How to keep your child safe in winter, know easy tips and home remedies that will protect them from cold
Introduction
Winter season is the most challenging for children. Cold winds, changing weather and humidity can affect their health. In such a situation, the responsibility of parents increases to keep children safe and make their immunity strong.
Effect of cold on children's immunity
Children's immunity becomes weak in cold weather. Due to this, they can catch cold and fever quickly.
Common diseases that children suffer in winter
* Cold and flu
* Cough and fever
* Pneumonia
* Bronchitis
Ways to keep children warm
Dress the right clothes
Dress children in woolen and cotton mix clothes according to the weather. Wearing very thick clothes also makes them feel uncomfortable.
Importance of layering
It is better to make children wear layers instead of wearing a single thick cloth. This will allow them to take off or wear clothes as per the need.
Protection of head, ears and feet
Do not forget to make children wear caps, mufflers and socks. Most of the body's heat is released from the head and feet.
Children's diet in winter
Warm and nutritious diet
Include such things in children's diet in winter that keep the body warm. Such as - pulses, dry fruits, ghee, jaggery and sesame. These not only provide warmth but also give strength to children.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Fruits available in winter such as orange, guava, pomegranate and apple increase the immunity of children. At the same time, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, mustard greens and fenugreek are rich in iron and vitamins.
Importance of soup and herbal drink
Hot soup not only gives warmth to children but also provides nutrition. Herbal drink containing ginger, turmeric and basil helps protect children from cold and cough.
Care of children inside the house
Controlling the room temperature
The temperature of the children's room should neither be too cold nor too hot. There should be mild warmth in the room so that the child can sleep comfortably.
Use of humidifier
The air becomes dry in winter, which can cause difficulty in breathing in children. Using a humidifier in the room maintains moisture and the child feels comfortable.
Attention to cleanliness of the house
Dust and infection spread quickly in winter. Therefore, regular cleaning of children's room and their toys is necessary.
Skin care of children in winter
Use of moisturizer
Children's skin becomes dry very quickly in winter. Apply a light moisturizer after bathing and before sleeping at night.
Care of lips and hands and feet
Children's lips often crack. Apply lip balm to them and massage coconut or almond oil on hands and feet.
Right way of bathing
Do not bathe children with very cold water daily. It is better to bathe them early with lukewarm water so that their skin does not dry out.
Ways to strengthen children's immunity
Home remedies
Turmeric milk, Tulsi tea and ginger-honey are effective in increasing children's immunity.
Role of vitamins and minerals
Food rich in vitamin C, D and zinc protects children from diseases. Include these in your daily diet.
Exercise and sports
Children become lethargic in winter, but it is important to let them do light exercises and sports. This keeps their energy and immunity intact.
Precautions while taking children out
Playing outside at the right time
Do not take children out in very cold mornings and late evenings. Let them play outside only in the afternoon when the sun is mild and warm.
Protection from pollution and smog
Smog and pollution have a greater effect in winters. Wearing a mask while taking children out is a good option.
Use of masks and caps
Masks and caps protect children from cold air and also reduce the risk of infection.
Importance of children's sleep in winter
Right sleep environment
The room should have dim light and a calm environment for sleep. Proper sleep is important for both children's immunity and mood.
Fixing sleep time
Children's sleeping and waking time should be fixed. This improves their body clock and has a good effect on their health.
Protecting children from infection
Hand washing habit
Viruses and bacteria spread rapidly in winter. Make children get a habit of washing hands regularly with soap or sanitizer.
Avoiding crowded places
Do not take children to very crowded places. There is a high risk of infection here.
Flu vaccine and vaccination
Make sure to get children vaccinated and flu shots before winter. This is the safest way to protect them from seasonal diseases.
Children's outdoor games in winter
Importance of playing in the sun
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Children should play in the sun between 10 am and 3 pm.
Attention to clothes during play
It is important to dress children warmly even while playing in the sun. But keep in mind that they do not sweat too much.
Attention to children's mental health
Indoor games and activities
Due to cold, children are not able to play much outside. In such a situation, keep them busy with puzzles, painting and board games at home.
Stories and creative work
Tell stories to children or make them develop a habit of reading books. It helps in their thinking ability and mental development.
Role of parents
Spending time with children
In winter, children should spend time with parentsChildren need protection from sunlight. This makes them feel safe and happy.
Explaining safety rules to children
Teach children how important it is to wash hands after playing outside, not to stay in cold air without caps or socks.
Common mistakes parents make
Overdressing
Many times parents overdress their children. This can make children sweat and fall sick more.
Depriving them of sunlight
Not sending the child to the sun for fear of cold is wrong. Sunlight is necessary for the bones and immunity of children.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Should children be bathed daily in winter?
No, it is not necessary to bathe with cold water every day. Bathing with lukewarm water at an interval of 2-3 days is enough.
Q2. Which oil is good for massage for children in winter?
Mustard oil, almond oil and coconut oil are beneficial for the skin and muscles of children.
Q3. Should children be fed cold foods in winter?
Avoid giving very cold foods like ice cream or cold milk. This can cause sore throat.
Q4. How long should children play outside in winter?
Playing in the sun for at least 30–40 minutes every day is good for children's bones and immunity.
Q5. Which fruits should children eat more in winter?
Fruits like orange, guava, apple and pomegranate provide vitamin C and antioxidants to children, which protect them from infections.