Monsoon can be very refreshing, but baby care during this season, especially for new parents, can be very challenging. Since babies can’t speak or explain anything, parents need to understand the signs and do what is needed. And now with a pandemic situation across the world, parents need to be more cautious regarding the health of their little ones. We asked our expert Dr. Vijayanand Jamalpuri, MD MRCPCH (UK), Consultant Neonatologist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Hyderabad, about some general measures to take care of and here is what he suggests.
- Moisturize more often
Babies have sensitive skin and with low temperatures of the environment, proper moisture doesn’t reach the skin, leaving it dry. It can further make their skin rough and even break the skin. Also, with those having allergic or atopic dermatitis, the problem may get worse during this time. Therefore, moisturizing is the key thing. Moisturize your babies’ skin more frequently, at least 2-3 times a day with a baby-safe moisturizer.
- Bathing water temperature
Lower environment temperature doesn’t mean you have to give your baby a hot water bath. It can be harmful to the baby’s sensitive skin. The water temperature should be just a little more than lukewarm. You can check it by immersing your elbow in it before giving a bath.
- Keep away from common monsoon diseases
Monsoon comes with diseases like dengue, malaria, common flu, gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhoea, vomiting, and now even the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, ensure that you do not step out of your home with your infant. Keep them away from people who are sneezing or coughing or have any other related symptoms of viral diseases. To keep away from gastrointestinal diseases, for babies older than 6 months, feed them fresh and home-cooked food only. Younger ones are to be breastfed only. Keep your baby covered with warm clothes, according to the environmental temperature.
- Mothers who are breastfeeding
Breastmilk is not only rich in many nutrients, but it also provides antibodies to the baby. Therefore, it is essential for the mothers too to have a healthy and nutritious diet and avoid outside food. Avoid any breastmilk supplements.
Keeping the mosquitoes away
- Many mosquito-borne diseases spread during this season and therefore, take care that mosquitoes don’t reach your baby.
- You can install a wire mesh for your doors and windows to keep the mosquitoes from entering your home.
- You can cover the baby under a mosquito net.
- Make sure your place doesn’t have stagnant water, where the mosquitoes usually breed.
- Get rid of dark and damp corners in your home and ensure proper sanitization.
- Cover water-filled vessels in your kitchen.
- Do not use chemical mosquito repellents on the baby's skin. Instead, you can apply baby oil to the exposed skin areas.
- Do not use mosquito repellent coils near the baby, since it can cause respiratory illnesses.
Therefore, following all these measures will be very useful during the current situation. In case of any medical assistance, go for teleconsultations. Stay home as much as possible and if it is extremely necessary to step out, follow all the preventive measures.
