Winter care for babies in India requires a careful balance of maintaining warmth, protecting delicate skin from dry air, and boosting immunity through nutrition. Since infants cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, proactive measures are essential during the colder months.
1. Strategic Layering & Clothing
- The “Plus One” Rule: Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing to stay comfortable.
- Breathable Base Layers: Use soft, breathable cotton or muslin as the innermost layer to avoid skin irritation or rashes often caused by direct contact with wool or synthetic thermals.
- Essential Accessories: Babies lose significant heat through their extremities. Always cover their head with a snug cap and use mittens and socks for their hands and feet.
- Avoid Overdressing: Too many heavy layers can cause overheating, leading to sweating and subsequent chills or discomfort.
2. Ideal Indoor Environment
- Optimal Temperature: Keep the baby’s room between 27°C and 29°C.
- Humidify the Air: Heaters can dry out the air, which may irritate a baby’s respiratory tract and skin. Use a humidifier to maintain humidity levels between 50% and 65%.
- Safe Sleep: Avoid using heavy or loose blankets and pillows, which pose a suffocation risk. Instead, use a well-fitted sleep sack or wearable blanket.
3. Skincare and Hygiene
- Moisturise Regularly: Apply gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturisers or natural oils (like almond or coconut oil) at least twice daily, especially after baths, while skin is still damp.
- Limit Bath Time: Give short, lukewarm baths (no more than 5–10 minutes) only 2–3 times a week to avoid stripping natural skin oils. Use a damp sponge for cleaning on other days. LIMIT HEAD BATH TO ONCE IN TEN DAYS.
- Winter Diapering: Urination frequency increases in winter. Change diapers promptly to prevent rashes and keep the baby dry and warm.
4. Nutrition and Immunity
- Breastfeeding: For infants under 6 months, exclusive breastfeeding provides essential antibodies and hydration to fight seasonal infections.
- Warm, Nutrient-Dense Foods (6+ Months):
- Soups: Offer lukewarm vegetable, lentil (dal), or chicken soups.
- Seasonal Produce: Include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and beetroot in mashes or purees.
- Immunity Boosters: A pinch of turmeric or ginger in meals can provide warmth and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Hydration: Ensure regular intake of warm fluids to prevent dehydration, which can worsen congestion.
5. Health Precautions
- Sunlight Exposure: Take your baby out in the early morning or afternoon sun for short durations to naturally boost vitamin D and immunity.
- Vaccinations: Ensure flu and other routine vaccinations are up-to-date to protect against seasonal respiratory illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
- Limit Visitors: Avoid taking newborns to crowded places or allowing contact with people who have symptoms of a cold or flu.
Every baby is unique, so it is essential to monitor their comfort levels and skin health daily. If your baby shows signs of persistent dryness, breathing difficulties, or a lingering fever, consult a paediatrician promptly. To ensure that your baby gets optimum care, our paediatric services are available 24 X 7. With proactive care and attention, you can ensure your baby remains healthy, cosy, and thriving throughout the winter months.
Dr Pushkala.M.S.
MBBS, MD (Pediatrics), PGPN, PGDID,
Senior Consultant Paediatrician
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
