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In the winter, the cold, dry air and lack of sunlight can adversely affect our ability to fight diseases and can bring on life threatening medical conditions. Babies and kids are the most affected and hence it is important to give them that extra care and nourishment during this changing season. In this article we shall know about Skin care and Immunity, two important concerns to be taken care of.

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Skin Care – Cool temperatures can cause extra dry and chapped skin in babies and kids. Below are few points that can be helpful.

1. Massage – Continue to massage your baby daily during winter too as it helps enhance blood flow and bring warmth to the baby’s body along with taking care of dry and chapped skin. Use oils coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, mustard oil and sesame oil. Ensure to heat the oil a bit before applying, massage in a warm and closed area.

2. Bathing – Many of them avoid bathing babies during the winter. If we feel fresh post bathing babies feel too, and hence I recommend not missing a daily bath. Much needed as babies are always covered much and especially more so in winter and they may sweat a lot. This can also help them stay away from infections. Ensure to bathe in slightly hot water, very hot water can damage the baby’s skin.

3. Clothing – Use layers when you are in a not-so-cold area. Putting on sweaters all the time is not necessary. Ensure to check their ear, palm and legs if they really feel cold put on warm clothes like sweaters, socks, and caps. If you stay in a very cold region then body warmers are available for babies that are not bulky but do the job of a sweater.

4. Skin Care Products – Use baby-friendly skincare products only as you do not want any products to leave your baby’s skin dry. Be careful while choosing the brand and winter-friendly products. Most of the time oil massage is sufficient as it would also act as a moisturizer and its good to prefer besan/shikakai over soaps.

Immunity – Babies get attracted to germs very easily and it is important to take care of their immunity in this season of diseases.

1. Breastfeed – Babies till 2 years need this natural medicine to fight germs and bacteria. 

2. Hygiene – Bathing babies daily, keeping their winter clothes clean, washing one’s hand before taking the baby and many simple things matter a lot when it comes to baby care in winter. This is one of the major reasons for cough or cold spreading easily in your house to one another.

3. Take them to Fresh Air – The circulated air in closed environments can be the major reason for spreading illnesses to babies. It is important to air the house by keeping windows open every now and then and very necessary to take babies out on a stroll even during winter. Take them to mild sunlight too which helps keep them fresh and makes them stronger. Just ensure to avoid crowded places.

4. Get the Flu Shot – Post 6 months your doctor will recommend 2 flu shots in a span of 1 month. Do not miss it and they are not too expensive. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Nasal Congestion – I’ve made a detailed video on Nasal Congestion, please check it without fail. Babies who cannot breathe well due to cold will not take food well nor sleep well. Both of which can affect their health during any season.

6. Avoid Antibiotics – Antibiotics only kill the bacteria and but illnesses in babies and kids are generally caused by viruses. Hence do not pressure your pediatrician and neither purchase nor keep feeding dosages of over the counter medicines for cough, cold or fever until recommended. These can be greatly harmful to child’s immunity making them addictive and also damage their kidney.

7. Immune Boosting Foods – Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables along with Dry Fruits must be included in babies and kids daily diet. Simple Indian spices work great in boosting immunity and fighting infections and hence it is good to use Ginger, Garlic, Pepper, Cumin, Curry Leaves, Turmeric, etc. vastly in their daily diet. For example, Steam Veggies with little pepper, make Purees with Garlic and prepare khichdi with Cumin, etc. Check my blog with Immune Boosting Food Recipes.

Video: Winter Care for Babies & Kids – Immunity & Skin Care

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