RAINY season brings in nostalgic memories of our childhood days. The fun we had in the rain and how our parents warned us not to get wet again. They ensured we carried our raincoats and umbrellas always to avoid getting wet and falling sick. Dad always ensured the nets were tucked to prevent mosquito bites and associated illness.
Rainy season also reminds us of greenery and colourful flowers all over. This is the time when planting takes place in the garden. Babies are the ones prone to these diseases as their immunity is low and they are also much more exposed to the micro-organisms than adults. During the rainy season, these microorganisms get favourable environment to grow, so proper care is required for the small babies.
The Nation spoke with a paediatrician with Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Clinic, Lagos, Dr. Mrs. Funke Olatunji, who gave the following health tips which can protect the health of a child during the rainy season: Ensure to bathe your little one at least once a day. To keep him/her healthy after the bath, ensure that you towel the child’s body with a cotton absorbent towel. Restrict your child from having outside food, especially the ones sold by roadside vendors. “This season is odd as it attracts infections due to improper hygiene conditions of the surroundings,” she warned. For small babies, boil and cool water and then ensure storage is also maintained. Special care has to be taken for the water intake. Avoid outside water, carry a bottle of water when you plan going out with the baby. Make sure the kids do not play in stagnant and polluted water as it may lead to skin infections and other illnesses too.
Give your child light and easy-to-digest food during rainy seasons. Basic reason, she explained, is that the digestive system is weak during this time of the year and spicy foods can lead to digestion problems.
Logging you in...
