Winter is a pleasing season with warm moments. Although, It brings with it the challenges to keeping your babies healthy and safe during the colder weather. A decrease in temperature elevates the susceptibility to seasonal colds, flu, and infections. Regardless of one’s overall health or robust immune system, the prospect of falling ill during this season cannot be completely eliminated. While adults may better withstand the cold and harsh weather, navigating through the three prolonged winter months poses a greater challenge for newborns. Due to their underdeveloped immune systems, infants are more susceptible to infections and seasonal flu. Additionally, their delicate skin increases the risk of dermatitis and rashes. Therefore, it becomes crucial to provide extra care for babies during the winter season. Even if they remain indoors, there are essential guidelines to follow in order to ensure their health and safety. If you are in Ahmedabad and looking for a child specialist in ahmedabad, it is necessary to have a top pediatrician in ahmedabad you can turn for care and guidance. Here are some general tips:
- Breastfeeding or formula feeding:
Breast milk should ideally be the primary source of nutrients & antibodies for a baby up until the age of six months. Breast milk even improves the baby’s immune strength & keeps colds and infections away. So, breastfeed your baby as much as possible. If you’re breastfeeding, continue doing so as it offers warmth and nutrition. Ensure you are well-hydrated. If your baby is over six months, you can include warm liquids in his diet & breastfeed, too. It will provide him with additional nutrients, and keep him safe & warm during winter.
- Introduce Solid Appropriately:
At the age of 6 months, your baby is in the early stages of learning to chew. It is important to introduce soft foods that are easy to swallow, such as well-mashed fruits and vegetables or porridge. Interestingly, when porridge is too watery, it may lack essential nutrients. To enhance its nutritional value, ensure it is cooked to a thickness that prevents it from running off the spoon. Observe your baby for hunger cues, such as putting their hands to their mouth, and then feed them accordingly. Begin with just two to three spoonfuls of soft food, offered twice a day, following handwashing. Given their small stomach size at this age, they can only consume modest amounts during each meal.
Introducing new foods may initially surprise your baby, so allow them time to acclimate to different tastes and flavours. Be patient and avoid pressuring your baby to eat; instead, watch for signs of fullness and cease feeding. As your baby continues to grow, their stomach capacity increases, enabling them to consume larger quantities of food at each meal.
- Vitamin D Supplements:
Due to decreased sunlight exposure in winter, it is essential to maintain an adequate intake of vitamin D. Incorporate fortified dairy products, eggs, and fatty fish into their diet to promote bone health and support immune function. Consult with the child specialist in ahmedabad if your child requires Vitamin D Supplements.
- Keep Hydrate:
In the cold and dry air while engaging in play, it’s common to overlook the need for fluids. Parents should prioritise ensuring hydration for children during cold weather, even if they don’t visibly sweat. Encourage kids to consume adequate water before, during, and after playtime. In cold temperatures, children are more susceptible to dehydration compared to adults. Give your child to enjoy warm beverages like warm water, turmeric (haldi) milk, coffee, and tea to stay adequately hydrated.
- Warm and nutrient-rich foods:
Top pediatrician in ahmedabad ensures the importance that children consume a nutritious diet. Incorporate into their meals the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants crucial for the body’s defence mechanisms. Provide vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, tomatoes, melons, papayas, and green leafy vegetables, along with water-rich options such as onions, broccoli, cauliflower, mint, ginger, and various herbs and spices.
Enrich your baby’s diet with warm, homemade purees and soups crafted from ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and whole grains. Consider introducing age-appropriate warm cereals like oatmeal. For a nutritious breakfast, include dried fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Boost your child’s immunity by giving them honey every night. Snacking before exposure to cold temperatures can enhance calorie burning, aiding in keeping the body warm.
- Limit Sugary Foods:
Although enjoying seasonal treats adds to the winter charm, it’s crucial to regulate the consumption of sugary snacks and beverages. Choose healthier alternatives such as fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or homemade smoothies for a sweet yet nutritious treat.
- Consult with a Child specialist in Ahmedabad:
Cold weather itself does not cause colds. Influenza, primarily caused by viruses, tends to spread more easily among children in school settings with close contact. The transmission typically occurs through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Respiratory illnesses, particularly flu infections, are common during such instances. Top pediatrician in ahmedabad recommends safeguarding against these infections by taking standard precautions, particularly through flu vaccinations, especially for young children.
To prevent colds and flu, it is advised to educate children on the following:
- Hand hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water helps reduce the spread of germs. Under the guidance of a leading Child Specialist in Ahmedabad, suggests that children should wash their hands after activities like coughing, sneezing, sharing toys, and before meals.
- Mouth coverage: Encourage children to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing by using their elbows. This practice helps prevent the spread of germs.
- Immunisation: Ensure that vaccinations are kept up to date, following the guidelines provided by top pediatrician in ahmedabad, including timely administration of flu vaccines for children aged over six months.
- Dress properly to go outside in winter:
Ensuring your child stays warm in winter requires strategic clothing layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Don’t forget to include hats, gloves, and scarves to protect their extremities from the cold.
- Be Caution with allergic foods
Generally, the body’s immune system serves to protect against various germs, viruses, and diseases by producing antibodies. These antibodies play a crucial role in defending against germs, viruses, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms. Although, in the case of a child with a food allergy, the immune system can misinterpret a dietary component, posing a risk of diagnosing the child with serious diseases. As a responsible parent, you’re likely aware that children often resist eating healthy foods, especially green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, which are vital for their growth and development.
Hence, it becomes imperative not only for parents but also for those who spend time with the child to consult the child specialist in ahmedabad. This is essential to gain insights into the signs and symptoms of food allergies and to learn preventive measures.
Conclusion:
As the winter season arrives, it’s crucial for parents to take a proactive approach to safeguarding their children’s health and well-being. By following these top winter care tips provided by the Child Specialist in Ahmedabad, you can enable your little ones to fully enjoy the season while maintaining good health and comfort. Remember, a little extra care can go a long way in ensuring a joyful and cosy winter for your family. Keep in mind that each baby is different, and their nutritional requirements can differ. It’s recommended to consult with a best pediatrician in ahmedabad or child specialist in Ahmedabad to receive personalised advice tailored to your baby’s specific needs.
