How to Take Care of Your Baby in the Winters?

Taking extra care of your baby in the winter is essential. Winter is the most pleasant and coolest period of the year but also paves way for many airborne viruses to be active. Hence, you need to take care of your baby in winter as she is just developing her immunity and must be well protected from these viruses. The most common viruses that might attack your baby are:

• Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV)

• Rhinovirus 

• Human MetapneumoVirus 

• Influenza virus

• Coronavirus

Causes of transmission of these viruses in babies are:

Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) and Rhinovirus enter when an organism’s body is attacked by pathogenic viruses and when infectious virus particles attach and enter susceptible cells. RSV causes respiratory infections like bronchiolitis.

Human Metapneumovirus can be transmitted through an infectious person’s saliva, cough, blood, blood transfusions, mother to fetus and many other ways.

There are three main kinds of influenza viruses, namely Type A, B and C influenza viruses that can cause flu in babies. While Types A and B cause the yearly outbreaks, Type C influenza virus is mild and attack at random cases.

Coronavirus is a common virus which causes an infection in a baby’s nose and upper throat.

The symptoms of these viral infections are quite common and similar to upper respiratory tract infection including - a runny nose, coughing accompanied by fever.

Caring solutions to protect your baby during winter:

As a parent, you will have utmost responsibility to protect your baby during winter. Though it may seem quite challenging, you can minimize the attacks by taking care of the following:

Continue to breastfeed:

Breastmilk is full of antibiotics which can boost your baby’s immunity when your baby is likely to develop infections.

Use hand wash:

The most effective way to protect your baby from the attack of cold and flu germs is by washing your hands well with hand wash regularly before you hold your baby and also as and when required.

Safe and secure environment:

Ensure that you keep your baby away from people suffering from common cold. Remember common cold viruses are highly contagious and babies are easily susceptible to these viruses. Don’t choose to go out with your baby when the weather is too cold or crowded.

Immunization:

Make sure that your baby is vaccinated as per the immunization schedule. You can also request your pediatrician to prescribe the seasonal flu vaccine to protect your baby.

Smoke-free zone:

Research shows that babies who live with smokers suffer viral infections including a cough and cold than babies who aren’t exposed to it.

Co-sleepers benefit:

Your baby will enjoy the heat of your body when you both are in bed. A long sleeved shirt and full cotton pajamas is all that your baby requires, to sleep soundly in your warmth.

Attack of viruses:

If your baby is suffering from the attack of cold virus it cannot be treated by home remedies, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician.

Here are some of the winter care essentials for your baby:

Follow these winter care essentials for your little one:

Clothing: 

Choose clothing that is comfortable for your baby. It is advisable to dress your baby in full sleeves shirts or T-shirt with full pants or pajama pants. Select branded sweaters or jackets to keep your baby warm, opt for good mittens, booties or socks to keep your baby’s feet warm. Invest in comfortable woolen caps or hats, those that your baby will enjoy wearing. Go for well-branded diapers preferably cotton to avoid diaper-rashes as she may urinate frequently because of the chilly weather.

Bedding:

Buy baby blanket or quilts that are not heavy but at the same time, they are warm and cozy for her.

Massage oil:

Go for a good baby massage oil that keeps your baby’s skin hydrated during winter. Choose mustard oil, coconut oil or sesame seed oil whichever is good and gentle on her skin. After 20 minutes, follow with a warm bath.

Warm bath: 

Keep the washroom warm before your baby’s bath. The things required for a bath like warm water (not hot but tempered), washed clothes, towel, mild soap and other things handy items before you begin your baby’s bath. Let your baby’s bath be short not more than 5 to 8 minutes.

If the weather is too cold or your baby is not comfortable to have a bath, you can give her a sponge bath.

Baby moisturizing cream or lotion: 

After the warm bath, pat dry your baby and gently apply lotion on your baby’s skin, if her skin is too dry you can apply a baby cream.

Warm foods: 

When your baby is around 6 months, you can offer her soups after a bath that are bit warm to drink and quite soothing for the cold weather.

How to take care of your baby in winter: Tips to remember 

Keep these pointers in mind:

Dressing in layers: 

Dress your baby with one layer extra than what you wear. Feel her neck often, when you feel it is sweaty, remove one layer to make her comfortable.

Cotton swaddling blanket: 

Instead of a woolen blanket, this is quite light but also it will keep your baby warm and is airy in nature.

If your baby is above one year, you can add a pod of crushed garlic or a ¼ inch crushed ginger in her diet. Season the foods with a small pinch of pepper powder and cinnamon powder that are good home remedies to treat cold.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.