Monsoon brings with it plenty of diseases. Dr GAURAV JAWA shares tips on how to protect your young ones from infections

When it comes to the rainy season, what is the first thing that pops into your mind? Is it the beautiful weather, the smell of the mud or insects, mosquitoes, and humidity? Monsoon facilitates the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause several diseases. So, you need to take care of yourself. For babies, this season is dangerous. Lack of proper hygiene can help develop many diseases in infants.

Here are 10 effective tips that you can implement to protect your baby during monsoon.

Cleanliness

Your kid should be dry and clean at all times. If bathing is not an option, you can try sponging the baby with a warm towel. Make sure that their joints and folds are not itchy or wet.

Clothes

During the monsoon season, the temperature keeps changing. Clothe your baby with fabrics made of soft cotton. Make sure that these are full-sleeved. Do not overdress your baby as it will cause sweating that will eventually lead to moisture, which is the perfect place for germs to breed.

Home-cooked food

If your kid has started eating solids, he/she should be fed home-cooked food. Boiled food is considered most suitable for kids. If your kid is on formula, boil the water first and then cool it off. Inert utensils that are easy to clean like steel, silicone are preferred. Food rich in antioxidants like yellow fruits, amla, ginger, garlic and nuts must be included as feasible.

Hygiene

You need to keep your baby and yourself clean. If any member is coming from outside, they should remove their shoes outside and wash their hands with soap and water before coming near to the baby.

House

During monsoons, the house can get really dirty. Clean the floors daily. Do not store water anywhere inside or around the house. Keep a shoe rack outside the house so that no dirt comes inside.

Private parts

Clean and dry the private parts of your baby thoroughly. Do not use talcum powder at all. Change the diapers frequently. Letting your baby stay in the dirty diaper can lead to cold, rash, and even infection. If your baby does not pee frequently, or is toilet trained, you can avoid diapers.

Crowded places

Try to avoid taking your baby to a crowded place. It is an open invitation to seasonal flu. During the monsoon season, bacteria are in the air making your kid vulnerable to several diseases.

Oils and Sprays

Monsoon is the multiplying season for mosquitoes. While you are away from home, disinfect your home with a mosquito repellent. For your baby, use lavender, eucalyptus oils to keep them safe when you are outside.

Hydration

Fluid intake is the key to good health. Make sure you and the infant get adequate intake of water. Try not to make it straight out of the refrigerator.

The writer is Neonatologist & Paediatrician, Apollo Cradle Royale, Nehru Place