Protect your baby from winter chills and dryness. M&B expert Dr Geetanjali Shah explains why babies need special care during the cold season.

Cold, windy air leaves your baby vulnerable to numerous ailments. During winter, babies are often kept indoors, but some of them still tend to develop rashes, dryness or symptoms of cough and cold. Dr Geetanjali Shah says, “Babies between six months to one year, often experience dryness on their skin during this season.At times, the bathing soap is responsible for this. Make sure that the soap you use while bathing the baby is a moisturising one.  Because of the cold weather, some babies also get a nose block. After consultation with the doctor, use a saline nasal drop. This will provide relief. Also, ensure that you place your baby in a propped up position while feeding.”

Babies can easily be exposed to cough and cold as these are very common during winter. To counter this, Dr Shah advises parents to use natural remedies such as applying vekhand powder on the chest. “This plant is useful in the cough. You can also put some powder in the bath water and bathe the child.”

She also warns of allergies. “It’s important that you watch out for any signs of allergies. If the baby is above three months of age, you can keep a vapouriser lamp in the room. Add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to it. The oil helps in the treatment of respiratory tract infection and cough. Babies more than six months of age can be given a paste of tulsi and jyeshta orally to help relieve cough. Even a cup of milk with a pinch of turmeric powder and ginger helps in the treatment of cold,” avers Dr Shah.

If your baby is suffering from recurrent cough and cold, then it could mean that he has developed an allergic reaction to something in his surroundings.  Ensure that your baby does not sleep close to the blast of the air-conditioner. If the baby is directly hit by the blast of cold air, it can trigger a cold. Dr Shah also suggests that you do not over-clothe your baby. “Due to the weather, you may want to be too careful. But don’t clothe your baby in woollen wear as he may get an allergy from the fabric. Your baby will experience dry skin due to the weather and the brushing of wool against his sensitive skin can cause an allergy.  Ensure that your baby is covered in a layer of cotton clothing first and then put on a sweater,” she advises.

If your child’s water intake is less than normal, he may develop gastrointestinal problems. You can give him warm water to drink often. This will also help clear his throat. During winter holidays, if you are travelling with the baby, you must check if he’s suffering from any respiratory distress. “If you are spending holidays at a place at a high altitude, your baby could suffer from low glucose. Low blood sugar occurs when the body’s demand for glucose is greater than its supply. Depending on the baby’s age, you can either breastfeed your baby frequently or give him glucose water,” advises Dr Shah. During the winter, babies may also suffer from itching around the eyes. Apply breastmilk around the infected area. This will help treat the irritation. Dr Shah also urges mums to continue breastfeeding for as long as possible. “This is the best food as well as medicine for the child, as it builds his immunity.” M&B

Words Poornima Nair Iyer