Taking care of a baby may be daunting in any season but winter has its own challenges. Winter brings a new (warm and woolly) layer of tension to the problem! If you are a new parent with a brand-new baby you would be justified in hibernating until spring if the prospect of cold temperatures, slick walkways, infectious strangers, and whipping winds were present. Seasonal concerns include safeguarding your baby's delicate skin from the harsh winters and protecting its immature immune system. However, there are precautions you can take to ensure your infant’s safety against the common cold and cold weather during their first winter.
Observe the vaccination schedule
All seasons call for vaccinations, and you must follow your pediatrician’s instructions and vaccinate your children regularly.
Avoid Dry Skin
A newborn's skin barrier is smaller and weaker than an older child's, making them more vulnerable to dry, itchy, and scaly that is frequently associated with winter's cold, low humidity, and dry indoor heat. Only bathe your baby every three days to help protect its fragile skin. (Too much exposure to water can dry out your baby’s skin) For infants, the water temperature should be 37 degrees celsius, and bathing time should not be longer than 5 minutes. (Older babies may be bumped to a 10-minute bath—but not any longer!) Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer all over your baby’s skin after gently patting it dry. Be aware that goopy moisturizers that resemble ointments work far better at retaining moisture than creams. Apply again frequently!
Continue Massage and lubrication
Winter's cold, dry air drains all the moisture from a baby's skin, leaving it dry and flaky. In the winter, you should massage your baby at least twice daily to keep the skin hydrated. The oil keeps the body's innermost tissues wet by being absorbed there. Additionally, oiling strengthens a baby's bones. You can massage your infant with warm mustard or coconut oil during the winter.
Don't run from the Sun
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D for building stronger bones and enhancing the immune system. Spend time in the Sun with your baby after bathing or changing his/her clothes. It is also thought that sunlight warms a baby's body and kills infections.
Begin preserving the ambient temperature
It's essential to keep the room at the right temperature. The perfect temperature for a room is between 25 and 28 °C. Babies' skin is fresh and sensitive when they are only a few weeks old. Therefore, avoid any form of temperature stress during the initial weeks. Infants might experience different degrees of heat or cold pressure depending on the room's temperature. Hypothermia, or decreased body heat, can be dangerously brought on by the cold. You should therefore keep an eye on the room's temperature.
Avoid using room heaters excessively
It's best to refrain from using room heaters excessively throughout the winter. Blowers can rob the air of moisture and make the skin too dry. The child may feel uncomfortable in dry air as their secretions grow. Oil radiators are preferable, since they keep the air in the room moist and humid. If you're unsure whether your baby's belly is warm enough, feel it with the back of your palm. Parents should have a thermometer in the house and know how to use it properly.
Purchase clothing that can be layered
Sometimes we over-cover the baby to keep them warm. Although layers are beneficial, too many can make your baby irritable. How much is too much, then? It's straightforward: Your baby should have one more layer on than you do. That ought to be adequate to keep your infant warm and at ease.
Obtain a fleece dress
Make sure your baby is dressed comfortably. Do not wrap your infant in bulky socks, gloves, or sweaters. Its range of motion will be limited, and he or she will grow agitated. Adapt your baby’s wardrobe to the ambient temperature. Your kid should be covered by clothing, but it shouldn't impede mobility. To keep your infant warm at night, you can wrap their hands and feet with thin gloves and stockings.
Avoid buying thick blankets
By covering your infant with a thin blanket and keeping them warm, you can comfort them. Avoid using a heavy blanket to cover your kid as he/she won't be able to move his/her arms and legs while sleeping. Your infant may pull it up on his/her face during this procedure, which might impair breathing. Use a thin blanket and maintain a comfortable temperature in the space.
Purchase a humidifier
Dry and chilly winter air causes heaters to come out creating a catch 22 situation. Heaters in the room can dry up the atmosphere, which dries out the baby's skin even more. In addition, respiratory issues could result. Consider adding a humidifier to the space to prevent this.
Purchase quality Saline drops
Nasal secretions can thicken considerably in the winter. The inability to breathe may result in newborns. In the case of such discharges or if the baby's breathing gets agitated, parents may apply "saline nasal drops." It aids in preventing respiratory difficulty but remember to speak with a pediatrician first.
Prepare to remain inside
In the winter, mothers should try to keep their children indoors, especially if they are brand-new. Infancy is a typical age for the flu. By staying indoors, babies can avoid contracting germs from adult coughs, sneezes, or repeated touching from family and friends. The baby will be exposed to fewer people and fewer germs as a result. Avoid busy venues like malls, public spaces, etc., as a parent.
Mama kangaroo care
In this method, newborns are kept in close touch with their mothers on a skin-to-skin basis. This helps to keep newborns' temperatures stable and is especially beneficial for premature babies. Additionally, it enhances nursing and lowers infection rates.
Continue nursing a baby
The most vital thing you can do to keep your kid healthy is to breastfeed. Breast milk's essential nutrients and antibodies help strengthen your baby's immune system and shield them from diseases. Your baby will feel cozy and warm while breastfeeding, which will calm him/her.
Observe good hygiene
In the winter, mothers should exercise caution when caring for newborns. Your infant will initially come into contact with you. Therefore, be sure to maintain your hygiene and good health. Before holding your infant, wash your hands. Your filthy hands might readily introduce germs into your baby's body. Therefore, before caring for your kid, wash or sterilise your hands. Moreover, demand that visitors wash their hands.
Add soup to your infant's diet
Winter might be a fantastic time to start including soups in your baby's diet if he/she has reached the age at which he/she can begin eating semi-solids. In the winter, a warm bowl of soup will keep him/her cozy. Making soup for your infant is possible. Add mashed (or pureed) chicken pieces or veggies to the broth. Add crushed garlic to the soup to keep your kid warm and guard him/her against numerous winter illnesses.
Last Words
Ensuring your kid isn't too overheated or too chilly while wearing all winter clothing is a tricky balance. Touch your child's neck and ears. Your infant is overheated if their neck is perspiring and their ears are red and hot. Consider removing a layer of clothing, feeding your baby breastmilk or formula, and soaking them in lukewarm or colder water. Contact your pediatrician, though, if the symptoms don't go away. Put your touch on your baby's back, chest, or tummy to feel whether they are too cold. Add a layer of clothing to warm up your infant if they seem chilly. However, if you believe that your too-cold infant has entered the risky realm of frostbite, wrap them in a warm blanket, dry up their ears, nose, or lips with a warm washcloth, and give them warm breastmilk or formula. And once more, consult a pediatrician if your child's symptoms don't improve. But don't worry, be ready, and enjoy spending your baby's first winter.
Mamy Poko Pants will be your constant companion and will help you keep your baby comfortable and cheerful throughout the winter. A comfortable baby is a happy baby and a happy baby leads to happy parents.
