It is especially important to take preventive measures for babies rather than just focusing on treatment. This is because colds can have a significant impact on babies and can also trigger other diseases. So how can we prevent colds in babies? Let's find out together!
How to Prevent Colds in Babies
1. Increase outdoor activities
Research shows that children who engage in regular outdoor activities have significantly lower chances of catching a cold compared to those who spend less time outdoors.
2. Dress appropriately, avoiding sudden changes in clothing
Some parents worry about their children getting cold, so they dress them in too many layers or too thick clothing. However, this often backfires and makes them more susceptible to colds.
3. Have a good breakfast
Eating a good breakfast helps the body generate enough heat to increase resistance to the cold.
4. Wash hands before meals or eating
Children should always wash their hands before eating. Adults should also avoid handling food with bare hands to prevent the spread of colds.
5. Maintain a relatively constant room temperature
Significant changes in indoor temperature can increase the chances of children catching a cold.
6. Take measures after getting cold
After getting cold or feeling chilly, children should immediately go to a warm room and drink hot tea, soup, milk, or preferably ginger soup.
7. Isolate children at home who have a cold
If a child is found to have a cold, they should not continue going to daycare or school. If there are many children with colds, the activity areas should be disinfected, and bedding should be aired and exposed to sunlight.
Dietary Considerations for Babies with Colds
1. Light and bland diet
Babies with colds often experience nausea and reduced appetite, so the food prepared for them should be light and bland.
Light foods can improve appetite and prevent inadequate intake of nutrients and elements.
2. Liquid foods
Babies' digestive capacity is reduced after catching a cold, and many foods can burden their stomach and intestines.
Therefore, during a cold, babies should primarily consume liquid foods and can also have fruit juice or other beverages rich in vitamins.
3. Eat small meals frequently
After catching a cold, mothers should not force their babies to eat, as this can overload their digestive system.
Mothers can increase the frequency of meals for their babies without forcing them to eat a lot each time.
4. Balanced nutrition
After catching a cold, mothers should not excessively supplement their babies' nutrition. Instead, they should focus on a balanced diet.
While the main diet for babies should be light and bland, they can also consume nutritious foods such as fish and meat, along with apple juice or other beverages.
5. Adequate hydration
Babies lose a lot of fluids after catching a cold, so mothers should ensure timely and appropriate hydration for their babies.
Mothers should not force their babies to consume a large amount of fluids at once, but rather provide fluids in small amounts multiple times.
