Many parents in winter tend to dress their babies in multiple layers of clothing or cover them with thick blankets. However, wearing too many clothes or blankets is not conducive to building the baby's resistance to cold, and can weaken their immune system, making them more prone to illness. In order to strengthen the baby's ability to resist diseases during winter, parents should focus on the following aspects to achieve the goal of cold prevention and disease control.
Moderate warmth
Some parents are afraid that their children will get cold, so they dress them in layer after layer of clothing. As a result, the child becomes sweaty and is more susceptible to catching a cold when exposed to cold temperatures. Winter clothing for children should not only provide warmth but also protect against the wind. Hats and shoes should be loose and warm, allowing the head and feet to feel comfortable and ensuring good blood circulation. Do not refrain from bathing, washing hair, or changing clothes for the baby just because it is cold. Regular bathing and changing of clothes will keep the baby's skin clear and healthy. It is also important to avoid keeping the indoor doors and windows tightly closed all day. Maintaining proper air circulation will greatly enhance the baby's respiratory system's ability to resist diseases. Exposure to cold air is an effective method for adapting to the cold, as repeated exposure will improve the baby's adjustment response sensitivity and reaction speed, thereby preventing cold-related injuries and diseases.
Balanced diet
Children have a physiological characteristic of having delicate organs and an underdeveloped physique. Therefore, their diet should be suitable for their digestive capacity at different stages of growth and should not be too demanding. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of not overfeeding children, as it can burden their digestive system. Another saying in Chinese medicine is, "Overeating harms the stomach and intestines." Therefore, it is not recommended to give children excessive supplements during winter. As long as the diet is balanced and includes vegetables, fruits, protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, milk, legumes, and grains, and children are encouraged to eat happily and drink plenty of water, such dietary supplementation is beneficial to their health.
Preventing the source of diseases
Winter is a season when respiratory infections are prevalent. Parents should avoid taking children to crowded public places, such as cinemas, gathering venues, and large shopping malls. Extra caution is necessary when there is an outbreak of respiratory infections in the local area. In crowded places, the air is often polluted, and there is a high concentration of pathogenic bacteria, making it highly likely to spread the pathogens to others through the air or contact, especially for infants and young children whose disease resistance is not yet strong. If a family member has a contagious disease such as a cold, they should be isolated from infants and young children as much as possible. Patients should wear masks and wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of the disease through contact.
Regular exercise
If the windows are not opened frequently, the air inside the house can become stale and have lower oxygen levels compared to the outside air, which is abundant in oxygen and promotes the healthy development of children's body and mind. Additionally, if children spend too much time indoors, they may become emotionally low. Therefore, during winter, adults should spend more time playing games and telling stories with children. When the weather is sunny, take children outside for activities to ensure they maintain a positive mood.
