Winter ailments: how to reduce the risks?

Winter has arrived, bringing with it the usual array of illnesses that affect us all to some extent, but especially the more fragile young infants (whose immune defenses are not yet fully developed).
So how can we try to avoid colds, nasopharyngitis, ear infections, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis... fortunately mild but disruptive illnesses? Here are a few tips:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least thirty seconds every time you take care of your baby... and also after using the toilet. Make sure everyone who looks after your baby or holds them does the same. Also clean comforters and toys regularly... However, there's no need to bleach the whole house!
- If your family or you yourself have a cold or any other illness, avoid kissing your little one on the face or hands. It’s frustrating, but it’s for their own good. Wearing a mask, as recommended by public authorities, is certainly useful but hasn’t really become a habit for us.
- Avoid, as much as possible, crowded places (and therefore the risk of contagion) with your baby. Buses, subways, and supermarkets are real breeding grounds for germs… and of very little interest to an infant.
- Don’t hesitate to take your baby outside for a walk in the park, forest, or a public garden even if it’s cold. A baby shouldn’t live in a bubble, and a walk in a well-ventilated place is very invigorating… as long as they are well wrapped up.
- Air out their room regularly every day, or even several times a day, to freshen the atmosphere. Don’t overheat it: 19/20°C is more than enough.
- Remember to remove some of their layers at home, in the car, or in stores… just as you do for yourself. Little ones are often overdressed indoors and catch cold when they go outside. They don’t like sudden temperature changes.
- Wash their nose regularly with saline solution, especially when they have a cold.
- Avoid any form of passive smoking or pollution, as these are aggravating factors.
- Offer them a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin C, and regular vitamin D intake to help them defend themselves.
- Of course, this is often not easy or even impossible, but when possible, prefer childcare options with a childminder or at home. Group settings (nurseries, daycare) are very often breeding grounds for germs.
- Get vaccinated as well as those around your baby against the flu, especially if your baby is under 6 months old and even more so if they are premature.
Of course, this will only limit the risks, as all these illnesses are very often inevitable but essential for the development of their immunity and, fortunately, are usually mild.