Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Why Winter Is the Riskiest Season for Newborns, According to Doctor

Winter may feel refreshing for adults, but for newborns, it is one of the most vulnerable seasons of the year. Infants have immature immunity and cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently, making them prone to cold stress, infections, and breathing difficulties. In a conversation with Health and Me, Dr. Manju Kumari shared essential guidance for parents navigating their baby’s first winter.

Newborns lose heat rapidly, and even a slight drop in temperature can lead to distress. Dr. Kumari explains that “infants cannot regulate their body temperature effectively, which is why small measures go a long way.”

She advises dressing babies in soft, light layers rather than one thick piece of clothing, as layering traps warmth better and prevents overheating. The head and feet should always be covered with a cap and socks since “heat loss is maximum from these areas.”

Parents must ensure the room is comfortably warm, especially during sleep time. However, loose blankets should never be placed over a baby’s face or neck. “This increases the risk of SIDS,” she notes. Bathing should also be brief—no more than 2–3 minutes, with warm (not hot) water and away from fans or cold drafts.

<h2>Preventing Infections During Winter</h2>

With colder weather comes a spike in viral infections, making newborns particularly vulnerable. “Their immunity is still developing, so simple precautions matter,” Dr. Kumari says.

<ul><li>Limit visitors during the first weeks</li><li>Wash hands before touching the baby</li><li>Avoid anyone who shows symptoms of a cold or flu</li><li>Keep the room ventilated to reduce indoor pollution</li><li>Maintain a clean environment for feeding and sleeping</li><li>Stay updated with vaccinations and follow pediatric advice</li></ul>

According to her, infection control begins at home, and these small actions significantly reduce a baby’s exposure to harmful germs.

Winter dryness and pollution can irritate a baby’s delicate skin and airways. Dr. Kumari recommends using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and avoiding strong soaps.

Blocked noses are common, and she advises saline nasal drops only under a paediatrician’s guidance. She emphasizes keeping infants away from incense sticks, scented sprays, smoke from cooking, and heater fumes. “Their lungs are extremely sensitive. Clean air around a newborn is non-negotiable,” she says.

A dust-free, odor-free sleeping area is crucial for easy breathing and quality rest.

<h2>Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore</h2>

Recognizing distress early can prevent complications. Dr. Kumari lists key red flags:

<ul><li>Fast or labored breathing</li><li>Feeding poorly or refusing feeds</li><li>Fever or unusually low temperature</li><li>Sudden lethargy</li><li>Pale or bluish skin</li></ul>

“If any of these signs appear, seek immediate medical attention,” she stresses. Early intervention can make all the difference in a newborn’s outcome.

Winter care, Dr. Kumari assures, “is not as complicated as it seems.” Thoughtful adjustments, appropriate clothing, safe sleeping practices, good hygiene, and close monitoring, can protect babies from most seasonal risks.

“With a warm, clean, and safe environment, parents can ensure their newborns thrive even in the cold months,” she concludes. These simple habits not only safeguard health but also make the early months more joyful and stress-free for new families.

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Winter may feel refreshing for adults, but for newborns, it is one of the most vulnerable seasons of the year. Infants have immature immunity and cannot regulate their body temperature efficiently, making them prone to cold stress, infections, and breathing difficulties. In a conversation with Health and Me, Dr. Manju Kumari shared essential guidance for parents navigating their baby’s first winter.Keeping Your Baby WarmNewborns lose heat rapidly, and even a slight drop in temperature can lead to distress. Dr. Kumari explains that “infants cannot regulate their body temperature effectively, which is why small measures go a long way.”She advises dressing babies in soft, light layers rather than one thick piece of clothing, as layering traps warmth better and prevents overheating. The head and feet should always be covered with a cap and socks since “heat loss is maximum from these areas.”Parents must ensure the room is comfortably warm, especially during sleep time. However, loose blankets should never be placed over a baby’s face or neck. “This increases the risk of SIDS,” she notes. Bathing should also be brief—no more than 2–3 minutes, with warm (not hot) water and away from fans or cold drafts.Preventing Infections During WinterWith colder weather comes a spike in viral infections, making newborns particularly vulnerable. “Their immunity is still developing, so simple precautions matter,” Dr. Kumari says.Parents should:Limit visitors during the first weeksWash hands before touching the babyAvoid anyone who shows symptoms of a cold or fluKeep the room ventilated to reduce indoor pollutionMaintain a clean environment for feeding and sleepingStay updated with vaccinations and follow pediatric adviceAccording to her, infection control begins at home, and these small actions significantly reduce a baby’s exposure to harmful germs.Caring for Skin and BreathingWinter dryness and pollution can irritate a baby’s delicate skin and airways. Dr. Kumari recommends using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and avoiding strong soaps.Blocked noses are common, and she advises saline nasal drops only under a paediatrician’s guidance. She emphasizes keeping infants away from incense sticks, scented sprays, smoke from cooking, and heater fumes. “Their lungs are extremely sensitive. Clean air around a newborn is non-negotiable,” she says.A dust-free, odor-free sleeping area is crucial for easy breathing and quality rest.Warning Signs Parents Should Never IgnoreRecognizing distress early can prevent complications. Dr. Kumari lists key red flags:Fast or labored breathingFeeding poorly or refusing feedsFever or unusually low temperatureSudden lethargyPale or bluish skin“If any of these signs appear, seek immediate medical attention,” she stresses. Early intervention can make all the difference in a newborn’s outcome.Small Steps, Big DifferenceWinter care, Dr. Kumari assures, “is not as complicated as it seems.” Thoughtful adjustments, appropriate clothing, safe sleeping practices, good hygiene, and close monitoring, can protect babies from most seasonal risks.“With a warm, clean, and safe environment, parents can ensure their newborns thrive even in the cold months,” she concludes. These simple habits not only safeguard health but also make the early months more joyful and stress-free for new families.