Winter is the most awaited season of the year. The most comfortable outfits for children can be sweaters. They love playing outside and eating warm food. However, the cold weather even brings common flu and other diseases. Preschoolers need extra care during this season. Since their immune system is still growing, the kids might catch cold or flu easily. Thus, for parents and teachers, this is the time when they need to be more careful.
This blog will take you through some essential yet simple winter care tips for preschoolers.
Here are Some Easy Winter Care Tips For Preschool Kids
1. Wear Layers
Dress your child in layers. Layers keep them warm. Start with a soft cotton vest. Add a sweater or sweatshirt. Then put on a jacket. When going out, add a hat, socks, and gloves. Do not wear tight clothes. Tight clothes trap no warm air. Avoid heavy clothes. Heavy clothes stop play. Choose soft, warm fabrics. Wool and fleece are best. If your child stays inside, remove one layer. This stops sweating. Wet clothes can cause a cold.
2. Hydration
Kids may not feel thirsty in winter. They still need water. Without it, they get tired or sick. Give warm water. Offer soup, milk, or coconut water.
Fruits like oranges and apples have water too. You can give fresh juice, but not too cold. Drinking enough water keeps your child’s skin soft and improves child health in winter. It also helps their body fight off germs.
3. Give Healthy Food
It is necessary to consume healthy food. It allows them to stay strong and active. Winter is great for enjoying hot meals. Vegetable, soup, etc, consumption can be ideal for children. Make sure to add a little ghee to their food. It will help in keeping their body warm. Do not encourage junk food consumption. Thus, healthy eating is essential for kids in the winter season.
4. Warm Bedding
The winter season is known for its cold nights. Therefore, warm and comfortable sleep is essential for your children. Soft blankets can be their best friend. It will help them breathe easily at night. Not just the blanket, ensure that they’re also wearing a warm night suit at night. Thermals and socks can be worn during bedtime.
5. Clean surroundings
Germs spread in winter. Kids touch many things. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Wash before meals and after play. Wipe hands and face. Keep clothes and bedding clean. Wash them often. Dry in the sun. Clean toys and play areas. Clean space stops coughs and colds. Keeps kids safe in winter.
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6. Winter body care
Cold air dries skin. Kids can get rough skin. Lips may become chapped. Use a mild moisturizer after a bath. Apply lip balm if needed. Use coconut or almond oil at night. Do not use hot water. Lukewarm water is enough. Hot water makes skin dry. Gentle care keeps skin soft.
7. Physical activities
Children need to play every day. They should stay active in all seasons. In winter, many parents keep kids indoors. Cold weather stops outdoor play. But kids still need exercise to stay healthy. If the day is sunny, let them play outside. Morning sunlight gives Vitamin D. It helps make bones strong. It also helps build good immunity.
If the weather outside is very cold, then have them do their activities indoors. They can dance, stretch or do simple exercises. A child’s activity through play not only helps to keep them robust but also aids in developing immunity against flu.
8. Keep the Home Warm and Fresh
Your home should be kept at a comfortable temperature but with proper ventilation. For a few minutes open the windows during the day to let the air in the house be renewed. Stale air is a source of filthy germs.
Apart from keeping your child up, if you have a heater, make sure it is located far enough away from him or her. Observe the room for dryness, and if it is extremely dry, place a basin with water in the room to do the humidifying. This is beneficial for your child since it clears his respiratory tract easily and at the same time prevents dry throat or coughing.
9. Follow Good Bath Habits
In winter, some parents avoid giving daily baths to children. But bathing keeps your child fresh and clean. Use warm water, not hot. Hot water can make skin itchy. Bath time should be short. Dry your child well after bathing and dress them quickly in warm clothes.
Shampoo less often. Too much dries the scalp. Use mild soap. Apply moisturizer. Keep skin clean. Dress in warm clothes. Stay comfortable and healthy.
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10. Be Cautius
Even if you are careful, kids can get sick. Watch for a runny nose or cough. Check if they have a fever. If your child looks tired, take their temperature. Start care early. It helps them heal faster. Keep basic medicines at home. Ask the doctor before giving any medicine. Make sure your child drinks water. Give light food. Let them rest. With love and care, they will get well soon.
Conclusion
By just doing the right things, we can let preschoolers enjoy winter. A warm dressing, healthy diet, adequate sleep and hygiene contribute significantly. Parents and teachers, cold weather care for kids should actually be our concern, and we should even set habits that are safe.
When the kids are taken care of by keeping them warm, feeding them well and let them have fun, they will indeed be in the best mood for the season all without getting sick. Winter can be a fun and healthy season for all preschoolers if just a little more care and love are given.