Child Care in Winter: The winter season gives most families a chance to have fun in the cold weather. Winter doesn't mean you have to stay at home all the time. However, precautions should be taken before going out, especially for children. Now that winter is coming, the temperature will drop significantly and it will become very cold. This change in weather is welcomed by most people, but it also poses many health risks, especially for children.
Whether we like winter or not, cold weather is coming and will last till February. Just as we try to stay warm during the summer months, we should take the same precautions to stay warm during the winter months. At this time winter is at its peak all over the world. Temperatures are below zero in most places in India and at such times it is very important to protect your loved ones, especially your children, from that harsh weather. Keeping your kids at home to keep them warm is not an option as infections and allergies will find a way into your home, so what are other ways to keep your kids warm and safe during the cold weather?
Also read: Take care of your ears in cold weather: Ear Care in Winter
stay warm
This may seem basic, but staying warm is important. It is important to choose the right clothing and accessories to keep you and your children warm during fun activities. Children should wear warm, waterproof coats with hats, scarves and gloves. Children lose body heat faster than adults. Therefore, make sure the child is taking breaks indoors every 30 to 40 minutes.
How to dress your kids in winter: Parents with infants and young children should adjust winter clothing to the child's needs: Dress infants and young children in one more layer of clothing than adults would in the same conditions. Minimize exposure to cold: Infants and young children do not have the same cold tolerance as adults. Make sure the baby spends less time outside. Try to wear winter gear: Don't forget to wear warm shoes, gloves or scarves and hats that make a huge difference to the health of your babies and toddlers. The floor of the house is also very cold, even after wearing socks, it is better for children to keep shoes at home. Are more susceptible to frostnip and frostbite. Make sure the gloves are dry and warm and that the nose is not too red. Children should wear nice clothes and not spend too much time outside the house.
An easy way to avoid flu and cold in winter: It is a common myth that cold weather causes cold, but it is not so. Flu is mainly caused by viruses. When children are at school and in close contact, the virus is even more likely to spread, usually through respiratory droplets and arms. Respiratory disease is more common in flu infections. Protect yourself by following all the usual precautions for flu vaccination (especially for young children).
Tell children to do this to avoid cold and flu
Use soap and water: Washing hands frequently reduces the spread of germs. Wash your hands regularly after coughing, sneezing, sharing toys, and before eating. Ask the child to cover his or her mouth: Sneezing or coughing with the elbow bent also helps prevent the spread of germs. Up to date vaccinations: Always keep your vaccinations up to date, including the flu vaccine (for children older than six months).
Keep your child hydrated: If you play in cold and dry air, you can easily forget to take fluids. Even if you don't sweat, you'll be at risk for dehydration. Encourage children to drink plenty of water before, during and after playing. Children are at greater risk of dehydration in cold temperatures than adults. Give the child plenty of warm liquids to drink like warm water, warm turmeric milk, coffee and tea etc.'
Use sunscreen: Although it may seem strange in winter, you need to apply sunscreen when playing indoors. Snowflakes reflect sunlight on your face. Cover your face with sunscreen and apply a little lip balm with sunscreen to your lips (even if it's cloudy outside).
Promotes healthy nutrition: Make sure your child eats healthy food. Include all the essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in their diet, which are necessary to strengthen the body's defense system. Give your child vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, tomatoes, melons, papaya and green leafy vegetables and water-rich foods like onion, broccoli, cauliflower, mint, ginger etc. Give dry fruits like cashews, almonds and pistachios in breakfast, which are nutritious. Children should be given honey daily at night to increase their immunity. Eating breakfast before the cold provides extra calories to keep the body warm.
Encourage children to exercise regularly: One of the practical and proven ways to strengthen the immune system of children and protect them from colds and other diseases is regular exercise. So ask them to exercise regularly, which helps them feel more energetic during cold days. Ask and encourage them to practice something they like, like running, jogging, cycling or jumping rope.
Encourage children to have fun in the park: On sunny winter days, take your child to a nearby park so that they feel warm. Encourage them to ride bicycles and play outside with their friends. Also, set up competitive races for them, such as running to increase their energy levels.
Encourage the child to play indoors: If it is a cold and windy day; And if you feel uncomfortable outside, it is better to leave your children indoors. Sometimes, extremely cold weather prevents children from playing outside. Encourage them to play indoors with friends during winter. Instead of making children sit in front of the TV all day, give them brain power, board games, crafts, puzzles, etc. to keep them excited about activities. Kids who stay at home and read books with tea/coffee. Enjoying the pleasant weather is an extraordinary feeling, but only if you and your children are healthy.
Follow a sleep routine: Lack of sleep can have a serious impact on your child's immune system. Make sure the child is getting adequate sleep of 8 hours in winter. Also, create a daily routine for your child to wake up and encourage him to follow it every day, whether it's school days or holidays. This is important because they may become lazy during winter and stay up late during holidays, which can affect their sleep patterns during the school day. Wake them up in the morning and take them to the park for jogging or to warm up.
Many types of diseases can occur in winter, especially in the case of children, but if some special tips are followed then it can be avoided. Winter can be fun for your child, especially if they spend the time in a healthy and productive way. So turn the dull and gloomy winter days into a fun time for your child to explore the natural environment. Encourage child to do a variety of fun and safe indoor and outdoor activities. Also, make sure you follow all the tips that contribute to your baby's overall health and keep the baby active and energetic during winter days.
Comments are closed.