~Authored by Dr Asmita Mahajan, Consultant Neonatologist & Pediatrician, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim~

The winters are here already. While it is the most festive time of the year, we indulge in prepping up for the season in different ways. Some include shopping for the right clothing, stocking up food items fit for the cold, as well as gathering essential medicines to battle seasonal ailments.

For parents, winters bring a new set of concerns, especially if you have infants. Apart from the right clothing that will keep your kids warm enough, seasonal flu and common cold will bother you the most. Especially, when you are getting ready to send your little ones back to school in the new year. You will also have to be prepared to tackle most minor illnesses at home and ensure that your children do not contract any infections that will once again confine them at home. Here is a list of essential items that can help you deal with most health surprises winter might toss at you. Although most of this list contains over the counter items, you may want to check with your Pediatrician and get medicines prescribed before you buy them.

MEDICINES: It is always a good idea to provide some relief at the first sign of any ailment, be it cold, cough, fever, body ache, or allergies, to prevent them from turning severe. However, it is not wise to get over-the-counter medicines without consulting a doctor first. When stocking up the medicines do the following: Check your medicine cabinet and discard any damaged, contaminated, or expired medicines. Then, make a list of all the remaining items .

MAKE A LIST OF THE ITEMS YOU NEED: Do not forget to estimate the number of days/months you want to stock up for. This will help you ensure you purchase enough units per product to last the entire season. Always check the expiry date of all the products your purchase, especially if you are stocking up for the next 3 to 4 months.

COLD RELIEF BALMS: If you have kids over three years of age, you may want to consider keeping a vapor rub for babies handy when there is a drop in temperature. A soothing menthol rub before tucking in your kid can help relieve congestion and cough, too. However, be sure to rule out any upper respiratory infections before you use a menthol rub on your child because it could aggravate the condition – talk to your Pediatrician on priority. While using vapour rub, make sure to use small quantity and only the baby variety after consulting your Pediatrician.

NASAL CLEANER: it isn’t uncommon for infants and toddlers to have stuffy noses when the temperature drops. It is best to invest in a good quality nasal cleanser and aspirator to remove any blockages and drive the booger monster away.

STEAM VAPORIZER/ NEBULIZER: The air quality in Mumbai has already raised health concerns. Investing in a steam inhaler can come handy when you need to increase the humidity in the air. These devices can be used to clear any nose blockages and provide relief when the cold strikes. However, nebulizers are used to inhale medicinal drugs into the Lungs; they should, be bought once your Pediatrician prescribes them. Usually, kids suffering from Lung infections, and chronic respiratory diseases, such as Cystic Fibrosis and Asthma, need a nebulizer kit.

VITAMINS: The best source of any vitamins for your bundle of joy is freshly prepared food. However, fussy eating, low-quality foods, or just unavailability of certain foods can lead to vitamin deficiency. Now, if it is a severe deficiency, you must consult your Pediatrician.