Winter is here, which means the season of sickness too is here. While viruses and sickness run throughout, winter is when the chilly weather further makes it worse for those prone to sickness. Especially, if they are kids, as their immunity is not fully developed.

Does that mean it is inevitable for kids to be sick?

Anytime a child is exposed to another child, they will fall sick. This is because germs are transferred in the air or by touch, and children, being curious, always touch things, including their own faces, mouths and easily pick up germs and spread them. While prevention is impossible, there are steps that can be taken to reduce this.

Experts and medical professionals recommend to follow the vaccine schedule by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Vaccines have be proven to protect people, children, and infants from serious and deadly infections.

While sicknesses like a common cold do not have a vaccine, good hygiene can help prevent the spread of germs. Teaching your kids to wash hands after touching toys, or any other surface and other people is a great way to start it.

Exposure to germs at an early age strengthens child's immune system

Is there really any truth in the statement? When we encounter infections, our immune system creates antibodies that either prevent future infections or help the body fight them off more effectively, often leading to milder illness. The "hygiene hypothesis" proposes that living in an overly clean environment might hinder the immune system's development, potentially increasing the risk of allergic conditions like asthma.

ALSO READ: Why Forward-Facing Car Seat Could Be Lethal For Your Baby?

Although research has explored this idea, many immunologists (experts in the immune system) have raised concerns and expressed disagreement with the hypothesis.

In reality, most children don’t grow up in sterile environments. They are naturally exposed to a variety of germs, providing ample opportunities for their immune systems to strengthen and adapt.

Sanitizing Child's Toys

It is a good practice to regularly disinfect your children's toys and anything they share with others or take to school.

It is important to know the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. While cleaning removes visible dirt, sanitizing decreases the number of germs on the surface, whereas disinfecting kills germs.

Also make sure to read the labels correctly and prevent any toxic toys to make its way to your kids, so it cannot be inhaled or ingested.

How to disinfect toys?

You can start by cleaning all the toys that has come in contact with your child's hands and mouth with soap and water. Then, use a sanitizer to clean everyday items, things that remain in your child's environment. Then use disinfectant, especially if your child is sick or if someone sick has touched your child's toys.

If you are wondering which sanitizers to go for, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website has come up with a list of approved sanitizers and disinfectants that are effective.

The monsoon brings welcome relief from the heat, but it also creates the perfect environment for viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mosquitoes to thrive. As a result, babies become more vulnerable to infections such as coughs and colds, diarrhoea, skin rashes, fungal infections, and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria.

Since an infant’s immune system is still developing, they require extra care during the rainy season. Fortunately, many monsoon-related illnesses can be prevented by avoiding a few common mistakes.

Not Changing Damp Clothes Promptly

Leaving babies in damp clothes for long periods can cause discomfort, heat rash, skin irritation, and fungal infections, especially in skin folds. Whether clothes become wet from rain, sweat, or spills, they should be changed immediately. Dress your baby in soft, clean, breathable cotton clothing.

Neglecting Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infections. Parents and caregivers should wash their hands with soap and water before touching or feeding the baby and after returning home. Anyone with symptoms such as cough, cold, fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea should avoid close contact with infants.

Also read: Breastfeeding Can Help Reduce Mothers' Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Breast Cancer and More

Giving Stale or Improperly Stored Food

If your baby has started complementary feeding, always offer freshly prepared home-cooked meals. During humid weather, bacteria multiply rapidly in improperly stored food, increasing the risk of stomach infections. Avoid feeding leftovers that have been kept at room temperature for long periods.

Ignoring Mosquito Protection

The rainy season is associated with a rise in mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Use mosquito nets, eliminate stagnant water around your home, and dress your baby in light, full-sleeved clothing. Avoid applying mosquito repellents directly to infants younger than two months unless specifically recommended by your paediatrician.

Also read: Study Links Excessive Screen Time To Poorer Body Image in Teens With Skin Conditions

Keeping the Home Damp and Poorly Ventilated

Damp surroundings encourage mould and fungal growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. Keep your home well-ventilated, dry wet areas promptly, and ensure that your baby’s bedding, blankets, mattresses, and soft toys are completely clean and dry before use.

Overdressing Your Baby

Many parents assume babies need extra layers during the monsoon. In reality, overdressing can lead to overheating, excessive sweating, and skin rashes. Dress your baby according to the indoor room temperature rather than the weather outside. To assess whether your baby is comfortable, feel the neck or chest instead of the hands or feet, which are naturally cooler.

Also read: Should Children Take Protein Powders? A Dietitian’s Perspective

Trying Home Remedies Without Medical Advice

Avoid steam inhalation, balms, herbal oils, over-the-counter cold medicines, or traditional remedies unless advised by your paediatrician. Honey should never be given to babies under one year of age because of the risk of infant botulism. Always seek medical advice before giving any medication or home remedy.

Taking Young Babies to Crowded Places Unnecessarily

Crowded indoor spaces such as shopping malls, family gatherings, and social events increase the risk of viral infections. Limiting unnecessary exposure, especially during the first few months of life, can significantly reduce the chances of your baby falling ill.

A baby’s first monsoon can be a worrying time for new parents, but a few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your little one healthy and comfortable. Good hygiene, fresh food, mosquito protection, a clean and dry environment, and timely medical advice are the keys to preventing most monsoon-related illnesses.

If your baby develops persistent fever, breathing difficulty, poor feeding, repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased activity, or signs of dehydration, seek medical attention without delay.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond a baby's health, experts said as part of World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1 to 7.

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 is "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," focusing on tracking progress, evaluating impact and scaling proven approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes.

While providing essential nutrition for babies, breastfeeding also offers significant long-term health benefits for mothers. Studies show it can help lower the risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer

According to the World Health Organization, scaling up breastfeeding could prevent nearly 400,000 child deaths and around 140,000 maternal deaths every year.

How Breastfeeding Protects Mothers

Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman and Chief Diabetologist at Dr. Mohan's Diabetes Specialities, told HealthandMe that women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

According to Dr. Asha Dalal, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, breastfeeding helps the body recover after pregnancy by improving glucose metabolism, increasing insulin sensitivity and gradually using the fat stores built up during pregnancy.

"These changes support better metabolic health and may lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Studies also suggest that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the health benefits, although even shorter durations can have a positive impact," she said.

Dr. Dalal added that while breastfeeding is not a guarantee against NCDs, it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

"When combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine health check-ups, it can contribute to better long-term health for mothers. Lactation is not just about nourishing the baby—it also gives the mother's body an opportunity to reset and recover metabolically after pregnancy," she said.

Benefits Extend to Mental Health

Breastfeeding also supports maternal mental well-being by stimulating the release of oxytocin, often called the "feel-good" hormone. Oxytocin promotes relaxation, strengthens the bond between mother and baby, and may help reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Dr. Smriti Uppal, Senior Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Pacific One Health, described breastfeeding as "nature's first gift of love, nourishment, and protection" for a child while also strengthening a mother's health.

"Breastfeeding also supports a mother's mental well-being by releasing hormones such as oxytocin, which encourage relaxation and bonding. Every mother's experience is unique, and while breastfeeding may sometimes require patience and support, its lifelong benefits for both mother and child are remarkable," she said.

Dr. Uppal stressed that support from families, healthcare providers and communities is essential to help more mothers breastfeed successfully and improve the health of future generations.

Supports Recovery After Childbirth

Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director - Obstetrics & Gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe that breastfeeding speeds up recovery after delivery by helping the uterus return to its original size and reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

She added that breastfeeding has also been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while strengthening the emotional bond between mother and baby.

Breastfeeding May Lower Diabetes Risk

Dr. Mohan said breastfeeding is especially important for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

"Women who have had gestational diabetes and breastfeed for longer are considerably less likely to develop diabetes themselves. Test every pregnancy. Then support every mother to breastfeed. It costs almost nothing and protects two lives," he said.

He explained that high blood sugar during pregnancy exposes the baby to excess glucose, increasing the child's risk of obesity, insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Mohan also noted that many Indian babies are born with a "thin-fat" body composition—lower muscle mass but relatively higher body fat—which increases their long-term metabolic risk.

How Breastfeeding Protects Babies

Experts say breast milk provides complete nutrition along with antibodies and enzymes that help protect infants from infections, allergies and illnesses during early life.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods, supports healthy growth, reduces the risk of childhood obesity and may lower a child's future risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Uppal added that breast milk is economical, always available at the right temperature and requires no preparation, making it a convenient and sustainable feeding choice.

She said encouraging breastfeeding through families, healthcare providers and communities can improve the health of both mothers and children, making it a valuable investment in future generations.

Pain in the breast region is not uncommon during the first few weeks following childbirth; however, the presence of breast pain coupled with fever or redness might indicate something more severe.

The early weeks of motherhood involve a lot of learning, and feeding your baby through breast milk is one of them. Some degree of breast tenderness and engorgement is normal while the body adjusts to its new role; however, there are certain symptoms that extend beyond that. The following are six examples:

Mastitis

Mastitis is one of the most frequent complications associated with breasts in nursing women. The condition arises due to the accumulation of milk in the breast and causes inflammation.

The signs of mastitis include a red and warm swelling in the breast, accompanied by fever, chills, and pain all over the body. In severe cases, without proper treatment, mastitis may lead to an abscess that needs draining.

Blocked Milk Duct

Most blocked ducts can be cured with home remedies such as the use of warm compresses prior to breastfeeding, massaging the lump toward the nipple area, and frequent nursing or pumping to keep the milk flowing.

Nevertheless, if there is persistence of the lump for more than a few days, worsening pain or increasing size of the lump, fever, chills, or reddening of the skin, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Also read: Breastfeeding Can Help Prevent 400,000 Child and 140,000 Maternal Deaths Annually, Says WHO

Breast Abscess

An untreated infection can progress into a pocket of pus beneath the skin. This presents as a painful, fluctuant lump, often with fever and visible redness.

An abscess typically requires drainage along with antibiotics, making timely diagnosis essential to avoid more invasive treatment later.

Engorgement With Complications

Engorgement itself is a normal part of milk coming in, usually settling within a few days. But severe, one-sided swelling with fever or skin that appears shiny, tight, and increasingly painful may point to a secondary infection rather than simple engorgement and warrants a check-up.

Also read: World Breastfeeding Week: How The First 1,000 Days Of Breastfeeding Shapes A Child's Health For Life

Nipple Infection Or Thrush

Cracked or damaged nipples can become a gateway for bacterial or fungal infection. Persistent burning pain, deep breast pain during or after feeds, or visible discharge can indicate an infection that needs targeted treatment rather than home remedies alone.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Also read: NHS Breast Cancer Screening Misses 95% Of High-Risk Young Women In UK: Why Personalized Care Could Be Key

While uncommon in postpartum women, inflammatory breast cancer can mimic mastitis, presenting with redness, warmth, and swelling. What sets it apart is a lack of response to antibiotics within the expected timeframe. Any breast symptom that doesn't improve after a course of appropriate treatment should be re-evaluated, and imaging considered.

New mothers are often told that some discomfort is just part of the journey. While that's true to an extent, it's also easy to overlook signs that something more serious may be going on. A fever above 101°F, redness that's spreading quickly, a lump that's getting bigger, or symptoms that don't improve after 48 hours of home care shouldn't be ignored.

Getting medical attention early can help prevent complications, protect the mother's health, and make it easier to continue breastfeeding.