Precautions against baby cold
When it is winter; Parents are becoming more sensitive about protecting babies from the cold. So, what should be the correct room temperature, how should you dress while sleeping, what should you pay attention to when you go out? Thermal protection is one of the important issues in the care of newborn babies. Newborn babies are not able to maintain body temperature for a long time because the subcutaneous fat tissue is not yet thick enough. Body temperature can easily drop when left naked or in cold environments. On the other hand, since the sweat glands are not mature, when overheated, the inability to sweat and the body temperature rises uncontrollably.
What should be the body temperature of babies?
The newborn baby’s body temperature should be between 36.5-37.5 degrees if measured from the armpit. The temperature measured from the ear may be 0.5-1 degrees higher than this. While the extremely hot and dry environment in homes with central heating and heat insulation generally puts a strain on winter babies, the temperature difference between rooms can be a problem in homes with stoves. The ideal temperature in the baby’s room is 22-23 degrees. If the air is excessively dry due to central heating systems, keeping a wet towel in the baby’s room, wetting it as it dries, will solve the problem. However, if nasal congestion occurs due to dryness, nose can be cleaned with saline drops. Baby skin is also affected by dryness. Products that do not dry the skin can be used in the bath and then moisturized with suitable lotion or baby oils.
Do not dress babies too thickly while sleeping
The baby’s room should be a room that can get sunlight even in winter and can be ventilated by opening windows. The house needs to be ventilated even in cold weather. In homes where there is a temperature difference between rooms, the baby should be dressed in several layers that can be removed if necessary, and the layers should be reduced or increased according to temperature changes. A cotton bodysuit that will be in contact with the skin and a footed jumpsuit on top are recommended as the most suitable clothing for a newborn baby. Overall thickness can be chosen in textures ranging from combed cotton to velvet, depending on the temperature. You should not dress too thickly while sleeping, and cover yourself with a light but warm blanket such as fleece or a light quilt.
Do not place babies too close to heaters
There are drawbacks to placing the baby too close to heaters and under heavy covers; Especially in the first days, it can cause situations such as difficulty in waking up, inability to suck, and weakness. When you need to go out with your baby in winter, you should choose clothes that are insulated overalls that can be worn over normal home clothes. You should definitely wear a hat, and make sure it covers your ears in windy times. Devices that can be attached to a car seat or stroller with belts and wrap the baby like an envelope are very useful when you need to spend time outside. If you are going to stay in the cold and wind, it would be useful to apply appropriate creams to the baby’s exposed face areas to reduce contact with cold. The baby should be undressed in the car or the car should not be overheated.
Beware of winter diseases
All newborns are immunocompromised during the first 4-6 weeks. For this reason, it needs to be kept away from crowds, especially during the winter season when infections are common. Hugging and close contact should be avoided, except for parents and first-degree relatives at home. It is especially useful to pay attention to hand cleaning. Remember that babies are more sensitive to temperature differences between indoors and outdoors during the winter months, and the possibility of encountering diseases increases in crowded and closed environments.
Vitamin D supplementation may be required
It is important for residents coming from outside to pay particular attention to hand hygiene before taking care of the baby, not to smoke, to wear a mask at home when sick, and to ventilate the house frequently. If breastfeeding mothers contract respiratory diseases, they should use a mask while breastfeeding and try to avoid close contact with the baby. During such periods, breastfeeding becomes important so that the baby can benefit from the mother’s immunity. It is also worth remembering that respiratory tract infections cannot be transmitted through milk. Another issue to consider for babies born in winter is vitamin D support. Since the sun is the most important source of vitamin D, care should be taken to supplement breast-fed babies with vitamin D, especially in months when the sun cannot be seen for long periods of time.
