Monsoons not only bring fun with them, but they also bring along some unwanted guests thatmake our children sick and bedridden. In order to take care of our children during rainy season we have to make our homes ready for the monsoon. One of the greatest joys of childhood is to playin the rain while jumping in dirty puddles. Although it is easy to control infants, our task becomes tougheronceour toddlers start showing anactive interest and inclination towards rainfall. Now the million dollar question - how can we protect our children from seasonal diseases and ailments?  

Here are some suggestions..

Tips to Protect Child from Rainy Season/Monsoon Diseases

#1 Eat and Drink Healthy

During rainy season, children’s digestive systems become prone to infections. To maintain a healthy diet, we should prevent them from eating any outside food. We should not give them raw vegetables and salads, unless they are consumed at home where we can wash them well. To build immunity and to fight against air borne and water borne diseases, we should give our children Vitamin C enriched food. Give lukewarm milk, and chicken or vegetable soup to provide some comfort to your child if s/he catches a cold. Give your child only boiled or purified water.Keep a sippy cup or a glass of water handy at all times. Clean water consumption helps in cleansing the digestive system by flushing out harmful toxins. For more on what to Eat & Don't Eat during monsoon/rainy seasons.

#2 Clean and Dry Homes

We must keep our house clean and dry to avoid attracting insects. Take some steps to clean damp walls as they attract mould and fungus, which can cause asthma and breathing trouble among children. Dirty footwear should be removed before entering the house. You can use antiseptic liquids mixed in water for cleaning floors.

#3 Dress Smart

It is best to dress your toddler in layers during the rainy season. Have a light cotton cardigan or light cotton blanket handy that you can pop on you baby if the temperature suddenly drops, or remove if it gets warmer. Use light diapers for your toddler and change them regularly. Socks are essential for toddlers to protect them from coughs and colds.

#4 Keep Always Dry

Monsoons can be quite unpredictable, so always carry an umbrella and a raincoat for your child if you are planning to take your little one outside.

#5 Clean Body, Healthy Life

Try your best not to allow your child to get wet in the first showers of monsoon because of the presence of mild acid in it. When your childgets wet in rain, there is an extreme drop in body temperature and s/he gets exposed to diseases. A lukewarm water bath or shower can help you prevent cold and cough and other seasonal diseases from affecting your child. You can add a few drops of antiseptic liquid in the bath water to prevent the spread of infections. Clean your child's hands with mild antiseptic liquid soaps or hand sanitizersfrom time to time. Don't forget to wipe their hands after that ! Read tips to keep healthy in rainy or monsoon season. 

#6 Eye Troubles

Eye infections like corneal ulcer,dry eye, conjunctivitis are very common in this season. Stop your child from touching or rubbing his/her eye unnecessarily. Consult apaediatrician as soon as possible if you notice any redness in your child's eyes. Rinse their eyes with cooled boiled water to bring them relief.

#7 NO Mosquitoes

Stagnant water is the breeding place of mosquitoes. Don't forget to use mosquito nets or mosquito repellent patches for your child. Avoid mosquito coils as these may trigger an allergic cough in your child.

#8 Avoid Water Logged Places

Don't allow your child to play around water logged areas as these are the dirtiest places and a storehouseforseasonal diseases and infections.

In conclusion it can be said that we have to be very careful and attentive towards our children during this season. Precautions are definitely better than cures. So we have to be ready to battle against all these unwanted guests. And we will give our children a happy and healthy monsoon.

Did you find Debashree’sprecautions for the monsoon useful? How do you prevent seasonal diseases during monsoon?Do you have any natural remedies to share with us? Do share your experiences and learnings with us in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!