Monsoon is here with its joyous rains, humid weather and the ineluctable happiness of a petrichor. But with it comes the added health risk and water borne diseases whose number rises manifold in these months of monsoon. Small children are at a higher risk of catching these diseases due to weaker and still developing immunity systems. So, parents of infants should take special care to prevent these infections.
Here are 4 precautions you must take to pre-empt these diseases.
Changing the diaper more regularly: Moisture is one of the major components that help in the growth of harmful germs. Changing diapers orderly will help you in maintaining good hygiene.
Sustaining a clean and dry environment in the house with regular mopping, checking for any water blockage that might initiate growth of harmful organisms and mosquitoes. Small steps like washing the baby's clothes separately, cleaning their toys with disinfectant solutions may prove to be really beneficial for your baby.
Diseases like Cholera and typhoid can be easily prevented by saving the baby's food and water from contamination. Fresh food is the best for your child's growth.
Always dress your baby in loose cotton clothing to avoid unnecessary itching. This irritation can make your baby very cranky. It's better to be on the safe side and dress them in comfortable clothing.
Other small things that can save you the horror of monsoon diseases are mosquito repellents. They're available in small badges which can be attached to a baby's clothes for easy use. Geetika Trehan, mother of an 8-month-old says, "I prevent taking him to malls and crowded places. Parks and areas with water are a strict no-no during monsoon." Crowded places are a hub of infections which can be very dangerous for your little one. It's best to take precautions and not take them there than to pay a price. Dr Raj Chakravarty (MD-Obstetrics and Gynaecology) suggests some basic Dos and Don'ts for new mothers during monsoon.
1. Take a high protein diet including eggs, fish, chicken, pulses and milk. Foods like Chana and Rajma should be strictly avoided as they might cause gastric problems to the baby. A diet rich in fibre and green vegetables should be taken to assure good health.
2. Plenty of fluid intakes is a must to avoid urinary tract infections common in new mothers, especially during rainy season. Fluids also help in easy lactation which is beneficial for the baby.
3. A new born should only be breastfed during monsoon otherwise they'll be at a high risk of gastroenteritis and fungal infections.
4. As a new mother, you must try and avoid constipation by going for regular walks and take iron, calcium and vitamin supplements. They'll ensure you and your baby's well-being.
A recently launched European brand 'U-grow' is making life easy for new parents. With its work reducing machines and childcare products like 'nasal aspirator' that helps in the suction of nasal secretions which makes it easy for a child to breath especially during illnesses and humid weather since a child under 1 year of age can only breathe through their nose. Another really efficient product is the breast pump. It's a really logical solution of time to time and hygienic breast feeding for working mothers.
Now, you can store milk in these air tight breast pumps for your baby to consume throughout the day without risking their health. One of their must have monsoon products is the 'hot humidifier' that will help you in maintaining optimum humidity in your room that will suit your child.