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Winter-proof your baby

Having a newborn can be scary – especially when winter arrives.

20 June 2018
By Vanessa Rogers

Many new parents have so many questions at this time of year: When is it safe to take her out? What should we do if she catches a cold, or worse, a respiratory infection? How should we dress her? We find the answers.

When is it safe to go out?

You might be tempted to take baby out to introduce her to family and friends or to pop out to the shops. Experts say you should resist the urge, as in the first few weeks newborns should be kept away from crowds and should be settling into a daily routine.

Fight off cold and flu

On average, babies pick up eight to 10 colds a year, and this number could increase if your little one goes to a daycare centre. The common cold is caused by a virus called the rhinovirus and is spread through contact with the infected nasal secretions of a person with the virus, either from a sneeze or a cough, or by touching toys and surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms mainly affect the upper-respiratory tract and are mild, and there are no vaccines to prevent it. You can help keep your baby from catching a cold by keeping him away from crowds, washing your hands regularly with soap, cleaning your baby’s toys and household surfaces often and keeping clear of anyone who is sick. You and your family can avoid getting flu by having the vaccination.

Keep them snug and safe

Resist the urge to pile on too many blankets – this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. For the same reason, never place a hot water bottle or electric blanket in baby’s cot. Instead, dress baby in layers of breathable, cotton clothing. As a general rule of thumb, babies need one layer more than an adult would wear at the same temperature.

The most common winter illnesses

1. Common cold

Symptoms: Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat with cough, crying and cranky.
How to treat it: Paracetamol to ease discomfort and lower fever, moisten air with humidifier, saline solution for blocked nose, plenty 
of fluids

2. Flu

Symptoms: Chills, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, temperature.
How to treat it: Rest, keep up fluid intake, paracetamol for pain and fever, call doctor if persists beyond three days

3. Bronchiolitis

Symptoms: Rapid breathing during viral infection under age two, cough, mild fever, wheezing.
How to treat it: Call a doctor, oxygen therapy in hospital might be needed.

4. Croup

Symptoms: Loud barking cough, difficulty breathing in, fever, appears at night with mild cold.
How to treat it: Call a doctor if breathing is laboured, humidify 
the room.

5. Roseola infantum

Symptoms: Sudden raised temperature, with rash of small pink spots on body, neck, thighs.
How to treat it: Bring temperature down with paracetamol, cool sponge bath, keep up fluids.

Winter must-haves

1. Polar-fleece blankets

Ever-so soft and guaranteed to provide the ultimate in snugness.

2. Baby Wipes

Buy in bulk to avoid unnecessary trips out in the cold. Try Johnson’s Baby Wipes Value Pack 288 Wipes.

3. Nasal decongestants

Clear your baby’s nose using a saline spray, nasal aspirator or nasal decongestant drops. Try Clicks Baby Nasal Aspirator.

4. Hooded towels 

Wrap your baby from birth to two years in a snuggly hooded towel on emerging from the bath. Added benefit: Even toddlers are calmed by the short-term swaddling.

5. Paediatric syrup

Soothe pain and fever with Panado Paediatric Syrup - a mild, yet effective painkiller especially formulated for kids. Remember to ask your pharmacist for a syringe, as not all kids are keen to take this in a spoon.

IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images