​Winter is Coming: Keeping Your Kids Healthy

As the crisp air and cozy nights of Winter approach, so does the inevitable season of sniffles and coughs.

It's the season most parents dread.

Little noses are constantly running, and coughs, fevers can keep little ones (and, therefore, us parents) up throughout the night.

Let's get a Winter plan...

Why Do Children Get Sick More in Winter? 

During Winter, we tend to spend more time indoors, which means germs have a better chance of spreading. 

The dry, cold air can also dry out nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to take hold. 

In addition, babies and toddlers are still building their immune systems, so they're more susceptible to the common cold, flu, and other infections.

Boosting Immunity Naturally 

While it's tough to avoid every germ, there are ways to boost your child’s immune system. Ensuring they eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great start. 

Foods rich in vitamins C and D, such as oranges and dairy products, can help support their immune defences for little ones who have started solids.

Hygiene Habits

Good hygiene is crucial and especially important in the cool months. Teaching your little ones or suggesting to those wanting to be in contact your little one, to wash their hands regularly with soap and water can significantly reduce the spread of germs. 

Practice catching sneezes and coughs in the bend of your elbow to avoid transfer and reschedule playdates or daycare time if your little one is unwell to avoid germs spreading. 

At home, regularly cleaning toys, dummies, and other items that can end up in little one’s mouths can also help to limit exposure to germs.

Dress for the Weather 

Depending on your climate, you may want to use hats, gloves, and warm socks when venturing outside. Aside from being a cute fashion statement, layering is a great way to allow you to adjust clothing according to the temperature. 

Remember, babies and toddlers lose heat more quickly than adults, so they need that extra winter wear to stay warm.

Daily Fresh Air and Sunshine

Our office is based in Brisbane, so we are pretty blessed with Winter sun. If possible, try to get 30 mins of fresh air and sunshine, even on sick days. 

If the weather permits, allow your sick child some barefoot time on the grass to enjoy the health benefits of grounding (or earthing). Grounding means their barefeet are absorbing the natural negative charge of the Earth's surface into the body to reset and reduce inflammation, in turn supporting circulation and immunity. 

Fresh air and a Vitamin D burst from the sun's rays can also make sick kids feel better. 

Home Remedies and Comfort

When the inevitable happens and your child is unwell, the best thing you can do is help manage the symptoms while their body recovers and while making them as comfortable as possible. 

Increase fluids (as per age appropriate guidelines) and allow for more rest times.

A humidifier, like  Hush Ultrasonic Vaporiser, in their room can help keep the air moist and ease congestion, especially if you add a few drops of  organic essential oil like Winter Wellness or Sniffle Season into the water for little ones over 6 months. 

A warm bath can be soothing and for uncomfortable congestion, a nasal aspirator, like Snotty Boss, will quickly and gently relieve the discomfort of a stuffy noses. Did you know we have a free Breathe Butter at the moment?

Soothing organic balms, like Breathe Balm, can be rubbed on the chest and soles of the feet for absorption into the body to relief congestion symptoms. 

A short burst of steam in the shower can clear congestion and warm the body for instant relief from sniffles and body aches.

Know When to Seek Help 

Most Winter illnesses are manageable at home, but it’s important to recognise when to seek medical advice. 

High fevers, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that persist for more than a few days should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. 

Trust your instincts – as a parent, you know your child best and if in doubt, check it out!

Change the Toothbrushes

After an illness, throw out your child's toothbrush and replace it with a fresh one. Virus particles can linger on the bristles, and we don't want reinfection.

Same goes for towels, sheets and pillow cases - pop them in the wash.

Stay Positive

Lastly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but a healthy parent is crucial to a healthy child. Stay hydrated, look after your mental health, get enough rest (when you can), and reach out to your support network for help when your little one is unwell.

Winter might bring its challenges, but it also brings opportunities for cozy cuddles, warm drinks, fire pits and memories made. 

Stay vigilant, stay warm, and cherish these moments – even the sniffly ones. Winter can be a tough season, but with a bit of preparation and a lot of love, you and your little one will navigate it with ease.

Disclaimer: We are not doctors, healthcare professionals, or aromatherapists. Our products are offered for sale with general use guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Should any sensitivity to our products occur, please discontinue use. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, and/or take the place of medical treatment prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.