Long wintry walks, non-stop snuggling and hugging your little one, sipping coffee by the fire, going shopping for cute warmies for you and your kiddo. Well isn’t that what we all call a ‘picture perfect winter’?
But winter isn’t all fun and play. As a parent one needs to be cautious when it comes to babycare as your little one might catch a cold or an infection if involuntarily exposed to the chilly winter winds and sudden drops in temperature.
Here’s what you need to know to help your little one brave the cold-
Wrap them well.
While dressing up babies and toddlers make sure to layer it up. You might want to start with a softer fabric like fleece or cotton (as they are gentle on the skin and don’t cause redness and irritation) and avoid wool as the first layer. The thing to remember is that though wool insulates better than most fabrics, its contact with a baby’s skin can cause eczema and irritation. So keep wool as the second layer. Also go for bright coloured warmies with cute prints. P.S. Always avoid over dressing.
Magic of a hug!
Strap on your little bundle of joy using baby carriers to keep your baby close to your body. When your baby is strapped on, please make sure his face is not pressed against your chest so that he can breathe easily.
Vaccinations are more important than vacations!
Keep your baby out of harm’s way from winter infections by ensuring your baby’s vaccinations are up to date. Breastfeeding is the best way to boost your baby’s immunity. Also be sure to keep your babies and toddlers away from sick people and avoid crowded places.
Soft touch.
Babies have very soft and tender skin. During winter their skin can become dry, scaly and itchy. While bathing your baby use warm water and don’t let your baby soak in water for too long; limit the time to 10 minutes or less for a newborn. After bathing the baby use a gentle, chemical-free moisturizer.
Rub-a-dub-dub!
A massage for your baby is always helpful and soothing and is a very effective way for keeping the baby warm in winter. Massaging your baby before a bath also improves circulation and helps to build her immunity. To administer the perfect massage, use coconut oil or an un-perfumed baby oil and ensure that the temperature of the oil is warm but not too hot to.
Nourishment for the season
Last but not the least, if your baby has started his first solid foods, you need to feed him foods rich in fibre and vitamins A and C. Go for foods like sweet potato, cauliflower, salmon etc.
Hey Smart Mums, if you have a winter remedy to share by letting us know in the comments below.
