When you have a child, it’s not always easy to protect them from germs such as dirt on the floor or dust on their toys. However, one potential source of germs is harder to control – being in direct contact with people during Eid gatherings. Without realizing it, family members and friends may transfer germs when they touch or kiss your child. Children are still very young, and their immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to illnesses. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your child healthy during Eid visits and gatherings.
1. Don’t Skip Vaccinations
One of the best ways to protect your child from illnesses is to ensure they receive all their required vaccinations on time. This can help protect them from various diseases. Always check with your pediatrician to confirm that your child is up-to-date with their vaccination schedule.
Adults should also get vaccinated, particularly the flu vaccine, as children under six months cannot receive the flu vaccine. By ensuring that adults are vaccinated, they can protect themselves and the children around them.
2. Continue Breastfeeding
If you're breastfeeding, continue doing so even if your child is unwell. Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off illnesses. It is the ideal and safest food for infants as it is clean and provides protection from many common childhood diseases.
Although breastfeeding is crucial, there are some serious illnesses that may require a mother to temporarily stop breastfeeding. In these cases, it’s best to consult a doctor.
3. Handle Sick People Carefully
At large gatherings, try to warn those around you not to come too close to your child if they show symptoms of a contagious illness, such as fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea. Diseases can spread quickly if your child comes into contact with someone showing these symptoms. Keep in mind that even those who were sick a few days ago might still be able to spread the infection.
4. Avoid Touching or Kissing the Baby
Strictly prevent people from touching or kissing your child's face to avoid transferring germs. This approach works best with young babies who can’t yet reach their toes or hands to touch their faces.
5. Wash Hands Before Holding the Child
The most common way germs are spread is by touch. Washing your hands helps protect both you and your child by preventing the spread of germs. Encourage everyone who handles your baby to wash their hands before doing so.
6. Avoid Long Trips
Long trips can make children uncomfortable. When visiting family during Eid, try to plan your visits strategically, and keep an eye on road conditions via radio or traffic apps. Long car rides can cause your baby to sweat, leading to potential heat rashes if not cleaned immediately.
If your child is not used to long trips, avoid visiting too many places in one day. Frequent changes of locations can make your child tired and uncomfortable due to the lack of rest.
7. Monitor Your Child’s Health
If your child is not feeling well, consider staying home instead of going out during Eid. It’s better to let your child rest and recover, and you can still stay in touch with family and friends via phone calls.
8. Respect Nap Times
If you’re at a relative’s home and it’s time for your child to sleep, ensure they get enough rest. Ask permission to let your child nap in a quiet room. Before putting them to bed, you can clean their body, change their clothes, and apply baby powder (without talc) on their underarms, back, and neck to refresh their skin and prevent irritation from sweat.
9. Prepare Baby Essentials
When visiting relatives, pack a couple of extra outfits in case your child gets dirty from sweat or spills. Don’t forget to bring clean towels, wet wipes, and baby powder to keep your child fresh during playtime.
By following these tips, you can help protect your child from illness during Eid gatherings while ensuring they have a pleasant and safe experience.
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