In Bangladesh, the winter season spans the Bengali months of Poush and Magh, corresponding to December through February. During this period, the cold winds become intense, affecting people of all ages. Children, however, are more vulnerable to the cold than adults. Winter’s low humidity and increased airborne dust contribute to illnesses such as colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. Despite parents’ best efforts to care for their children, extra precautions are necessary during this season.
Various types of colds are prevalent during winter. The body loses heat as temperature drops, making children more susceptible to weakness and flu infections. The change in season also reduces children’s immunity, increasing the likelihood of fever, colds, and coughs. The winter dry weather causes children’s skin to become rough and dry, further exacerbating their discomfort. Dry skin can cause significant irritation, underscoring the need for parents to pay close attention to their children’s health and well-being.
A common misconception among parents is that children should be bathed less frequently in winter. However, doctors recommend daily baths using warm water. This practice helps prevent allergies and keeps the child’s skin fresh. Applying a moisturizer after bathing is essential to maintain the skin’s moisture. Sunbathing is also beneficial. Exposing children to the gentle morning sun, rather than the intense afternoon sun, helps meet their body’s need for vitamin D.
Ensuring regular air circulation in children’s rooms is crucial, as dark and damp rooms increase the likelihood of illness. Parents should also take measures to prevent cold winds from entering the house. Beds should be covered with blankets or quilts, and care should be taken not to overheat the sleeping environment. Parents should avoid letting children play outside for extended periods during winter and restrict outdoor activities after evening hours unless necessary.
When children go outside, they should be dressed appropriately in warm clothing. Their heads, necks, and ears should be covered with winter garments. Before Wearing bulky winter clothing, Children should be dressed in layers of cotton clothing initially to avoid skin rashes from coming into direct contact with wool or other coarse materials. Children should also wear gloves on their hands and socks on their feet. To protect their skin, parents can apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to their lips, hands, and feet. Children should have multiple sets of winter clothing, which should be cleaned and washed every two to three days and dried thoroughly in the sun.
A nutritious, balanced diet can significantly strengthen a child’s immunity during winter. Parents should increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods. Consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables helps protect children from winter-related illnesses and other diseases. Breastfeeding infants regularly is also crucial, as breast milk strengthens the immune system and reduces the likelihood of colds, coughs, and other illnesses.
If a family member or relative has a cold, cough, or viral fever, they should avoid coming into close contact with mothers and newborns. Even a mild cough or sneeze from an adult can pose a health risk to a newborn. Parents should consult a doctor immediately if a child exhibits symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or a runny nose.
Author:
Dr. Nusrat Farooq
Senior Consultant, Pediatrics and Neonatology
Neonatal Intensivist, Fellow Neonatology (Singapore)
Evercare Hospital Dhaka