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There’s no definite way to shield your child from the clutch of illnesses that circulate during the winter season. Viral fevers, colds, coughs and viruses are common occurrences during the colder months, and since most of them are airborne, there’s very little you can do to keep them out of your home. Your child can catch an airborne virus if he breathes in the same air as an infected friend. And more often than not, you wouldn’t even know where the virus has come from, because children can still be carriers without displaying symptoms.

Despite how persistent winter viruses can be, you can still take measures to optimise your child’s immunity. Here are some ways you can give germs a tough time this winter.

1. Wash up!

Keeping your hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps families can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teaching people about hand washing reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21%.

2. Discourage Hand-to-Face Contact

A germ-ridden hand can transmit viruses faster than light to your child’s body. A little hand that comes into contact with an eye or nose can deposit germs onto the mucous membranes, so it’s important to have your child avoid hand-to-face contact. Teach your little tyke the value of use-and-throw tissues, so that an already acquired virus can be contained. Of course, be prepared for a steep learning curve for you and your little one. After all, little lessons in hygiene can take years to master.

3. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in winter when the air is drier. Because of the dry air, a child will lose more water through their breath. While they are outside playing, make sure that they are often drinking water or a warm drink. After a bit a play, families might also consider soup for lunch or dinner, which helps them warm up and fills up their tummies.

4. Coughing Etiquette

The best and most effective way to teach your child how to cover their cough is by showing them how to do it yourself.

a) Sit down with your child and show what to do when they feel like coughing. Explain how they should cover their cough by bringing their arm up to their face and coughing on their elbow.

b) Coughing on their inner elbow is more recommended than coughing into their hands – children rarely wash their hands, and they touch everything.

c) Demonstrate this technique slowly in front of your child, so they can see how to do it correctly and encourage them to do it a few times along with you.

5. Use Comfortable Clothing

Before bundling up your little one, please understand your kid’s body type, some kids have a naturally warm body and some have normal, so dress them accordingly. Too many clothes like multiple layers of sweaters, caps, gloves, and socks can restrict them to move easily, it makes them irritated and fuzzy. So dress them according to the room temperature.

6. Massage Your Child

Massaging is highly recommended for your child by both doctors and elders. Massaging stimulates the blood flow within the body, as well as indirectly boosts the immunity of your kid. Maintain the room temperature warm while massaging your child. In winters you can use natural oils for a message like mustard oil, olive oil, almond oil, and coconut oil.

7. Include Soup in the Diet

 This is the time when the child doesn’t drink sufficient water, you can also substitute water with warm soups. The cold winters mixed with a warm soup can be enticing. You can use chicken broths or vegetables to making soup from it, try some garlic with the soup too is the best option for your child in winter.

But, if your kids aren’t feeling healthy and fine during this season then you are bound to get worried, but by taking the preventive measures beforehand, you can take care of them and keep them safe. Maintain proper hygiene in your house and keep your house warm. But if you notice that your little ones are not feeling well, consult a doctor.

These are only a few ideas that you and your family could explore to keep your children safe and cured during winters. Give these ideas a try, or come up with some of your own, and be sure to share your experiences by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram!

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