Winter Care for Babies and Children: A Parent’s Guide

The cooler months bring colds, coughs and breathing trouble in many children. Babies and young children lose body heat quickly and catch infections easily in crowded, closed spaces. A few simple habits at home can keep most winter illnesses mild.

How to dress your baby in cold weather

Dress your baby in thin layers rather than one heavy garment. Layers can be added or removed as the temperature changes. Cover the head, ears and feet, but do not wrap the baby so tightly that the baby sweats or cannot move. A sweaty baby cools down fast and may catch a chill.

• Use soft cotton or light woollen clothes next to the skin
• Check the neck or tummy to judge warmth; cold hands alone do not mean the baby is cold
• Do not use room heaters or coal fires in a closed room, as they reduce oxygen and produce harmful fumes
• Keep the baby away from smoke, incense and mosquito coils

Feeding and fluids

Continue breastfeeding on demand. It gives your baby fluids and protective antibodies. Older children should drink warm water, soups, dal and fresh home-cooked meals. Fruits rich in vitamin C, such as oranges and guava, are good choices. Children still need water in winter even if they do not feel thirsty.

Keeping infections away

Hand washing is the most effective habit. Wash your hands before feeding or holding your baby, and teach older children to wash after school and before meals. Avoid crowded places, and keep children with fever or cough away from newborns. Keep vaccinations up to date, including the yearly flu vaccine if your paediatrician advises it.

Skin care in dry weather

Cold, dry air can cause dry, itchy skin. Bathe your baby in lukewarm water, keep the bath short, and apply a mild fragrance-free moisturiser right after drying. Avoid strong soaps and talcum powder.

When to see a paediatrician

Most colds settle in a week with rest and fluids. See a children’s doctor promptly if your child has:

• Fast or noisy breathing, or the chest pulling in with each breath
• Fever lasting more than three days, or any fever in a baby under three months
• Poor feeding, very few wet nappies or unusual sleepiness
• A cough that lasts more than two weeks or wakes the child at night
• Wheezing or repeated breathing trouble in the cold

Our paediatrician, Dr. V. Mounika Reddy, can examine your child, advise on vaccines and guide you on safe care at home. You can read more about our paediatrician in Vanasthalipuram service.

Everyday winter habits that make a difference

Keep windows slightly open for fresh air during the day, but avoid direct cold draughts on the baby. Clean the house regularly to reduce dust, which can trigger cough and wheeze. Let children play outdoors in the morning sunlight, which supports vitamin D and healthy bones, and dress them for the temperature. Keep a regular sleep routine, because tired children fall ill more easily. If your child attends school or daycare, ask the teacher to inform you about any infection going around, and keep your child at home when unwell so that the infection does not spread.

Frequently asked questions

Should I keep my baby covered at night?

Use light layers and a thin blanket, keep the room comfortably warm and make sure the baby’s face is never covered. Check that the baby is not sweating.

Is a runny nose always an infection?

Not always. Dust, cold air and allergy can also cause it. If it comes with fever, poor feeding or breathing trouble, see a doctor.

Can I give cough syrup to my child?

Please do not give cough or cold medicines to young children without a doctor’s advice. Many are not suitable for small children.

Is it safe to bathe a baby in winter?

Yes, with lukewarm water in a warm, draught-free room. Dry the baby quickly and dress the baby straight away.

Book a check-up

If your child has a persistent cough, repeated colds or breathing difficulty, do not wait. Call Swastha Multispeciality Clinic, Vaidehi Nagar, Vanasthalipuram on 83417 94993 to book a visit with our paediatrician. Meet our team on the Our Doctors page.