Being a new parent is an overwhelming experience because there are many things that are expected of you – some you know, some you don’t. To be responsible for a tiny human being will test your persistence and resolve especially when it is cold season. It is not easy in terms of keeping the baby healthy but you will get by in time.
Cold season is particularly challenging to keep the baby healthy because you are also battling from not getting sick. The immune system of a newborn baby is not very strong. This poses a tough situation but with the help of good practices, you can protect the health of the baby.
Here are a few things that you should do to protect the baby’s health during the cold season:
Do not bring the baby outside
It is understandable that you want to show-off your new baby but this practice will do more harm than good. The first two months of the baby is crucial so do not just go outside for a long period of time. If it cannot be helped, bring thick baby blankets and jackets to keep them warm all the time.
Require hand washing
You may seem paranoid but it is a good practice to encourage the people around you to wash hands always. People who want to hold the baby need to wash their hands first. This is to keep the bacteria and germs away. It will also help prevent the spreading of cold and other viruses. If a member of your family is sick, do not allow being near the baby.
Breastfeed even if you have cold
Other mothers believe that they can pass along the cold to the baby if they keep on breastfeeding. This is not true. Even if you have a cold or flu, it is imperative that you do not stop breastfeeding the baby. The truth is, you are making the baby better because you are feeling antibodies through breast milk.
Make time to vaccinate
Babies are not fit for flu shots until they are six months old. For the cold shots, it is called pertussis vaccine. It will take more pertussis shots to keep the baby immunized. What you can do to protect the child is to get the flu shots and pertussis shots preferably after delivery.
Teach older children
The baby’s health is the contribution of all the people around including your older children. Teach older children basic hand washing from school or before touching the baby that way they can keep the viruses away.
Visit the pediatrician often
The baby’s health should be your priority so when you have scheduled check-ups, do not miss. If the doctors give medication, follow it without fail. If you think your baby has a health issue, bring him/her immediately to the doctor. Keeping the baby healthy requires patience and awareness. Do not just sit there and wait for things to happen before doing action.
Babies are a gift that is why they are most loved. At the end of the day, everything will be worth it.