From figuring out ways to keep your toddler in bed at night, to keeping them safe when they’re swimming in the pool, parents are always looking for ways to keep their little ones healthy and safe. This is never truer than in the winter when it’s freezing outside and sickness is everywhere. Since you can’t keep your children in a bubble all winter long, check out these tips to help you keep them healthy until spring comes once again.
Keep Them Warm
You should make sure your kids are warm at home by having a reputable HVAC service and repair company come out to inspect your unit before the winter begins, as this will allow you to make sure that everything is working as it should before you are required to use it months at a time. Simply contacting a professional HVAC company in your area, similar to AirMAX (https://airmaxsc.com/about-us/), is all it takes to make sure that your HVAC is up-to-date. As well as servicing essential appliances, it is also important to make sure that your children dress warmly as well. The best way to do this is by dressing them in layers in the morning, then they can shed clothes as the day warms up if needed.
Teach Proper Handwashing Technique
Winter is the worst time for germs and bacteria to be spread from one child to the next. Children who practice proper handwashing techniques do not miss nearly as much school as children who have not been taught the proper way. Not only do you want to teach your little ones to wash their hands, but you should also lead by example and wash yours often as well. This is the best way to prevent cold and flu germs from being spread throughout your home.
Practice Food Safety
The winter leads to the holidays, which means you’re going to be doing a lot of cooking. It’s easy to feel hurried or to be distracted by family and friends and forget to practice food safety when cooking everything from the turkey for Thanksgiving to the ham for Christmas dinner. From not using the same cutting board to cut raw chicken to cooking food to the recommended temperature on the package, proper food safety precautions can be the difference between a happy and a sad holiday for your children and for yourself as well.
Get Immunizations
Immunizations are the number one way to prevent your children from getting sick during the winter months. Though there is a constant debate raging over whether vaccines are safe, and whether children should get their flu shots, studies show that immunizations are effective against a number of diseases. Try to keep your vaccines current, including the flu shot, for children who are six months and older, especially when they start school.
Keep Them Home When They Are Sick
If you and your family still get sick after taking all the precautions above, it’s best to quarantine your household. You don’t need to go to work or send your children to school sick. If you’re in doubt as to whether your child is well enough to go to school, contact your primary healthcare provider for guidance. During this time, take steps to create a healthier home environment. You might want to consider hiring a professional deep cleaning service through a website like this to thoroughly sanitize your home. A full deep clean can address areas that may be hard to tackle on your own.
Also, pay special attention to your carpets, especially during the winter months when they are more likely to be in use. Carpets tend to attract dust and allergens, which can contribute to illness. A thorough carpet cleaning by professionals can help to reduce allergens, dust mites, bacteria, and anything else, creating a healthier living environment. Additionally, regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches, maintain good ventilation by opening windows when possible, and encourage hand washing to help prevent the spread of germs. These steps can support your family’s recovery and help maintain a healthier home.
Eat Well/Get Enough Sleep
An exhausted child who is eating a bunch of junk is more likely to get sick in the winter than children who eat and sleep well. Make sure to feed your children nutritious foods and healthy snacks to build their immune system for the winter ahead. It’s also important to make sure that your children get the required amount of sleep nightly, as being tired lowers their immune systems, and leaves them open to sickness.
These are just a few of the best ways to keep your children healthy in the winter months to come. Remember, vaccines and enough rest are key to healthy children this winter.