Winter Health Tips

To increase the body's resistance to infections and adverse environmental factors in winter will help:
1. walks in the open air;
2. proper clothing and footwear;
3. rational nutrition and plenty of fluids;
4. ventilation of the room;
5. hygiene;
6. active lifestyle;
7. nasal breathing.

Walks in the open air

And so, fresh cool air strengthens the body's defenses, improves tone, energizes, stimulates nervous activity. Cold air clears the nasopharynx from apartment dust. Walking also helps to maintain vision, because on the street the eye muscles are trained when the child looks from a near point to a far one and back.

For walks, you should choose sparsely populated places - squares, parks. You should not visit shopping and entertainment centers, shops, use public transport with your child. These objects at times increase the risk of "catching" the infection.

Of course, in a snowstorm or severe frosts it is better to stay at home, especially if the child is very small. Pediatricians do not advise walking with children under one year old if it is colder than -10 degrees outside, and from one to three years below -15 degrees.
How long to walk with a child in winter depends not only on the air temperature, because the child can be warmly dressed, but also on the strength of the wind. The stronger the wind, the shorter the walk should be. From a strong wind, the eyes are watery, the face is weathered, and the child freezes faster. If it is windy outside, avoid open spaces and do not carry your child facing into the wind.

The most difficult thing for parents of winter newborns. It is difficult to immediately determine when it is possible to go outside with a small child in cold weather. Therefore, walks should begin gradually, especially if the air temperature differs significantly from comfortable.

You also need to focus on the age of the child. In a child of the first months of life, it is quite difficult to determine whether he froze on a walk or not. But if the child is worried for no reason, takes a forced position to retain the maximum amount of heat, that is, curls up, then one can suspect that he is cold. Also, this can be indicated by a whitened nasolabial triangle and the appearance of white spots on the cheeks.

In an older baby, we pay attention to the temperature of the limbs and nose. The temperature in the neck area can also serve as a marker. If it is cold and damp, then it is best to take the child to heat.

When walking, the main thing is that the child does not freeze or sweat. Often inexperienced parents believe that it is necessary to dress the child as warmly as possible in winter, but overheated children can sweat and then freeze because of wet clothes.

How to dress a child

There is a simple principle of three layers:
Underwear. Toddlers who are not active on a walk can get by with ordinary cotton overalls, while running children are better off choosing thermal underwear - it removes moisture from the body and retains heat.

Insulation. It is needed when frosts come or it became clear that without it the child is freezing. The most common option is a fleece overall with a zipper, this material is light, windproof and does not absorb moisture, so even an active child will not freeze in it.

Outerwear. The younger the child, the thicker and warmer the jumpsuit should be. It is better to choose modern ones: holofiber, isosoft and others. They tolerate machine washing well, do not roll like synthetic winterizer and do not cause allergies like sheepskin or down.

When choosing overalls, you need to look at the amount of insulation. Up to 100 grams - demi-season overalls, and from 250 grams overalls are designed for extreme cold or sedentary children.

It is also worth paying attention to how much the jumpsuit, when fastened, closes the neck and the density of the cuffs. Well, if the coating material is waterproof.

When choosing the right size, do not forget that many manufacturers label winter clothes +6, that is, such overalls are larger than other standard size clothes. This is necessary so that the child can actively move, there is a small air gap to keep warm and the overalls last until the end of winter. Therefore, you do not need to buy overalls two sizes larger. Not only will it be great for him, but the walk will also not give him pleasure.

When choosing winter shoes, the main thing to consider is its waterproofness, heat retention and comfortable position of the foot. Therefore, winter membrane boots are the most versatile option. And for severe frosts, you can take felt boots with rubber soles.

And further. It is better to take shoes one size larger, then you can safely insulate your foot with an extra sock or warm insoles. But if you take two sizes more for growth, then in this case the child will not feel the surface of the earth with his foot and may often stumble and fall. This is especially dangerous on stairs and slides.

Also, if you plan a walk at temperatures below zero, it is better to use frost cream. It will be especially relevant for children under two years of age with delicate skin that is prone to rapid frostbite. Apply the cream 20-30 minutes before going outside, if it does not contain water. For winter, it is generally better to choose some kind of anhydrous nourishing cream, where only oils and wax will be included in the composition.

Important! You should not take a cream or hygienic lipstick if the composition contains glycerin and petroleum jelly, especially if they are in the first or second place in the description. These substances can increase frostbite.

But do not rely only on a protective cream. If there is a strong wind outside, then it is better to additionally protect your face with a scarf or scarf. After a walk, be sure to wash off the cream with warm water so as not to irritate the baby's skin.

Food

In winter, the body requires additional energy sources, which are nourishing and nutritious food. At the same time, he needs vitamins. Therefore, the winter diet should include cereals, nuts, fruits, dried fruits, dairy products. The child should always receive an unlimited amount of drink - still water, compotes, juices.

Airing

Indoors, viruses and bacteria accumulate, and dry air dries out the mucous membranes and lowers the body's ability to resist infections. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly ventilate and humidify the air in the apartment.

Hygiene

Washing your hands regularly is sufficient to minimize the risk of infection.

Active lifestyle

Physical activity plays an important role in strengthening the body. Indeed, in winter it is more difficult to move and more effort is expended due to the increase in weight and the difficulties of moving on the street. Therefore, even simple walking brings more benefits. And physical activity is the basis of a child's health. Children who sit at home for a long time are more likely to be injured, because they have nowhere to put excess energy at home. Therefore, even during illness, the child should go outside (of course, if the child is sick without a temperature)

Such walks will help to clear the respiratory tract of viruses faster, and physical activity and fresh air will speed up recovery. Even if the child is only sleeping outside, walking in the cold will still be more beneficial than the same dream, but at home. Let the child often run, swim, ride a bike, scooter, skate (regular and roller skates).

Nasal breathing

Teach your child to breathe through the nose. As you know, the nasal mucosa serves as a barrier to microbes. It blocks their way and, neutralizing them, protects them from the disease.

If you follow these simple tips, you will not have to ask how to keep children healthy in winter. Your child will be free from illnesses and ailments, and he will be able to fully enjoy winter snowball fights, sledding, skiing and skating.

Advice Europe Winter