No sniffles or sneezes

Tips on how to keep your toddler healthy and happy through the winter.

December 08, 2012 04:43 pm | Updated 08:13 pm IST

Wrap them up well. Photo: S. Subramanium

Wrap them up well. Photo: S. Subramanium

With the mercury dropping and, the giggles of toddlers are replaced by sniffles and sneezes. Cough, cold and flu dominate the winter and are a major source of tension especially to parents of toddlers. But there is no need to worry if proper hygiene is maintained and the child is given a healthy diet to keep the immune system strong.

So here are some tips on what to do to prevent the virus from laying hold of your kids.

Wash hands — both adults and children — regularly. Germs are easily passed through skin contact, especially if one uses the hands to close the mouth while coughing or sneezing. Use warm water since it acts as a shield against infections.

If you have pets at home, make sure you keep them clean, especially if it comes in after spending time outside. Fleas and bugs travel from the pet’s hair and can spread from person to person easily.

Keep kids away from family members who are suffering from cold or flu as children are more prone to these infections.

If anyone in the house is a smoker then quit immediatly. Smoking inside the house is one of the foremost causes of nose, ear and throat infections in toddlers. These children are more prone to respiratory infections especially during the winters.

Give your child a healthy diet and feed them with fruits and vegetables in winters. A good diet with a balanced amount of nutrients and essential components strengthens the immune system.

Winters can be harsh on your baby’s skin, so keep him/her well wrapped up. Apply a moisturiser immediately after a bath. Use a mild soap and lukewarm water. If the water is too hot, it can dry the baby’s sensitive skin.

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