There cannot be any compromises made with children’s health. After all, they are the apple of your eye, so how can their health be taken lightly?
Toddlers are delicate – whether you consider emotional well-being or physical well-being. That is why it is essential that you take proper care of your child. This does not only include feeding them nutritious food, but also protecting them from several serious health issues.
Here are some common diseases and health concerns that parents should be aware of and take steps to protect their toddlers from various diseases.
Vaccine-preventable diseases:
You can say no to almost everything, but not vaccines. Vaccines are your toddler’s armour that help them stay in the best of their health. Vaccinations help provide immunity from many potentially serious diseases, and protects your child against the risk of complications from the disease.
Adhering to the vaccination schedule that is advised by your healthcare provider is one of the finest ways you can safeguard your baby. Ensure your child receives all recommended vaccinations, including those for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). Remember, every time you put off getting your child vaccinated, they become more susceptible to illnesses.
Respiratory infections:
In India, respiratory issues and metropolitan cities go hand in hand. This is why ensuring your child stays protected from respiratory infections is of utmost importance.
The burden of respiratory tract infections in paediatrics is extremely high. It’s common for toddlers to contract respiratory illnesses involving both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Common respiratory tract infections include common cold, influenza, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
Since newborns and early infants have small nasal air passages, congestion and mucus can cause breathing difficulties from even mild nasal congestion. Babies who experience nasal congestion also have difficulty feeding since they are unable to breathe when nursing or using a bottle. Babies frequently gag and choke because they can’t spit out the mucus they cough up.
To reduce the risk of respiratory infections for kids, families should try to avoid your child’s contact with people who have cold symptoms. Avoiding crowded places (such as shopping malls or supermarkets) can help reduce exposure, especially during the fall and winter months when many people suffer from colds. Keeping your hands clean can also slow the spread of viruses. Ask people who touch your child to wash their hands first.
Gastrointestinal infections:
Gastrointestinal infection is an infection in the stomach and intestines that can cause dehydration and sometimes vomiting, which can be dangerous for very young babies. Given the fact that children want to explore, dismantle, and taste everything they find, it is not possible to prevent a child from being exposed to the bacteria that cause gastroenteritis. Proper hand washing for the whole family is the best way to prevent the spread of diseases. Make sure everyone in the family washes their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, after handling diapers, and before handling food or preparing food or drink.
Ear infections:
Ear infections in babies and toddlers are very common. Be attentive to signs of ear infections, such as ear pain, fussiness, or tugging at the ears. Your best bet is to work with your child and doctor to determine the appropriate course of action. In almost all cases, treatment decisions depend on your toddler’s age, level of pain and symptoms.
Insect-borne diseases:
Babies are at the greatest risk of contracting insect-borne diseases because their immune systems are often less developed than adults. If these diseases are not treated in time, they can cause complications.Protect your child from insect bites to reduce the risk of diseases such as Lyme disease, dengue fever, malaria, etc. Use appropriate insect repellents and dress your child in protective clothing both indoors and outdoors.
Poisoning:
Most poisonings in children are accidental and occur at home. Because young children are always putting things in their mouths, more than half of the reported poisonings occur in children under the age of five. A child may become curious and swallow, inhale or absorb the toxic substances such as bleach or toilet bowl cleaner, glue, paint thinners and removers, laundry detergent pods, pesticides or insecticides, and oven and drain cleaners. Keep potentially harmful substances, including medications and household chemicals, out of reach. Keep medicines in locked cabinets or far out of reach. Use childproof locks on cabinets and be vigilant about potential hazards.
The bottom line
Protecting your toddler’s health is crucial for their overall well-being. The best approach to protecting your toddler’s health involves a combination of preventive measures, regular healthcare check-ups, and prompt medical attention when needed. If you are worried about your toddler, consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalised advice on caring for common conditions, navigating developmental milestones, and more.
