanitize these surfaces each day. There’s a multitude of alternative or organic cleaners available these days that are great for homes with young children.

I do understand the caution and realize many are concerned at this time; there’s nothing wrong with that. I also recommend listening to the experts and healthcare professionals who know much better that we (definitely than me!). Stay safe everyone, and if you have any questions do contact me .