5 Crucial baby health care tips

by Suditsha Sanyal

Check out these crucial health tips for babies to keep them safe from vector-borne diseases

Taking care of your little one has always been a pretty tricky affair. And it becomes all the more important and complex in a country like India which has varied climatic conditions prevailing in different parts of the country.

India has got a wide range of weather systems – from that of the arid desert in the West to the cold climate of the Himalayas, but a majority of the vast topography falls under the humid tropical climate.

The tropical humid atmosphere which is characterized by long spells of dry hot summer followed by a sultry rainy season creates a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and deadly viruses. The muggy season of monsoon despite bringing relief from the scorching sun is also a carrier of many vector-borne diseases like dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, zika etc.

Therefore, in a country like India which is largely dominated and governed by hot humid tropical climate prevailing over an extensive period of time of the year, it becomes all the more crucial to take proper precaution and care, particularly when it involves babies.

Listed below are some of the crucial health tips for babies:

1. Baby clothing and cleaning:

It is very essential to dress up your baby in a proper manner especially in the treacherous monsoon weather. It is imperative to follow a proper clothing pattern depending upon the weather condition. Usage of loose, cotton material is ideal when the weather is humid and similarly when the weather is cool due to rain you can use a light fleece wrap to keep the baby warm. Babies urinate and sweat a lot in the humid atmosphere, so change the diapers often enough to avoid infections and nappy rashes. You can use a mild antiseptic soap to bathe your baby.

2. Clean your surroundings:

It is of utmost importance to keep your surroundings clean. Wet and dirty places are a den for mosquitoes and other deadly germs to thrive. Diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and the zika virus are transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Treat, clean and change the water in coolers, pots, water tanks or buckets regularly. Remember to cover all the water storage vessels properly.

3. Use mosquito repellents:

Close all the doors and windows before sunset and cover your baby in full-sleeved clothes. Use an effective mosquito repellent like Goodknight Activ+ which comes with a 2x power mode for indoor protection. When you step outside with your baby for a stroll or to play, you can apply just 4 dots of Goodknight Fabric Roll-On on your child’s clothes as well your clothes. It works well for keeping mosquitoes away for up to 8 hours. It is 100% natural and pediatrician certified as completely safe to use!

4. Know the symptoms of chikungunya and dengue:

As compared to adults, the immune system of babies is weaker and they are more susceptible to cold and flu. Get your baby vaccinated with flu vaccines. The symptoms of these ailments are pretty much same as fever, skin rashes, joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting and red eyes. Simultaneously, the treatment is also quite similar – resting, keeping your baby hydrated and avoiding medicines like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Consult the doctor at the earliest if you see any of the above symptoms in your baby.

5. Healthy food and water:

Maintain hygiene and sanitize your hands before feeding your baby. Clean the feeding bottle daily. Don’t leave food uncovered. Use boiled water for drinking. Before feeding your baby, check if the food looks fine and does not give out a foul odor.