16 Baby Care Tips During Monsoon Season

The monsoon season is the most awaited time of the year for little kids and toddlers. The sheer joy of getting wet in a heavy downpour or making paper boats to let them sail down the drain is priceless. But before your baby can grow up to enjoy these little joys of the rainy season, it’s your responsibility to take care of them and give them the best kind of attention and care possible.

In this blog post, we have discussed in detail 16 baby care tips to follow during the monsoon season. From food safety to clothing, our tips will help make this monsoon season a tension-free experience. 

To buy baby products online, check out 1st Step. Our products are carefully designed and selected to give your baby the best care and comfort possible. 

16 Baby Care Tips during Monsoon Season

1. Keep your home clean

With babies at home, it’s advisable to clean your home atleast twice daily. During rains and monsoons, your home floors get dirty easily, especially if you’re on the ground floor. Make sure you clean every nook and corner of your home where your baby can reach easily. Look out for places where water could easily collect and stagnate and ensure you prevent them from happening. Keep checking for any leaks or dampness to avoid moulds and fungus.

2. Keep your baby clean and dry

A clean baby is a happy baby! 

During monsoons, it’s very important to keep your baby clean at all times as they’re more likely to get sick during this time. If you live in a humid area, it’s best to give your baby warm baths daily. The best water temperature for baby baths is around 37-38 degrees C (which is close to body temperature). To keep your baby dry and sweat-free, wipe them frequently in areas like armpits, ears, and genitals as they are more prone to infections. 

The humidity in monsoon seasons can give rise to rashes and itching. To prevent self-harm through scratching, keep your baby's nails trimmed. Longer nails also give space for bacteria to grow under them, making it dangerous for the baby. 

Check out 1st Step’s nail clippers that are sized and scaled for tiny nails. With an easy grip and stainless steel blades, our nail clippers are simple and convenient to use. Some of our clippers also come with a magnifying glass that helps you see those little nails with caution and care!

3. Moisturize regularly

Baby skin is more prone to dryness as it can't hold onto moisture as well as adult skin. Using a good baby moisturizer will nourish and protect the baby’s skin. You can choose a lotion made with substances like glycerin, milk extracts, shea butter, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. This will keep your baby’s skin hydrated and help improve skin texture.

4. Use sprays and oils for mosquitoes

Monsoon is almost synonymous with mosquitoes. Make sure all the doors and windows at your home are covered with mesh nets to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Mosquito bites are painful for babies and can leave swollen marks on the skin. Dress your baby in long-sleeved shirts and use mosquito repellents that are safe for baby skin. 

Lavender oils are considered the best option for mosquito bites, especially if you are outdoors with the baby.

5. Vaccinate your baby

To improve your baby's immunity during the monsoons, it’s advisable to get a flu booster for your baby. If your baby has a cold or cough, wait till it gets cleared before you get them vaccinated. The annual vaccination of your child not only strengthens their immune system but also stops the spread of the infection.

6. Change diapers regularly or go diaper-free

If you are using diapers for your baby, make sure you clean and change them frequently. A wet diaper is a hub for growing bacteria and can cause a cold or lead to skin irritation and rashes. If possible, try to go diaper-free as it can keep your baby free from any moisture or leakage.

The best solution is to switch to soft and smooth cloth nappies. 

Check out 1st Step’s muslin nappies that are easy to clean and withstand multiple wash cycles. Muslin nappies are soft on the baby’s sensitive skin and provide protection from redness and skin irritation. This is a great alternative that is also eco-friendly. 

7. Use only boiled drinking water

If your baby is on formula and has started solids, give them only boiled and cooled water. During the monsoons, the risk of getting a waterborne disease increases, and contaminated water may end up in your water supply. It’s always best to boil the water to reduce the chances of infections. 

8. Check for rashes and allergies

If you notice a sign of redness or rashes, contact your doctor or paediatrician right away! Rashes and allergies are common during monsoons due to the baby’s sensitive skin. It’s important to look out for any allergy symptoms and keep your doctor updated throughout the season.

9. Use warm and breathable clothes

The perfect clothing for your babies during the monsoon season is soft, cotton, long-sleeved clothes. They not only keep your baby warm but also protect them from mosquitoes. Avoid dressing your baby in synthetic clothes, as this will make it difficult for the sweat to drain and make the baby uncomfortable.

For breathable cotton clothes, check out 1st Step’s muslin jhablas (or vests) that will keep your baby warm and comfortable during monsoons.

10. Keep feeding bottles and other baby products clean

Cleanliness is one of the most important factors to consider during monsoons. From feeding bottles to other baby products, make sure you wash them regularly and keep them dry and clean. When it comes to feeding products, wash them before and after every use for maximum safety and cleanliness.

11. Continue breastfeeding

If you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby, you don’t have to give water or other fluids to the baby in between meal times. Continue breastfeeding the baby more often than normal days to keep them hydrated. Breast milk is more nutritious and acts as a medicine for the baby. It also improves the baby’s immunity as breastfeeding transfers antibodies from the mother to the baby.

12. Wash your baby’s hands frequently

Did you know that your baby’s hands carry the most germs? It’s also known that babies put their hands in their mouths almost all the time. To prevent germs from entering their bodies or from catching any diseases, it’s advised to wash your baby’s hands as often as possible. Make sure you dry them immediately too.

13. Maintain a pleasant room temperature

During the monsoon season, you might have to deal with sudden temperature changes. Your room can get chilly or damp pretty quickly, making your baby feel cold and uncomfortable. If you use an air conditioner at home, change the temperature settings to suit your baby’s needs. Maintain a pleasant room temperature that makes your baby feel cozy and cool.

14. Use only dry and sterilized towels

If you have a baby at home, there are chances you have over a hundred towels at home for different needs. From burp cloths to hand towels, there’s never enough! When you pick up a towel for the baby, use it only if it’s completely clean and dry. Never reuse your towels before washing and drying them.

If you are looking to buy bath towels for your baby, check out 1st Step. Our bath towels are soft, absorbent and durable. They’re made of 100% terry cotton and feel smooth on the baby’s skin. 

15. Don’t ignore signs of fever/cold/cough

Fever and cold are common during the monsoon season, and it’s better to always be prepared for them. Talk to your doctor and get basic medicines and dosage in case of an emergency. If your baby shows signs of a cold or any other monsoon illness, don’t ignore them and visit your paediatrician immediately. When it comes to your baby, self-medication is not advisable.

16. Feed your baby immunity-rich foods

Your baby’s immune system is less developed than yours. Due to this, it’s important to feed your baby home-cooked nutritious meals every day. And since they are more likely to fall ill during monsoons, you must provide them with food made from fresh ingredients that suit your baby’s taste.

Foods like berries, broccoli, eggs, legumes, carrots, cheese, etc. are good options for toddlers.

Conclusion

The monsoon season can be a tricky time for baby parents as babies tend to get ill often and might need extra care and attention. By keeping in mind a few points and being mindful, you can ensure your baby a fun and memorable monsoon season. Remember, cleanliness is your first priority during this time.

To make this monsoon season hassle-free for both parents and babies, 1st Step has a wide range of products that will take care of your baby’s needs and keep them safe and comfortable at all times.