Tips to Take Care of Your Baby in Winter

We all love the winter season, but life gets tough for us when it’s freezing outside. During winters, all you would want to do is stay cooped up in the house, and if you are a new mom, you would like to protect your baby from the harsh winds blowing outside. As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, you must adjust winter care for babies to protect their delicate skin and immune system. Because your baby’s immune system is still developing, he will be susceptible to colds and infections, leaving you worried. But you can keep your little one warm and safe by taking preventive measures. Read on to learn about newborn baby care during the winter season.

Why Is It Important to Take Care of a Baby During Winters?

Newborn babies require continued care and support until they reach a point where they can sustain themselves on their own in a better way. However, they need extra care during the winter season as a drop in temperature triggers various processes within the body to keep itself safe and the vital organs functioning well. Most of the energy is then used to maintain the body temperature appropriately, diverting it from other areas. This is where the body’s immunity takes a hit as well. During winters, the microbes and viruses thrive and find hosts to infect. Combined with decreased immunity, babies become an easy target for diseases and their chances of falling ill increase.

Problems Caused by Virus in Winters

Winter is also the season of the flu. It’s that time of the year when the virus spreads quickly and affects anyone and everyone in a matter of time. This gives rise to the typical winter diseases such as:

• Influenza and bronchiolitis (4)
• Croup, as well as rhinovirus
• A variety of respiratory syncytial viruses affect the respiratory tract and lead to cough and severe breathing problems (2)

Symptoms of Winter Infections in Babies

Most infections that occur in winter have intense symptoms, making them easier to spot. If your baby has an infection, you will notice the following symptoms in him:

• He may cough severely and might even vomit.
• Your baby may have trouble breathing; he may gasp or take small breaths.
• He may make wheezing sounds while sleeping or even after coughing (1).
• He may have pain in the chest due to inflamed lungs as a result of a respiratory infection.
• He may have a runny nose, fever, cough, with a headache (7).
• He may feel fatigued.

Useful Tips to Take Care of Your Infant During Winters

1. Use a Humidifier

If you live in colder regions, using a humidifier in your baby’s room becomes necessary. In winter, the temperature will plummet, so it is suggested that you use heating systems or portable heaters in your baby’s room. If you use a heating apparatus, it could rob the room of water vapour, drying the air and your child’s skin. Hence, a humidifier should be installed in the room to maintain the moisture levels (9).

2. Use a Moisturiser

Your little one’s skin is extremely sensitive, and the harsh winter atmosphere can dry it. To keep your little one’s skin soft and supple, add cream or lotion rich in milk and butter to your baby’s skincare in winter. This will help maintain the glow and texture of the skin.

3. Don’t Use Lot of Products

As a new parent, you will want to buy every new and promising baby care product available in stores, but resist the temptation because using many products on your baby’s skin won’t do him any good. Applying lotions and creams is fine, but if you bathe him often and use several products, it will only dry his skin. Also, avoid using soaps and shampoo daily or frequently. These products will rob the moisture of his skin and make it dry.

4. Massage Your Baby Well

For your child’s optimal growth and development, daily massage is a must. This simple act not only enhances blood circulation and boosts the baby’s immunity but also promotes a sense of well-being. Use a suitable massage oil and apply gentle pressure. Remember to maintain a warm room temperature, especially during the winter, to ensure a comfortable experience for your baby.

5. Don’t Use Heavy Blankets

Laying a nice heavy blanket on your baby to keep him warm may seem the best way to comfort your little one in winter, but it isn’t the safest way to keep him warm. If you use heavy blankets to keep your little one warm, he won’t be able to move his arms freely. And while trying to do so, he may pull it above his face, which will increase the risk of SIDS. Hence, it is suggested that you use a light blanket and keep the room temperature optimal.

6. Dress Your Baby Comfortably

Keeping your child constantly wrapped in thick sweaters, gloves, socks and a cap could restrict him from moving easily and make him irritable. So, make him wear clothes suitable for the room temperature and opt for clothes that fully cover his body but are not constricting. You can also make him wear gloves and socks – they will keep your little one warm and make him sleep peacefully through the night.

7. Check the Temperature of Your Baby’s Room

Keeping your home and your baby’s room comfortable and warm will keep your baby safe and protected from the harsh winter winds. Keep the windows of your home shut and lock the doors well. That said, ensure your baby’s room and living room stay ventilated. Use a heater, if required, so that your baby is comfortable by himself.

8. Stick to the Vaccination Schedule

During winter, your baby will be more susceptible to infections. His immune strength will be low, too. But that isn’t a reason to skip any vaccine for the fear that it might make your baby ill. It is essential to get your child vaccinated at the right time. Getting your child vaccinated will keep him healthy in future. If you skip it, get the next date confirmed by your doctor and go ahead with it without fail (3).

9. Breastfeed Your Baby

Breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients that help strengthen a baby’s immunity and protect him from the usual diseases. So, even if you have started him on solids, continue breastfeeding him. Breast milk will give him all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. And while breastfeeding, the warmth of your body will also be relaxing for him.

10. Maintain Your Hygiene

You are going to be the first point of contact for your child. Hence, it is absolutely necessary for you to stay clean and healthy. Wash your hands and disinfect them with a sanitiser whenever you attend to your child. Germs can find the smallest way of reaching your baby, so make sure you stop all paths right away. If you have guests or visitors, politely ask them to wash their hands or use sanitiser before they attend to the baby (5).

11. Take Care Outdoors

Unless it is freezing outdoors, stepping out of the house occasionally to get some fresh air is fine. But do make sure that your baby is protected from head to toe if you take him out. Any skin exposure to the cold wind could quickly make him uncomfortable. Ensure your baby’s toes are on the cooler side and the tummy is on the warmer side. This is the ideal sign that your baby’s body is at the right temperature.

12. Include Soup in Your Baby’s Diet

If your baby has reached the age where he can start taking semi-solids, winter would be a great time to introduce soups into his diet. A healthy soup in cold weather will keep him warm. You can make soup for your baby and add mashed (or pureed) chicken pieces or vegetables to it. Also, include crushed garlic in the soup. It will keep your baby warm during winter and protect him from various winter ailments.

What If Your Newborn Falls Sick in Winter?

At times, even taking the best precautions cannot help prevent illness. If your baby falls sick during winter, you must take him to a paediatrician and get him checked. You can give him homemade saline solution or nasal drops to help relieve a blocked nose if it is the common cold or flu (8). It will help him breathe properly, which will make him feel better. However, you should always give saline solutions or nasal drops after checking with a doctor.

Make sure your child stays hydrated. Keep breastfeeding him or giving him water separately. If he can drink soups or so, alternate them appropriately to keep his taste interested and body fluids at a proper level. Cuddling your baby lovingly and spending time with him is just as necessary as taking other preventive measures. Many times, the presence of safety and comfort can help the body combat the infection by itself. But if the signs and symptoms of the infection tend to start worsening, do contact your baby’s doctor immediately (6).

FAQs

1. How should I dress my baby for winter outings?

Dress your baby in layers to trap heat and keep them warm. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a thermal layer, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget a hat, mittens, and warm socks or booties. Always ensure your baby isn’t overdressed to prevent overheating.

2. How can I keep my baby safe during sleep in the winter?

Keep your baby’s crib free from heavy blankets and pillows. Dress them in a warm, snug sleep sack. The room should be kept at a comfortable temperature, around 68-72°F (20-22°C). It’s crucial to avoid placing the crib near windows or drafty areas, as it can affect your baby’s comfort and safety.

3. What are some signs that my baby is too cold or too hot?

Signs of your baby being too cold may include shivering, cold hands and feet, and a pale or bluish complexion. On the other hand, signs of overheating could include sweating, flushed cheeks, rapid breathing, and a damp neck. By adjusting your baby’s clothing and environment accordingly, you can help maintain a comfortable temperature for your little one.

Newborn baby care in winter keeps them warm, moisturised, and protected from illnesses while ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. If it’s your baby’s first winter, it’s natural to feel concerned. However, by taking preventive measures in advance, you can effectively care for your baby and keep them safe. If you notice your little one isn’t feeling well, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.

References/Resources:

1. Winter illnesses FAQs; Bliss; https://www.bliss.org.uk/parents/about-your-baby/common-infectious-illnesses/winter-illnesses-faqs

2. Winter Illness Guide; Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/winter-illness-guide

3. 5 ways to protect your under 5s this winter; UK Health Security Agency; https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/25/5-ways-to-protect-your-under-5s-this-winter/

4. What are the most common infectious illnesses?; Bliss; https://www.bliss.org.uk/parents/about-your-baby/common-infectious-illnesses/what-are-the-most-common-infectious-illnesses

5. Coughs and colds in children; Healthdirect; https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coughs-and-colds-in-children#prevent

6. Colds in children; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722603/

7. 5 COMMON WINTER ILLNESSES IN CHILDREN; KIMSHEALTH; https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/blog/5-common-winter-illnesses-children/

8. Common Cold in Children; Stanford Medicine Children’s Health; https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=common-cold-in-children-90-P02966

9. All About Baby’s First Cold; Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health; https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/all-about-babys-first-cold

Also Read:

Newborn Baby Care Tips in Summer
Tips for Baby Care in the Monsoon Season
Ways to Keep Your Baby Cool in Summer

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