Seven ways to keep your baby healthy during the cold season.

During the winter months, the American Academy of Pediatrics has offered some of the most helpful advice for keeping children healthy.

1. Dress warmly.

Children need to be dressed warmly when outdoors, ideally in layers to keep them dry and warm. Don't forget their shoes, gloves or mittens, and hat.

Children need at least one more layer of clothing than adults in the same temperature conditions. Children in cars should wear thin layers of clothing, not too thick. For young children, avoid using too many blankets, pillows, and sheets on the bed while sleeping, as these have caused many infant deaths. It's best to use a warm onesie or a swaddle blanket. If using a blanket, use a thin one and tuck the edges under the mattress, leaving it only up to the child's chest to avoid covering their face.

In winter, children must be kept warm properly to avoid getting sick.

2. Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when a child's body temperature drops below normal due to prolonged exposure to cold or wearing damp clothing. When suffering from hypothermia, children will shiver, become lethargic, and clumsy. They may also slur their speech, and in some cases, the temperature can drop to a more severe level.

As soon as you notice your child has hypothermia, you should take them to the emergency room. Before going to the hospital, change any wet clothes and wrap the child in a blanket or warm clothing.

3. Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when the skin and surrounding tissues freeze. This condition can appear on the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Children may also complain of burning or frozen skin.

When a child suffers frostbite, bring them indoors and place the affected area in warm (not hot) water. The skin may have already changed color, turned gray, or become dry and cracked. You can also place a warm towel on the child's nose, ears, and lips. Do not rub the frozen skin. After a few minutes, dry the area, dress the child in warm clothes, wrap them in a blanket, and give them warm water to drink. If the numbness and stiffness do not subside after a few minutes, you should seek medical attention.

4. Winter illnesses

If your child experiences nosebleeds in the winter, you should use a humidifier in their bedroom at night. Nasal drops can also help keep the nasal tissues moist. If the nosebleeds are severe, you should consult a doctor.

Many doctors suggest that babies under one year old should only be bathed 2-3 times per week. Bathing too often can dry out their skin.

Cold weather doesn't necessarily cause the flu, but viruses that cause it are very common in winter, especially when children go to school. You need to teach children good habits like washing their hands and coughing and sneezing into the back of their hands to prevent the spread of illness. Children over six months old can be vaccinated.

5. Outdoor activities

You should set a time limit for children's outdoor play to avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Do not give children medication or food containing alcohol before going outside to play.

6. Sunscreen

Sunlight can still cause sunburn in winter, especially when it reflects off the snow. You should use sunscreen and have your children wear sunglasses.

7. Avoid fire accidents.

Many fire accidents occur during winter. You should buy smoke detectors for your home and teach children essential fire safety skills. Keep heaters and fireplaces at least 1 meter away from any flammable items and turn them off when leaving the room.

According to VOV.VN