Effect of pollution on newborn children Image Credit source: Getty Images
Pollution levels are continuously increasing in many parts of the country. Pollution is also affecting newborn children. Such cases are coming to the hospitals where the child is facing respiratory problems as soon as he is born. Doctors are citing pollution as a major reason for this. In such a situation, care of the newborn is very important for families living in high pollution areas.
Doctors say that the first 30 days after birth are the most delicate for the child, because at this time his immune system is not fully developed and the dust, smog, smoke and toxic particles present in the polluted air can have a direct effect on his lungs. Children born in such areas may have many health problems. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to their care from the initial days, so that their body remains safe and their growth is not affected. Let us know about this.
newborn children Many types of problems can occur due to pollution. Due to high polluted air, they suffer from difficulty in breathing, cough, chest tightness, irritation in the eyes and increased risk of frequent infections. At this age their immune system is very weak, so even minor pollution can harm their lungs. At the same time, after delivery the mother’s immunity also remains weak, due to which any type of infection can quickly reach the child. In such a polluted environment, even small carelessness in taking care of a newborn baby can affect its health, hence more caution is necessary.
How to take care of newborn babies born in high pollution areas?
Professor Dr. L.H., Director of the Department of Medicine at Lady Hardinge Hospital. fraudster It is said that serious effects of pollution are being seen even on newborn children. Children are facing problems like asthma, COPD. In such a situation, special care of the child is necessary even after discharge from the hospital.
Dr Ghotekar says that the first step in taking care of newborns born in polluted areas is to make the air at home safe. The child’s room should always be clean and ventilated. Use an air purifier and do light cleaning daily so that the particles present in the air are reduced. Dress the child in warm and soft clothes, but avoid overdressing.
Before taking out, definitely check the weather and AQI and try not to take the newborn to crowded and traffic areas in the first 30 days. Do not allow smoking, incense sticks or any kind of smoke in the room. Hold the baby only with clean hands and limit visitors to reduce the risk of infection.
What mistakes should not be made in taking care of newborn babies in the first month?
Dr. L.H. fraudster Said that often parents unknowingly make some mistakes, which increase the risk of infection for the newborn in polluted areas. Such as taking the child out frequently, allowing dust to accumulate in the house, using smoke or scented products in the room or allowing many people to touch the child.
Many times, guests coming to the house hold the child without washing their hands, due to which the infection spreads easily. Bathing the baby excessively also weakens the skin. In the first month, do not take the newborn to crowded, traffic, construction work areas or places with high amount of pollution. Additionally, wearing overclothes or keeping the room too cold can also increase respiratory problems.
This is also important for newborn children
Use a humidifier to maintain slight humidity in the room.
Do not let dust accumulate around the child, change the bedding daily.
Feed mother’s milk regularly, it strengthens the immune system.
Avoid plants, smoke, perfume and chemical sprays in the baby’s room.
Always keep hands, clothes and baby’s area clean.
Allow the newborn to be held only by a limited number of healthy and clean people.