Baby Care : Staying healthy during weather changes

Weather changes can bring on infections. These can be tough on your baby's developing immune system. You can do a few simple things to keep her safe from infections. 


Breastfeed and immunise 

Experts promote breastfeeding and immunisation. Studies show that these build your baby's immune system. It will help her ward off possible infections and diseases. 

Dress for the weather 

• Dress your baby appropriately, especially when you are planning to be out for a couple of hours.
• Dress your baby in layers when you take her outdoors, especially when the seasons change. You can remove or add layers if there is a sudden change in temperature. This is particularly important in North Indian states during March, late October and early November. In cities like Mumbai, Chennai or Cochin, you might not have to worry too much about seasonal changes. However, the sea breeze can get quite nippy in the evenings when seasons change.
• Avoid bundling up your baby with warm clothes at the slightest temperature dip. Her immunity will strengthen as her body adapts to weather changes.

Bath your baby regularly and establish a routine 

• Get your baby into the habit of bathing at a particular time of the day.
• Close the door and the windows to the bathroom while you are giving her a bath.
• Avoid late evening or night baths. Late morning baths are the best. Even if it is cold outside, your baby will have enough time to warm up during the day.
• After a bath, dry and clothe your baby before turning on the air conditioner. Make sure to dry her hair thoroughly. Also, protect her from the direct blast of cold air. Keep her away from the AC or cooler. Abrupt temperature changes can cause chills.

Give your baby a balanced diet 

• If your baby is already on solids, make sure that she has well-balanced meals. A good diet can give her the vitamins and minerals she needs to help fight infections. It's even more important to make sure your baby gets enough vitamins and minerals if she is a fussy eater or is on a restricted diet like lactose intolerant babies. Little evidence supports mega dosing with certain vitamins and minerals as a preventive measure.

If your baby is younger than six months, all she needs is your breastmilk. Your breastmilk gives her all the nutrients she needs.

Insist on health and hygiene 

• Make sure that people handling your baby are well and maintain personal hygiene. A sick maid or family member is more likely to give your baby an infection, rather than weather changes.
• Ensure that your baby's maid wears clean clothes and washes her hands with an antiseptic soap. She should keep her nails trimmed and her hair tied up whenever she is with your baby. Keep a hand sanitiser for people to use before they touch your baby. This will reduce the risk of infection.

Stay away from crowded places 

• Protect your baby by avoiding crowded areas where she can come into close contact with ill people. She could catch an infection such as conjunctivitis from other children or staff at her daycare centre or playschool.

Use natural remedies to prevent seasonal illnesses 

• If your child is prone to seasonal illnesses, you can try natural remedies or preventive homoeopathic medicine.
• For babies older than one year, ginger juice with honey in winter can help to guard against colds and chest infections.
• Buttermilk, lassi and coconut water are good for the stomach in the hot summer months.
• Crushed cinnamon (dalchini)with Holy basil (tulsi) juice may help to ward off flu. The flu is common during the monsoon season.

Keep your baby well-hydrated 

• Dehydration is common in babies. It can occur at any time of the year. It can sometimes be serious. Give your baby lots of fluids to stop her going thirsty.
• If your baby is younger than six months, all she needs is breastmilk. Make sure to feed her as often as she wants and as long as she wants. If your baby is older than six months, you could give clean filtered water and fresh fruit juices to drink. In winter, soups are one of the healthiest options to keep your baby warm and hydrated.

Your baby is likely to fall ill despite your best efforts. This can be due to weather changes, infections they pick up or anything else. Many doctors say it is important your baby falls ill once in a while. Fighting an infection strengthens her immunity. Babies usually recover quickly from illnesses. 

Learn more about common infections such as the 

• Cough
• Cold
• Natural Remedies