Just as babies come out of their mother’s womb, they instantly adjust to the prevailing conditions outside. But they need our help to cope with the new weather conditions that occur during different seasons. What works for your baby in winter will not necessarily work in summer. The requirements of the monsoon season are different too. We have tried to put together a season-wise baby care plan that can help you keep your baby safe and comfortable in different weather conditions.
Baby care tips for the winter season
Winter season is marked by cold to very cold weather. A lot of your babies’ energy is diverted to maintain their optimal body temperature. Also, the immune system, being in its nascent stage, makes the babies vulnerable to a number of infections. The following steps will help your baby brave the cold:
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- Make sure your baby is up-to-date on their vaccinations
- Keep your baby hydrated
- Do not overburden babies with warm and heavy clothes
- Use moisturizer and lotion as part of their daily care routine
- Use pre-washed, warm clothes made from comfortable materials
- Use warm and soft blankets instead of heavy ones
- Keep your baby indoors and away from the harsh elements as much as possible.
Baby care tips for the summer season
Summer usually comes with unbearably high temperatures which can cause heat exhaustion or a heat stroke. It is always advisable not to stay outdoors during the peak sunny hours of the day (11am to 4pm) during summer, especially with a newborn. Besides not going outside, here are some tips that can help them adjust to the summer season:
- Nursing babies need to be fed often to maintain the fluid levels in the body
- A bit older children should be given lots of fluids throughout the day
- Use talcum powder twice a day to avoid heat rashes on the body
- Give your babies a bath with lukewarm water with gentle baby soap.
- Keep checking for the signs of dehydration and give them lots of fluids to avoid it to happen
- Use soft, airy and cotton clothes to dress the babies so that they feel comfortable
- Before going out, cover your baby’s head with a cap. Also, apply a baby-friendly sunscreen lotion to avoid sun burns.
- Consult a doctor immediately if your baby starts vomiting, is not drinking water as per recommended amounts and has fever and chills. These may be symptoms of some infection.
- Make sure that your baby is protected from mosquitoes and other summer insects.
- Maintain room temperature at 25-27o C with the help of air conditioners or fans
Baby care tips for the monsoon
Humidity levels are high in monsoon seasons and babies are prone to infections due to constantly changing temperatures and hygiene issues. Listed here are some tips to help your baby sail through the rainy season smoothly:
- Swipe the sweat off the skin with soft tissues often during the day to avoid bacterial build-up that may cause skin infections.
- Change diapers more frequently as diaper rashes are more likely to occur due to dampness.
- Check skin regularly for bumps or rashes and report doctor immediately if found.
- Use light and airy clothes to avoid sweating; and use full sleeves tops and bottoms for avoiding mosquito bites.
- Rainy weather brings cool winds too. So, using a jacket or added layer of clothes can protect babies from cough and cold.
- Sanitize every person’s hands before they touch the baby to avoid infection.
- Avoid going to crowded places as these are breeding ground of infection during rainy days.
These are some of the basic things that you can do to prepare your baby for the different seasons. Following these can help keep your baby healthy and they will be able to adjust better with the changing weather.
Disclaimer
This article is written solely for educational purpose. It does not encourage or intend to replace the doctor’s advice in any manner. Kindly seek medical advice in case the babies have special conditions or show any unusual symptoms.