HelloBaby is facing our latest COVID challenge and we are asking for your help.

Our priority is the safety of all our guests, especially the little ones.  Having closed and reopened several times, we want to do all we can to remain open.  We know how important play and socialization are to the development of growing brains and bodies.  Caregivers also need community and connection.

The pediatricians we work with have advised us to restrict admittance to our indoor play space to vaccinated adults - at least (and especially) until young children are eligible for the vaccine, and we will be doing so as of September 1, 2021.  While we will initially rely on the honor system, proof of vaccination may be required in the future.

The results of our questions to medical professionals and the informal discussions we have had with caregivers on site tell us what we already know -  the health of our babies and toddlers comes first.  Pediatricians have shared that their current sick volumes are high - what one would expect in the middle of winter - and that they are seeing a lot more COVID positive cases. The Delta variant is causing sickness in young children.  Pediatric hospitals are reporting higher COVID admissions and sicker patients.

We will continue to ask that all adults mask indoors and will encourage children to mask as they are able. Our staff, volunteers and programming providers are fully vaccinated.  We will also continue our practice of sanitizing our space several times daily.

For more information go to: https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/, (877) 936-2117. Thank you for bearing with us as we navigate these difficult waters.

Debbie and your HelloBaby Team