Must Dos For Babies Under Two Years During Winter

Winter is the time when babies catch a lot of diseases easily due to poor or weak immune response. Also they are wrapped in uneasy clothing and catching any disease would make them even more irritated and inactive. The following things must definitely be kept in mind of the new nursing mums or even the moms-to-be.

1) Nutritional care

While babies under two years should always be breastfed additional care should be taken during winters. Foods such as semi boiled egg, mashed bananas and boiled potatoes should be additionally given if the paediatrician permits. After bathing the baby immediately some food should be given to fight the cold.

2) Massaging using olive oil

Massaging is a must for strong bones and muscles. During winter babies should be massaged with a little warm oil. This leads to heat production as well is a safe moisturiser for the baby skin.

Also massage using chironji nuts in heated mustard oil acts as an excellent decongestion agent for the chest. It has always been used to treat cough blocked chests of babies.

3) Sun bathing

Sunbathing protects the baby from catching a cold and also is good for strengthening of bones. After bathing or massaging the baby should be taken out in the sun for at least 45 minutes to an hour. While doing so ensure that the baby is not covered with extensive clothing because that will not solve the purpose. Specially the head and chest need to be well exposed to the sun. Never leave the baby unattended.

4) Vaccinations

This one is important for every season. But due to more chances of catching an infection, any pending vaccinations should not be delayed. As winter time has the highest rate of disease occurrence such as cold. Babies catch pneumonia and chest infections very fast.

5) Avoid long bathing durations

It’s the long duration of bathing that is main reason for chest infection. Avoid contact of the baby’s body with the bathroom floor. Always use luke warm water. Bathe the baby during the late morning hours. Bathing early morning or too late in the evening will increase the chance of catching a cold.

Also keep the blower or convector switched on before taking the baby for a bath so that the little honeybun comes out into a warm cosy room.

6) Moisturise more often

For the babies skin the winter winds are very unsafe. They get dried up and become flaky. Moisturise using a baby lotion which is safe pr even a natural oil such as olive oil 4-5 times a day.

7) Properly packed Clothing

Depending on the temperature always clothe the baby in layers. A single thick garment is lesser effective than two thin sweaters as they trap heat in between. Always use clothing that keeps the chest covered.

Use good quality nappies however change them often as the temperature doesn’t allow drying that easily. Also the baby gets cold due to the wet nappy.

8) Night cover should be extra

Keep checking during the night time while sleeping whether the baby is covered well. As the temperature drops at night time additional care should be taken.

Winters are the cosy warm time for the family, especially when you have a baby in the family. So enjoy the season with some hot cuppa soup.

About the author: Marissa is a mom blogger who is passionate about babies. She considers herself an expert on baby care and feeding related issues. Check her latest article Medela pump in style advanced review that can help you make a better decision after preganancy.