Winter Care For Newborns: Expert Explains How To Keep Your Baby Warm, Safe and Infection Free

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Winters are one of the most challenging times for newborns and new mothers. Babies are far more sensitive to temperature changes than adults, and even small slips in routine can leave new parents stressed.

To help make those early winter weeks easier, we spoke to Dr Manju Kumari, Consultant-Critical Care Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai, who shared simple, practical ways to keep your baby warm, safe and protected from infections during the colder months.

Keeping Your Baby Warm

Newborn babies cannot effectively regulate their body temperature. Parents can make sure their baby stays warm by following these expert-recommended steps:

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• Ensure the baby is covered in soft layers of clothing rather than one thick layer
• Cover the head and feet with a cap and socks to prevent heat loss
• Keep the room comfortably warm.
• Avoid loose blankets over the baby's face during sleep time. It increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Use warm, but not hot water for baby baths and avoid bathing under a fan or AC draft. Keep bathing time limited to 2-3 minutes.

Preventing Infections

"With the arrival of winter, the risk of viral infections increases. Newborns in particular are at a higher risk due to their developing immunity," said Dr Kumari. Some simple measures can help protect your baby from such infections:

• Limit visitors during the first few weeks after birth
• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the baby
• Avoid contact with anyone showing signs of a cold or flu
• Keep rooms ventilated to reduce indoor pollution
• Maintain a clean environment for feeding, sleeping and play
• Ensure proper vaccination and follow your paediatrician's advice on preventive care

Caring for Skin and Breathing

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• Dry indoor air and smog in winter can irritate a baby's skin and lungs.
• Use gentle moisturisers to prevent skin dryness. Avoid scented soaps.
• If the nose is blocked, use saline drops as advised by the paediatrician.
• Keep the baby away from incense sticks, scented sprays and smoke from cooking or heaters. Ensure the baby's sleeping area is free from dust and strong odours.
• Monitor for signs of difficulty in breathing and consult a doctor promptly, if needed.

Recognising Warning Signs

While it may not be easy to spot trouble instantly for new parents, some signs can reveal distress. These include:

• Fast or laboured breathing
• Refusing a feed or feeding poorly
• Fever or hypothermia
• Sudden lethargy
• Pale or bluish skin

If any of these signs appear, see a doctor immediately. With early intervention, it is possible to prevent serious complications and ensure that your newborn has a healthy start to life.

Small Steps Make a Big Difference

Winter care is not as complicated a process as it seems. "It requires just a few basic but effective measures and adjustments by families. These could be maintaining the right room temperature, or using soft layered clothing, practicing better hygiene, and learning how to identify the subtle warning signs. With awareness and attentiveness, parents can prevent most of the common infections and winter complications in babies," shared Dr Kumari.

Bottomline

Dr Kumari concluded, "If parents want their babies to thrive in the colder months, they must provide a safe, warm and clean environment. Doing so can not only make the first months stress-free and joyful, but will also help raise healthy and resilient babies through the winter season."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.