Beating the winter chill
Cold winter weather presents a real challenge for you as a mom. You want to be sure your baby is warm enough, but you’re all too aware that if she overheats this could put her at risk, especially when she’s sleeping. You need to dress your baby or toddler warmly enough for the outside extremes of temperature without bundling them up in so many thick layers that they can barely move.
You’re also having to combat conditions that put both you and your baby at risk of respiratory infections, so keeping germs at bay will also be on your winter health and wellbeing checklist. And what about treating your baby is she does catch a cold? Now that baby cough and cold medications are officially off-limits, how do you ease her discomfort? Gurgle has the answers to help you beat the winter chill…
Wrapping up warm
Babies don’t have a very efficient internal temperature control mechanism, so your little one will be relying on you to ensure that she’s warm enough without feeling too hot.
Piling on thick layers of clothing isn’t the way to go even if it is icy cold outside because just as babies cool down rapidly, they also overheat swiftly. As a rule, stick to light layers that you can remove if you go into a store or the mall from the outside, or once you get in the car. Always make sure your baby is wearing a hat outside in cold weather, as most of her body heat will be lost through her head (the same goes for you). Mittens are also a must – make it easier by purchasing coats and fleeces that incorporate fold-down mittens.
As a rule, your baby only needs one more layer than you have on, and you should keep an eye on her to ensure she’s not getting too hot. Don’t be guided by how cool her hands are – they’re naturally cooler because they have lower circulation than the rest of the body. Instead, slide your hand under her clothing to check how warm her tummy or back is. If they feel cool, she needs another layer; if they feel hot and clammy, she’s too hot.
You need to be especially careful about monitoring your baby’s temperature at night since she’s too small to kick off the covers if she’s too hot. Keep the room where she
sleeps at around 65°F: at that temperature, a sheet and two light layers of blanket should be sufficient. If she uses a sleeping bag, use the correct tog rating for the season and don’t use blankets as well.
Stick to the one-more-layer rule when
dressing your toddler and preschooler for winter too, and make sure winter layers don’t impede her movement or make it difficult for her to strip down to use the potty or toilet.
Fighting off germs
Both you and your baby will be more susceptible to catching colds and flu during chilly weather. Germs like the cold, and the fact we all tend to huddle indoors, in close proximity to each other, when the weather is bad means they pass from person to person more easily. Plus, central heating dries out our nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to take hold.
Colds and flu are a miserable experience for babies and their parents, and under-5s are at a high risk of developing complications, such as
pneumonia, from flu (around 20,000 are hospitalized each year because of it). This means it’s vital to take precautions to protect your child by keeping germs at bay. Washing your hands regularly to prevent transmission of germs is the biggest single preventive step you can take. If you or your child has a cold, you’ll likely be leaving a trail of germs on everything you touch, from toys to doorknobs and kitchen countertops. It’s not necessary to use anti-bacterial soap – just rub your hands and fingers together vigorously, since it’s the rubbing action that removes germs.
Take evasive action too, by keeping your child away from anyone who has a cold, fever, or runny nose. If she has a cold, try to ensure that her siblings don’t play with her toys or share her cups, plates and eating utensils. If you have a
cold or flu, keep kisses to a minimum – you might even want to consider wearing a surgical mask for feeds and diaper changes. Cough or sneeze into your shoulder, not your hand, and discard any used Kleenex straightaway. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as this will transfer germs to your hands. Wash your hands often, and always before touching your baby. If you use a hand sanitizer, make sure it’s alcohol based.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children from 6 months to 5 years old get
immunized against flu each year. Flu season starts in October and the earlier your baby is immunized the better protected she’ll be.
Treating baby colds and coughs
It’s not recommended that you give your baby or toddler over-the-counter cough and cold medications because of safety fears. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that they are ineffective in children under six years of age. Your pediatrician can advise you on how to ease your baby’s symptoms, and these measures may help:
- Use saline nose drops to thin the mucus if her nose is blocked – it’s a good idea to clear your baby’s nose in this way just before feeds, as a blocked nose can interfere with her ability to feed. (Never use over-the-counter nasal decongestants intended for adults on your baby or child, as these contain strong drugs.)
- Clear her nose with a rubber suction bulb after softening any buildup of mucus with saline. If you’re unsure how, ask your pediatrician to show you – you don’t need to insert it right into your baby’s nose: place it just inside her nostril and slowly release the bulb to draw out any mucus.
- Use a humidifier in your child’s room to moisten the air and help to keep her nasal passages hydrated. If you don’t have a humidifier a bowl of water placed near a heat source, such as a radiator, will do the trick (if you have an older child ensure it’s well out of his reach).
- Soothe a runny nose that’s sore from constant wiping by gently rubbing on a tiny smear of petroleum jelly.
- Ease her breathing by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to her bathwater.
- Prevent dehydration by offering your young baby plenty of breast or formula milk – even if she isn’t finishing her feeds, every little bit will help to avoid dehydration. You also need to ensure your toddler or preschooler drinks plenty of fluids.
- Give fever relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen if your baby develops a fever (avoid ibuprofen if your baby is vomiting). Check the label carefully for the right dosage for your child’s weight and age (if you’re in any doubt, ask your pediatrician for guidance), and always use the measuring cup or syringe provided. Never give aspirin as it has been linked with Reye’s syndrome, a disease that affects the liver and the brain.
- Call your pediatrician if your baby is under three months and she has cold or flu symptoms or a fever over 100°F. If she’s over three months, seek advice if her fever rises above 101°F. No matter what your child’s age, call your pediatrician if her symptoms worsen suddenly.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 28/12/2008