Parenting In Winters: 5 Tips From An Experienced Mom

As winters approach, there are instances of children falling sick because of the weather changes. So how do you as parents ensure that your child stays fit and healthy this winter. Talking about which –do you know that parenting differs with each changing season? Yes, it does. Here it is changing according to winter season.

Clothing Needs Special Attention In Winter

India experiences varying degrees of cold in winters. Varying from snowfall to pleasant mild windy weather, Indian states exhibit a variety of temperatures during winters. Hence, parents have to take caution depending on the weather they experience. While it is important to stress on clothing, parents should remember that children would feel cold to the same extent that they would, hence unnecessary stacking of clothes on children is not required.

Keep These 6 Things In Mind

1. Children should be dressed in layers of clothing which are easy to put on and take off
2. Parents should check regularly to ensure that the child is not excessively heated up. Clothes should be removed if need be
3. Head should be covered with a cap or hat to ensure body heat is not lost through the head
4. Mittens or gloves should be used. Mittens are generally more useful in young children between 3 to 7 years as fingers keep bunched together and this keeps the body warmth intact
5. Warm shoes are of great help. In snow fed areas warm waterproof shoes are also of extreme use
6. Use of neck warmers or scarves to protect children from cold

Decoding The Causes Of Cold In Your Child

There is a general belief that cold is caused by cold weather. However this is just a myth. The fact is that winters expose children to viruses which thrive more in the cold. Ensuring that the child is immunized for flu is also extremely important. Children are prone to these infections when close to each other. Habit of washing hands regularly with soap and water to get rid of germs should be inculcated in children. They should be taught basic hygienic activities like covering their nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing.

Indoor Is A Better Option Than Outdoor?

It is best to restrict the child from playing outside home. Parents generally encourage children to engage in outdoor activities however it is suggested to restrict outdoor games during winters. A number of indoor activities like stretching, jumping rope, pull ups and push ups should be encouraged. Indoor activity classes may also be introduced to keep children busy. Indoor play gyms offer run, climb and play activities which ensure a vent to their pent up energy.

Extensive Skincare In Winter

Winters can pose to be hard on a child's delicate skin. It is best to cover the child completely and have least possible exposed skin. A good massage with hot oil provides good nourishment to the child's skin. Applying good quality soap and moisturiser are also important measures. Use petroleum jelly for preventing lip chapping. Keeping the child's palms and feet well moisturised and covered with mittens is also a healthy option during winters.

Maintaining A Healthy Diet In Winter

A child's immunity may deter during winters resulting in their falling ill more occasionally. Hence it becomes important to maintain a healthy diet to keep them going through winters. Inclusion of a few elements in the diet regime of 3 to 7 year old kids would definitely help them sail through winters smoothly.

1. Foods to boost immunity: Garlic contains properties that fight flu and diseases like asthma and bronchitis. Ginger cures common cold and treats sore throat. Lemon, being a rich source of Vitamin C helps building immunity to fight flu, cough and cold.
2. Healthy vegetables & fish: Winter vegetables like beetroots, radishes, cauliflowers, carrots are loaded with multi vitamins and they help build a strong immunity system. Intake of fish like salmon can also be very beneficial.
3. Fruits & Nuts: Nuts, dry fruits and fruits also help to strengthen a child's immune system. Fruits like apples, bananas, pears, and pomegranate are very beneficial for a child during growing times. One should ensure that a child provides complete nourishment from these healthy foods.
4. Child's body should be kept well hydrated: Children lose body fluid easily when they are unwell. The child has to be encouraged to drink lots of water, juices, milk and other liquids to replenish the loss of fluids and keep his body sufficiently hydrated. Warm beverages like soups or chocolate milk shakes may also be offered for ensuring the child maintains a healthy intake.

With the above tips in mind, hope you would be able to protect your children better during winters by adopting these simple measures. Happy Parenting!