Have you ever been worried about the effect that adverse weather changes could have on your child and then wondered what you could do about it?

The delicate and developing immune system of a small baby could be in for a rough time during seasonal weather changes which bear witness to severe changes in the weather. A baby’s immune system is definitely not ready or geared up for the storm of viral and bacterial infections that such a change of weather can bring about and thus, it would be sensible if you kept your baby away from seasonal illnesses to the best of your abilities by taking the following precautions:

Priority on health and hygiene
Should you be utilizing the services of a maid to help you take care of your baby see that she maintains proper hygiene, herself, and keeps herself clean as there are greater chances of a maid or other family member transmitting an infection to your baby. Look into the fact that she washes herself regularly, trims her nails, and ties her hair whenever she is with your baby.

A regular bathe routine
Setting a daily routine for your baby’s baths is a good habit to start with. Make sure that all windows and doors in your bathroom are closed to avoid exposure to winds which can leave your baby feeling very feel chilled as the wind blows on the baby’s exposed and wet skin. Late-evening or night baths are not advised. The best time to bath your baby would be sometime around late morning as your baby’s body would have enough time to warm up through the remainder of the day. Bringing your unclothed baby into an AC room or environment straightaway is a ‘no-no.’ Such sudden changes in temperature can work negatively for babies. In fact, it would be wise to keep your baby away from an AC room for at least half-an-hour after bathing. Even after that, you should ensure that your baby is kept away from the direct blast of the AC or cooler.

Strengthening your baby’s immune system
Studies have shown proof that breastfeeding and immunization grow and strengthen a baby’s immune system to fight against any possible attacks from infections and diseases. Many experts would definitely recommend this measure of protection and growth for your baby.

Avoid Dehydration
Dehydration is often underestimated. Although common, it is can lead to serious circumstances for your baby, and this can happen at any time of the year. Make sure that your baby is kept well hydrated with a supply of a sufficient amount of fluids.

While infant’s choices may be to the order of breast milk and water, various juices and drinks for slightly older babies can be provided. A popular choice during the winters would be a good bowl of soup. Not only is this a tasty choice but a healthy one for any growing child.

A Balanced Diet
For babies who are already on to solid foods, nothing like a well balanced diet will do to nourish the child’s body with all the required vitamins and minerals which are vital for the child’s body to ward against any infections and diseases.

In is important to note here that the practice of mega-dosing a child with certain vitamins and minerals to prevent infections has been a practice that has no substantial evidence or results of its success. It is only children who are normally fussy eaters or those who are on a restricted diet such as lactose intolerant babies who would require Vitamins and minerals.

Avoiding the crowd
Nothing serves as a greater challenge to your child’s developing immune system like exposure to a crowed or overcrowded place. Your baby stands the risk of exposure to all kinds of illnesses in such places and is at one of the most vulnerable moment during such an exposure.

In the case that you send your child to a day care center or a playschool it would serve you well to be observant and alert for children in that facility who might show signs of sniffing or coughing. Should you spot it out alerting the staff immediately would be the best measure you could take as this is a perfect place where viral and seasonal infections such as flu or conjunctivitis spread from one child to other.

Being a calm parent
Other than taking these mentioned protective measures and a few added others like dressing your child appropriately for each seasonal change, should your child come down with a  seasonal cold or cough it is important that your child doesn’t see you panic or loose your calm. Such illnesses are common and other than some rare and complicated cases, babies usually recover rapidly from such illnesses.