Tips for Baby Care in Winter

The arrival of winter, babies become more prone to mild and severe infections, as babies are sensitive they catch infections rapidly. A drop in temperature makes babies and newborns more vulnerable to certain skin conditions such as atrophy, and a condition known as hypothermia (a drop in the body’s temperature). we discuss some tips for baby care in winter.

Proper care and attention are required to keep them safe and sound from viral infections as babies are more prone to these conditions with the drop in temperature. Proper care is also required for the optimum growth and development of the babies because these are their growth years.

Viral infections such as pneumonia and lung conditions are more common to develop in babies in winter, as their lungs are sensitive. The nose and lungs secrete mucus that traps all the microbes including viruses and bacteria, and they are then cleared through the projections called cilia.

However, when the infection is imposed in human bodies, these secretions become so thick that they cannot trap the microbes hence the chances of infections spreading in bodies increase and babies are at higher risk of developing a certain infection, and these secretions are dried by cold and extremely dry weather and cause infections to outbreak during the winter season.

How to Take Care of a Baby During Winter?

 Winters are harsh on a baby’s skin; this harshness can affect dermatologically and can trigger certain dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis (allergic skin conditions).

Now, we will discuss the ways to protect a baby’s soft skin from the dryness and harshness of the winter season.

• A lukewarm water bath is advised for babies because extremely hot water can make babies’ skin dry we know that babies’ skin is extremely sensitive and can react to hot water badly and can trigger certain skin conditions. Sensitivity can be increased by using hot water and can increase the risk of even burning the skin. Lukewarm water baths can also help in a peaceful and sound sleep for babies.
• After the lukewarm water bath, it is suggested to massage the baby’s body with any organic oil. It can be coconut oil, mustard oil, almond oil, or any essential oil. Certain companies also formulate special oils for babies’ messages but keep in mind to use oils that are chemicals and preservatives free, because they tend to form allergies and trigger other skin conditions for the baby. Oils are suggested to use for massage because massage can improve blood circulation in human bodies, with the proper blood circulation in bodies it will help to keep the temperature of bodies within normal range, and the baby will be safe from winter harshness as well.
• You should not dry the baby’s body completely after the bath, keep the body 30 percent damp and then use any moisturizer or oil for massage purposes. Because all oils and moisturizers and creams or lotions tend to trap hydration from water and keep the bodies hydrated and soft for a longer period. Using white soft paraffin is highly suggested by pediatricians, because it is paraben and chemical free and they do not have any negative impact on human bodies, especially on the bodies of babies.
• Avoiding moisturizers that contain harsh chemicals and fragrances is of higher importance because chemicals can trigger dermatological conditions in the skin of babies that is already too sensitive.
• Using mild soap is highly suggested because soaps are alkaline, and can cause many serious conditions if used for a longer period.
• If you notice a condition that is not going away on its own, or by using OTC products, oils, and moisturizers. You should contact a pediatrician/dermatologist as soon as possible because a prolonged condition can be a sign of something serious.

How to Maintain Baby’s Temperature in Winter?

Now, we will talk about the ways to maintain/regulate body temperature for baby care in winter. As we know that babies aren’t easily adapted to cold or hot temperatures, so a proper check and balance should be kept upon them to maintain or regulate their body’s temperature.

• Always keep a thermometer with you, because whenever a baby will catch the flu or any infection. Your body will show its symptoms in the form of a fever first. So keeping a temperature check with the help of a thermometer can help in the regulation of temperature, even if a slight increase or decrease in temperature occurs in the body.
• Proper dressing is of enormous importance because layers of clothing play a major role in protecting a baby against extremely cold weather. Covering their heads and feet must be your top priority because these two are the parts of our bodies from where we catch a cold and flu, when a baby’s head is exposed to cold air it will eventually lead to the start of fever or cold. Similarly, when babies are walking barefoot they will catch a cold and flu from the floorings because modern flooring tends to have a lower temperature. Always cover the head of the babies in winter, because the head contributes to a larger surface area, and the possibility of catching a cold through cold air/breeze becomes higher.
• Skin-to-skin contact is very important for babies, be it their mothers, fathers, or grandmothers. It is human nature that when we have skin-to-skin contact with our guardians, we feel another level of warmth and peace and it eventually increases the sudden happy hormonal rush, as a result, we feel calm and poise, and we feel a sudden increase in the body’s heat. A hug or skin contact can help in reducing the body’s temperature.
• Blowers/heaters must be placed in a room to keep the temperature of the room normal. The temperature of the room must be maintained between 25 to 27 degrees centigrade.
• Overdressing of babies should be avoided because too many layers and increased temperature can initiate a condition known as hyperthermia (increased body temperature).

Nutritional tips for baby care in Winter

It is important to lay focus on the nutrition of the baby during winter because the choice of foods can play important role in the regulation of the body’s temperature. Try to inculcate, warm milk, half-done eggs, and cereals into your baby’s diet in winter. It will try to keep the internal body warm.If we want to know tips for baby care in winter, we should understand that Nutrition is critical for fostering growth and development.

The high metabolic rate caused by cold weather increases the energy requirements of newborns throughout the winter months. Breastfeeding is the most effective technique to ensure the nutrition of the newborn. It results in the passage of protective antibodies from mother to infant, which protects against a variety of infections. Babies under 6 months of age can be nursed separately. For women to provide optimal nourishment for their babies, a proper diet is essential for baby care in winter.