Just the way bad air quality is harmful to adults, the same risks are for the little ones. As per research, air pollution caused over 1.16 lakh infant deaths last year and makes babies vulnerable to suffering long-term health effects. Studies also show that air pollution causes many problems for infants such as respiratory infections, impaired cognitive development, and lifelong problems.
That is the reason it is important to protect children from pollution. Infact, you will be shocked to know that not just the outside air but the air inside your house can also be hazardous for infants and young children. There can be some pollutants hiding in your home, making the air around you poor. Therefore, you should be taking some precautions to protect your little ones from air pollution and its effects. Check out some tips below:
- Air purifier
Doctors recommend the use of air purifying devices. A purifier contains various filters, like HEPA filters specially created to trap even small particulate matters like PM 2.5 and lets out fresh, breathable air. It also purifies the air from all sorts of smoke and bacteria but doesn’t add back the moisture to the air. So install an air purifier in your home especially if there is a new born baby.
- Keep doors and windows of your house closed
Although, sunlight is great but keeping doors and windows open during this time will let toxic pollutants and germs inside as well. Avoid excessive dusting and cleaning, which would circulate pollutants in the air.
- Don’t take them outside
The poor quality of air outside is enough to make a person sick. New born babies have frail immunity and they should be extremely cautious while stepping outside home. Avoid taking newborn babies outdoors right now.
- Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeed your child regularly as it is one of the most important and immunity-rich sources of nutrition for an infant.
- Keep indoors clean
Use heavy curtains to keep the polluted air from entering your homes. Ensure that the paint on your walls doesn’t contain harmful substances that give toxic fumes. These can cause similar symptoms to air pollution.
