Winter Care Tips for Babies: Top 5 Ways to Protect Newborns in Cold Weather
Parents of newborn babies start panicking as soon as the weather changes since this is the time when your delicate little angel can face some health issues as their immunity system is still developing. Hence, as parents, you are responsible for making all arrangements and taking the necessary steps to protect the baby from the cold.
In India, even though the winter season is shorter than the summer, your newborn is highly vulnerable to infections since the temperature drops drastically.
This article will highlight the top 5 approaches to taking proper care of your baby and keeping him healthy during the cold weather so that there are minimum doctor visits.
So, let us start discussing the vital points and gain good knowledge about the best baby care routine.
5 Winter Tips for Newborn Care
First winters are a challenge for every Indian parent; however, there are a few steps that you can adopt to create a suitable environment. The tips are simple, yet most new parents tend to be unaware of them, which leads to frequent illnesses and issues.
1. Appropriate Clothing for Winters
As soon as winter arrives, parents start piling up layers on the baby, thinking that more layers would keep the baby safe. But this isn’t the right approach as it can lead to overheating, which is not suitable for the baby’s health.
The best way to dress the baby is to use breathable, soft clothing made of natural, baby-safe fiber. As per experts, your baby should be dressed in one more layer than you wear during winter.
You can buy cotton, fleece, and wool clothing and cover your baby’s hands, feet, and head with the correct clothing. Caps, mittens, and socks are the best options to protect the body parts since if left bare, the body will lose heat and catch a cold.
If you are not using diapers during the day, change the wet nappies quickly since if your tiny tot remains wet for longer, chances are he may catch a cold. During the night, experts advise using diapers since newborns and infants have no control over pee and pass urine several times, even during sleep.
2. Create the Right Sleeping Environment in the Bedroom
One important winter care newborn tip is to create an ideal sleeping environment whenever you make the baby sleep. If you are making your child sleep in heavy, warm clothing, you are not doing it the right way. Instead, you should always use cotton clothing so the baby sleeps well.
You can leverage a sleeping bag or blanket sleeper if your little one throws away the cover sheet now and then. Make sure you use a soft and organically made blanket for the child. The best way is to regulate the room temperature using a room heater.
However, when you use a heater, install an air humidifier, as heaters tend to make the room dry, which may have side effects. The humidifier will maintain the moisture level and always keep your sleeping angel safe.
3. Boost your Baby’s Immunity with Proper Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in baby care during winter as it helps boost the child’s immunity. Breastfeeding is a boon for newborns since human breast milk is rich in all essential nutrients and antibodies required to support growth and development.
Consult your child’s Pediatrician and ask for iron and vitamin D supplements, as these also boost immunity. If your baby is over 6 months old, you can feed a nutrient-rich diet, including different veggies and fruits.
As new parents, you may want to go for outings and enjoy family time, but it is advisable to avoid crowded places as this would expose your tiny tot to infections.
Also Read: Super Foods For Kids During Winters to Boost-Your Kids Immunity
4. Be Vigilant and Take Timely Action When You See Signs Of Illness
There may be instances of infections like cold, congestion, or fever even if you take all possible precautions and follow strict winter care for newborn babies. So, you must be vigilant and consult a doctor if you see signs of illness.
Do not wait for severe symptoms, and get alert when you see your child being fussy or lethargic, as these are the usual initial signs that the child is having some issues.
5. Keep the Surroundings Cozy
Winters are all about low temperatures and dry air; thus, if you wish to keep the surroundings cozy and ideal for your baby, you can also use a humidifier throughout the day.
This would ease your child’s breathing and help eliminate issues like congestion or cold. Bathing your tiny angel is also a challenge during winter since children tend to catch cold in the process. You should use warm water and gentle cleansers made of organic and natural ingredients.
Good quality body cleaners, soaps, and shampoos nourish and moisturize skin. Itchy and dry skin can irritate your newborn baby, so never compromise with the baby care products you use. Another way to soothe your child’s skin is to use a nourishing massage oil for soft, healthy skin.
One thing that you should be careful about when bathing or massaging your child is to wrap the baby in a towel and put the clothes back as soon as you are done since, if you leave your little one naked for a long time, he might get exposed to cold temperature.
Also Read: How To Keep Your Baby’s Skin Moisturized in Winter
Key Takeaways
Now that we have stated the top 5 winter newborn health tips, we hope you have all the answers to your questions and concerns as the weather changes. Winters are a challenge, but you can overcome the hurdles by taking the necessary steps and being proactive.
Use appropriate clothing and follow a healthy diet plan to boost your baby’s immunity. Also, keep an eye on the tot’s health and make decisions to help eliminate severe health conditions.
It would help if you remembered that as your child grows, his needs will also change; therefore, you should adjust your lifestyle and winter care routine accordingly.
If you are looking for top-quality baby products like lotion, shampoo, massaging oil, and body cleansers, you should consider R for Rabbit’s baby care range, as the brand is popular for its best-in-class products. Every product comprises natural and organic ingredients that nourish and adequately cleanse skin.
