As the winter season brings with it a soothing chill and freshness, it also becomes a highly sensitive period for newborns. Dr. Ajayeshwar Mahant, a renowned pediatrician at City Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospitals), Gurdaspur, has shared important guidelines for parents on the special care required for infants during this time. He explained that newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature in the first few days of life, which makes even minor exposure to cold potentially harmful for their health.
According to Dr. Mahant, “Warmth is important, but balance matters just as much when caring for a newborn.” He emphasizes that dressing a baby in either too many or too few layers can be risky. The safest approach is to use soft, light, and layered clothing. The indoor temperature should remain normal and comfortable, and it is crucial to protect the baby from direct exposure to cold air.
Highlighting precautions during bathing, Dr. Mahant suggests that instead of daily baths, newborns should be bathed 2–3 times a week using lukewarm water. After bathing, gently drying the baby and massaging with warm, mild oil helps improve blood circulation and keeps the skin soft. He also warned that winter dryness can cause the baby’s skin to become rough, increasing the risk of infections. Using a baby-friendly moisturizer is therefore very beneficial.
Dr. Mahant further advised parents to feed their newborns frequently, as cold weather can reduce hydration levels. Adequate nutrition and mother’s milk act as a natural shield, strengthening the baby’s immunity. He cautioned that symptoms such as extreme lethargy, reduced feeding, very low body temperature, rapid breathing, or worsening cold and cough should never be ignored. Immediate medical attention is essential if any of these signs appear.
City Hospitals’ administration also urges parents not to take any concern related to their newborn lightly. The hospital’s neonatal department is equipped with advanced facilities and a trained specialist team available 24×7, ensuring that every child receives safe and quality care. The hospital management’s mission is clear—“To keep every newborn’s smile safe, and every family assured.”
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