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For most of us, the monsoon season is when we like to sip on hot chai and gorge on hot and steamy samosas, momos, or popcorn. While it feels great to sit indoors and watch the rain slide down your windowpane, it’s also important to remember that the monsoon season is a time when sickness, allergies, and discomfort are common. As parents, it’s normal to worry about your kids’ health during the monsoon. Since kids like to get wet in the rain, it becomes even more important to ensure that they are safe and healthy. Besides, the last thing you want is for your children to fall sick during a pandemic. So, today, we are here with ten tips and tricks that might help you keep your kids safe during the rains:
Avoid Outside Food
Yes, we know it’s yummy but steer clear of street food during the rainy season. You never know the hygiene they follow, especially if you’re eating roadside food. Give your kids home-cooked tiffin-packed foods to be on the safe side. When you buy vegetables and fruits, ensure that you thoroughly wash them.
Boil Water
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Water-borne infections are quite apparent during the monsoons. Therefore, always use water that has been boiled and cooled for drinking and cooking. By doing this, your kids and you can stay healthy and safe.
Do Not Buy Cut Fruits And Vegetables
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You know that vendor who walks around selling yummy pineapple and cucumbers with some chaat masala, salt, and chili powder, and some green chutney? Yes, we’re talking about them. Avoid purchasing cut fruits and vegetables during the monsoon season as they could be a breeding ground for bacteria and other infections. Besides, it’s not the best idea to eat exposed food from roadside vendors during an ongoing pandemic.
Avoid Leafy Vegetables
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Surprised to see this on the list? Sure, leafy green veggies are excellent sources of nutrients, but they can include worms, germs, and dust during the monsoon season. During this time, you can try giving your kids other vegetables or pulses. Be innovative with your cooking, so your kids continue to get their nutrition from other substitutes.
Practice Personal Hygiene
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Although practicing good personal hygiene is not specific to the monsoon season, it’s essential to take extra care during wet days. The dampness and added humidity in the air can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Make sure that daily showers are non-negotiable. Also, ensure that you change your towels every other day, if not daily. Wearing clean and dry clothes keeps your hygiene levels high.
Barefoot Is A Big No-No
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Children might like to run around barefoot. If you have a backyard and some nicely trimmed grass, it might seem harmless. However, during monsoons, the dampness in the soil and grass allows insects, worms, and other creepy crawlies to thrive. Your kids could get bitten or end up with rashes and itchy skin. They might also step onto a thorn or get something stuck in their feet. Therefore avoid stepping out barefoot or even with slippers. The safest way to protect your skin is by wearing fully covered clothes, socks and shoes.
Wash Your Hands And Legs
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Washing your hands is not just something that became popular due to the coronavirus. Washing your hands and feet regularly and keeping them clean can help you avoid several unwanted infections and diseases. Always make sure that you use disinfectants when you wash them and dry them once you’re done.
Cover Up
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It’s best to avoid stepping out during the monsoon season unless you really have to. However, if you choose to step out, do not forget to carry an umbrella or a raincoat. The last thing you want is to fall sick because you could not escape a heavy downpour. Check the weather predictions for the day before you step out to avoid being stuck in a thunderstorm.
Do Not Bite Your Nails
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It’s a nasty habit, and you have to stop! Your nails are not always the cleanest, no matter how clean they look. They might be filled with harmful bacteria, and putting them directly in your mouth is an invitation for trouble. Therefore, keep your nails clean, short and try to break the habit.
Mosquito Menace
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We can all agree that mosquitoes are the worst! During the monsoon season, mosquitoes increase drastically, leading to diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Therefore, keep your home free from mosquitoes by taking necessary precautions. Ensure your kids wear proper clothing to protect them from mosquitoes and use repellants to kill those pesky insects. Avoid storing water in open containers anywhere in and around the house, as stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
There’s no denying that the monsoon season is fun and exciting. But all that excitement goes down the drain if you or your kids are sick. Therefore, keep these tips in mind and enjoy the beautiful showers of nature by staying safe, healthy, and happy. What’s your favorite thing about the monsoon season? Let us know in the comments below!
