Winter is here. The air feels cold. The days are shorter. The nights are longer. Children love this season. They enjoy playing in the cool air. They love wearing warm clothes. Soup and hot chocolate become their favourite. 

Winter is the time when parents worry most about their child’s health. Thus, maintaining good health during this season is necessary. In this blog, we will take you through some of the key measures you need to keep in mind while taking care of your child. 

Clothes for Winters 

The first rule for child health in winter is warm clothing. Children lose heat faster than adults. They need extra protection.

Dress your child in layers. Start with a cotton or thermal inner. Add a warm sweater or jacket. Use a cap to cover the head. Add socks and gloves. Warm shoes help too.

Layers help trap body heat. If your child goes outside, make sure clothes are easy to move in. Tight or heavy clothes can make them sweat. Sweaty clothes can make them feel cold later. When your child comes indoors, remove extra layers. This keeps their body comfortable.

Keep Body Warm

Uncomfortable children suffer from cold hands and feet. Always cover them with warm, soft socks and gloves.

If socks become wet, change them immediately. Cold feet due to wet socks can lead to sickness.

Blanket and hot water are necessary before going to bed. 

Give Healthy and Warm Food

Food is the main source of energy and stamina. The winter season requires kids to take food that is not only warming but also fortifying.

Soups, porridge, and khichdi should be served. Green leafy vegetables and seasonal fruits can be great for growing children. 

For protein intake, eggs, lentils, and milk should be given. They contribute to muscle strengthening.

Do not present kids with cold drinks, ice creams, and too much sugar. They can be the reasons for the sore throat. Instead, offer them warm milk with honey or turmeric.

Essentials 

When winter comes, the amount of water drunk by children decreases. The cold air can be a reason for the throat to get dry, and so can the heaters, which make the indoor air dry, too.

Meanwhile, give your child warm water frequently. Soups, warm milk, or light herbal teas can be offered as well. Besides, fruit juice or coconut water is also a good option.

Remind them to take small sips very often. The body’s hydration strengthens its ability to fight germs and keeps the skin soft.

Related Topic: Top skincare tips for the first month – a guide for parents

Let Them Sleep Well

Good sleep keeps the body strong. Children need to rest thoroughly, and these needs should be taken seriously, particularly during winter.

Make your child sleep early. Make them habituated to sleeping on time. Wrap them up in fluffy blankets. Keep the room warm.

Avoid screens before bed. Instead, read a short story or play soft music. This helps them relax.

A child who sleeps well wakes up happy and full of energy.

Strength & Immunity

Strengthening the immune system of toddlers is an easy task. All you have to do is maintain good food and habits.

Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, such as oranges, guavas, and amla, ought to be administered. They gradually relieve and heal infections and colds.

Yoghurt or curd should be served with the meals. It improves gut health.

Let your kid be in the morning sun for a while. The sun is the Vitamin D supplier, which is a must for strong bones and the immune system.

A daily dose of honey (for kids above 1 year) is also a good practice.

Minute health habits can be the major contributors to kids’ winter wellness.

Teach Clean Habits

Viruses are more contagious in the winter.  Youngsters who develop healthy habits are less likely to get sick.

When they cough or sneeze, tell them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow.

Never trade scarves, glasses, or even cutlery with others.

Keep their towels, bottles, and toys clean at all times.

These small steps can have a big impact on stopping the spread of diseases.

Take Care of Skin

The air during winter can be harsh and cause your kid’s skin to be dry. In case of dry skin, itching and crackling may occur. Regular care can be the solution to their problem.

Apply mild baby lotion or coconut oil right after bath. This practice will help to maintain the skin’s moisture.

Steer clear of hot water. Opt for lukewarm water. Hot water has the effect of taking away the skin’s natural oils.

Bathing should be short and gentle. After bathing, pat dry the skin and apply moisturizer immediately.

Use lip balm so that your lips remain soft. Don’t allow the skin to dry out too much.

Importance of Warmth 

Cold hands and feet are the signs of an uncomfortable kid. Always put warm and soft socks and gloves on them.

Just as the socks get wet, change them right away. Wet socked cold feet can make a kid sick.

At bedtime, cover them with a blanket and give them a water bottle to warm up their feet. But be careful that the water is not too hot. Warm, not hot, is safe.

Related Topic: Newborn Skin Care: Preventing Rashes, Dryness, and Infections

Keep Them Active

Cold weather makes children lazy. But activity is important. Simple games, dances, or yoga are excellent methods to enjoy yourself.

Taking some time outdoors, whether in the park or on the playground, the fresh air and sunlight have tremendous benefits for health.

Even the smallest tasks, such as your child assisting you with daily work, can keep them active.

Conclusion 

Your whole family can have a great time throughout the winter months. There is only one requirement, and that is to properly care and pay attention.

Clothes that are warm, healthy food, sleep, and love will all be factors in your little one’s health. These good practices for winter will give them a barrier against sickness. Therefore, this time around, a keen eye on children’s winter wellness will be your topmost priority. Have fun on the sofa day and share lots of hugs. Let your kid have a winter that is safe, healthy, and joyous.