Cold Wave Alert in North India: How to Protect Your Children from Extreme Cold

Winter has arrived in North India; with it, a biting cold wave has sent temperatures so fluctuating that the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for the region, with temperatures dipping as low as 2°C in some areas. And for parents, this is a reminder to protect your little ones from the extreme cold. This weather actually demands a little extra caution for the young bodies as their immune systems are still developing, and there’s a high risk of catching illnesses, including hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory infections.

Read below this article to explore some helpful tips on how you can ensure your children remain safe and cozy.

Here are a few essential do’s and don’ts so you can ensure your little ones stay warm and healthy even during the cold wave.

Layering is the golden rule of winter dressing. You can start with a basic thermal layer, then follow it with a warm sweater or fleece, and top it off with a windproof jacket. Besides, winter accessories such as woolen hats, gloves, and thick socks will serve as an extra layer of protection.

Cold feet can make your child feel colder; therefore, it's essential to keep their feet warm. Therefore, pick water-resistant footwear to ensure their feet remain toasty and dry, particularly during outdoor activities.

You can maintain indoor warmth by using room heaters or blowers. However, make sure overdoing will do more harm than good. It's ideal to set the room temperature between 20°C and 22°C. The pro tip—place a bowl of water near the heater to maintain humidity and prevent dryness.

Serving hot soups, herbal teas, and warm milk can help maintain body temperature while providing comfort. Besides, don't forget to incorporate seasonal vegetables and fruits such as carrots and spinach to ensure your child gets ample nutrients.

Another essential tip is to restrict outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are at their lowest. However, if, in case, stepping out is unavoidable, ensure your child is fully covered from head to toe.

Even though cold weather reduces thirst, dehydration can still occur. The best way to keep your kid hydrated is to serve warm water or herbal teas at regular intervals to maintain their internal body temperature.

However, in this rush to protect your child, sometimes parents often do a few things that might do harm unintentionally. Here are a few don'ts you need to know about.

Tight clothes restrict blood circulation, which makes it difficult for the body to stay warm. Therefore, the best approach is to look for well-fitted but not too tight clothing.

Excessive exposure to heaters or blowers can actually dry out the skin and irritate the respiratory tract. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure a safe distance for adequate ventilation.

One of the most common mistakes that parents often make is using cotton as the top layer. Cotton absorbs moisture, which can make your child feel colder. Therefore, it's recommended to use cotton only for inner layers and stick to wool or fleece for outer layers.

Another must-know fact is that moving quickly between a warm indoor environment and the chilling outdoors can shock the body. So let your child acclimate to the temperature gradually.

The cold wave sweeping through North India is your sign to be a little more cautious about your child’s health. From dressing up your child in layers to maintaining indoor warmth, with some effective tips, you can help your child be safe from the chilly season.