Monday, 7 January 2013

Keeping your baby warm in Winters

Winters can be extremely cruel for new born babies. Ask me, my daughter was born in Delhi Chill and I had to make sure she is comfortable and warm. You have to make sure you keep your baby protected from multiple winter bugs.
  • Make sure you wash your and your baby's hands keep them clean on a regular basis. This would keep germs at bay, and infections away.
  • Most winter diseases are infectious, so make sure you keep the baby away from sick people.
  • Make sure all the vaccinations are done on time to keep the bacteria and virus at bay
  • Your baby might get dehydrated, to add on to it... if the baby's nose is stuffy and s/he has cough they might find it difficult to feed. Give the baby ample breast-milk/formula.
As per Babycenter "Massaging your newborn baby in the winter can improve his blood flow and help build his immunity. In the colder regions of the country most mothers use mustard (sarson) oil as it warms the body. If you find the smell too strong, try almond or olive."

Dressing your baby right in winters is extremely important. As they are too young to regulate their body temperature we have to be extra cautious. As per American Academy of Pediatrics "Always dress your baby in one more layer of clothes than you would be comfortable in."

Do not overdress him/her and do not under-dress. Signs that your baby might be cold are fussiness or skin that appears whitish. If you notice these signs or your babies head, hands, feet or face feel cold, it's time to get him indoors or add another layer of clothing for warmth. Doctors suggest: Even though your baby’s hands and feet may feel cold during the winter months, this isn’t a true indication of his body temperature. You should put your hand down the front of your baby’s shirt or jumpsuit and feel his chest or back.

Dressing your baby up for night: It is best to use a thermometer in your baby's room, the ideal temperature should be between 18 and 23°C. It is better to stress on how you dress your baby and her/his cot appropriately for the chilly winter months.

Bedding:As per American Academy of Pediatrics, "quilts and heavy blankets should be avoided up until the age of 12 months because of the risk of suffocation and overheating. If you do put blankets on baby, make sure they are lightweight. You can layer them to maintain comfort, simply removing or adding one if your littlie gets too hot or cold. Also down with his feet touching the bottom of his cot, pull the blankets up to his chest only and securely tuck them in under the cot mattress." When you go to buy a light blanket try to pick the breathable cellular ones. When you buy sheets for the cot, buy 100% cotton ones. Make sure you layer your baby and dress him/her in cotton. Do not make the baby wear socks, mittens and caps at night. You can opt for a sleeping bag which is an amazing option to keep your baby covered. No matter how much s/he moves about and can help her/him feel safe, snug and secure. When you buy a sleeping bag, consider:

Short or long sleeves? The ones which have short sleeves will allow more air flow in the sleeping bag and will give greater freedom to dress baby in his/her night suit.

Use Natural fibers such as cotton over Polyester, as they are best for breath-ability.

Choose the right size for the sleeping bag you choose, experts say “the size isn’t based on the age of the child, but on the actual weight of the child. Make sure the bag has a fitted neck and armholes or sleeves, and steer clear of bags with hoods or fancy decorative ribbons, as your baby may become entangled in these during sleep.”

You should call your Pediatrician if:
  • s/he pulls on the ear (can be ear infection)  
  • wheezing or troubled breathing
  • suffering from diarrhea or vomiting, this can give birth to dehydration 
  • is below 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4 degrees
Winters is the perfect time to cuddle up and enjoy some cozy time with your little one. Do not let the winter bugs ruin them.

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