Keeping Baby Healthy This Winter

Winter can be a great time of year with little ones; first snow experiences, snuggle time in front of the fireplace, creative indoor play time. However, when baby is sick it's not fun for anyone! So what's a mom to do?

BabyCenter has a great article that offers some tips for parents about how to lessen your baby's exposure to germs:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Wash baby's hands frequently
• Wash older siblings' hands frequently
• If your child is in daycare, inquire about their "sick-kid" policy to assess the potential for exposure there
• Keep your baby up-to-date on vaccinations
• Boost your baby's immune system naturally by breastfeeding (if possible) and, once baby is eating solids, offering a variety of healthy foods

But what do you do if baby is already sick?...

• Try saline nose drops
• Use a bulb syringe to help with nasal congestion
• Make sure baby gets lots of rest
• Use a humidifier
• Urge baby to drink fluids
• Make time for extra snuggling and TLC
• Know when to take baby to the doctor

To read the full article, click HERE.

I would add only one additional thought to this...

It's hard on moms, too, when baby is sick. We moms want our kids to be happy and healthy and comfortable, and it pains our hearts when our little ones hurt. I remember those days when my babies wrestled with a cold or flu...they were tired and cranky, and pretty soon I was tired and cranky, too!

Remember that it's ok to take care of YOU during these difficult times and to ask for help from a spouse, other family member, or friend. Something as simple as a neighbor raking my yard while I took a nap with my son or my husband getting up 30 minutes early to do the dishes before he left for work made a world of difference during those trying times.

So take a nap. Take a bath. Restore you so you can be there for baby.

Happy Holidays, my friends, and may health and rest find you!