CARE OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN DURING WINTERS

Since the winters are knocking on our door, it is important that we know how to take care of our younger ones during winters

CLOTHING
Temperature in winters changes from places to places and hour to hour. It is important that we protect our children from cold drafts. Generally day temperature is tolerable in tropical part of India. However, in north even day time temperature would be cold.
The general rule is to make child wear one extra layer than what you are wearing and making you comfortable in. Layering is better than making child wear heavy woolens, as when day time temperature soars up, it is easier to remove one – one layer and see whether the child is comfortable in it, rather than making child uncomfortable and sweaty in heavy woolens.
For temperatures in single digit, three layers, including one layer of thermals, one normal clothes and outer woolen layer would be more than enough, along with woolen mittens, socks and woolen cap. Monkey cap is better than normal caps, which covers up ears as well. If there is cold draft, one extra layer can be added.
Stick to the woolens which are genuine, rather than artificial ones. Avoid artificial fleece.

BATHING
Routine bathing and oiling can be followed in the winter. Olive oil is preferred by some in winters due to its more sticky nature. There is no need to change the oil, if your baby is comfortable with the existing one.
When mercury drops below 15 degree celsius, alternate day bathing or twice a week is fine. Use water temperature around 38 – 40 degree celsius. Bathing needs to be quick but thorough.

SKIN CARE
Good moisturizer with pH around 5.5 is best for winters. If your child’s skin feels dry, use as frequently as every 3-4 hrs. There is no limitation to the amount and frequency of moisturizer.
For exposed areas of the body like face and extremities, change to the cream form of the same moisturizer. For the rest of the body, lotion can be applied.
Avoid application of powder, as it will lead to more dryness of skin.
Avoid frequent washing of face. Don’t forget to apply cream after drying the face, every time you wash or wipe the face. For younger kids this may be required, as they are a messy eaters.

FOOD
Include more ghee and natural fat in the diet, for examples, more nuts and seeds. This does not mean giving junk and unhealthy food.
The best superfood to fight winters is goond (natural gum) ,fenugreek (methi) seeds and sesame (til ) seeds ladoo.

FREQUENT ALLERGIES AND VIRAL INFECTIONS

With winter, allergies and viral infections trouble children. Get them vaccinated against Flu and other routine vaccinations.
Rather than cold temperature, drastic change in the temperature is more responsible for invitation of allergies and viral infections. Try not to fluctuate temperature in the surroundings. Air conditioning is fine in winters as well, but make sure that the temperature difference is not much in indoors and outdoors.
Those who have viral infections, keep children away from them. Ask them to follow cough etiquettes in the house. Before inviting guests in the house, make sure they don’t suffer from any kind of infection.
With these precautions, winter will be pretty enjoyable. HAPPY WINTERS!!!