· Have them drink lots of citrus fruit juices. Vitamin C is the primary protection against colds virus so let your kids have ample supply of this potent vitamin. Prepare your kids lots of juices from citrus fruits. Have them eat them raw and lace their favorite foods with them. Don't forget to give them vitamin C supplements to increased their immune system.
· Encourage your kids to wash hands frequently. The fastest way to spread virus is through hand contact. Washing the hands often eliminate the chance of the cold virus to spread. It also gives protection to your kids catching the virus.
· Get them to wear jackets and other protective clothing against damp cold whether. Let your kids be protected against the damp cold weather by wearing proper clothing. Have them wear jackets during the late afternoon when air is too damp. Winter wear should fit kids properly, but gear shouldn’t be so tight that it restricts movement. This is particularly true for footwear. Too-tight boots constrict blood flow, causing feet to become even colder. When sizing shoes, allow room for an extra pair of socks. This is the best time for viruses to go active. Don't let your kids let out chilling. If possible keep them indoor during this time of the day.
· When sending kids off to school or out to play, make sure they’re dressed warmly in layers that are wind and waterproof. If possible, opt for wool instead of cotton. This durable and flexible material is an excellent insulator that will help keep kids dryer and warmer than cotton, which is quick to absorb water.
· Help your little ones stay warm with adequate head, face, hands, and neck protection. You can save time while getting your brood out the door by storing gloves and scarves inside hats. Whenever they are going out, give them a scarf or a woolen cap to wear that will keep their head and ears covered. Covering their heads and ears will keep their body temperature regulated and protecting them from cold and cough.
· Give them the colds shot. The best protection is of course your kids' old shot. Take them to the clinic have them have the shot. Although it is not hundred percent protection, it is still better to be protected than not.
· Always supervise your child’s winter activities. With so much jumping and playing around, your kids might feel warm and take off their jackets and, gradually even the other layers of warm clothes that you had made them wear. So, beneath their t-shirt, make them wear a warm vest that will protect them from catching the cold even if they take off their sweaters and jackets.
· Good nutrition can help kids fight off cold and flu season, so strengthen their immune system with a balanced diet. Snack time is a great opportunity to sneak in some extra nutrients; try dried and fresh fruits, sliced raw vegetables, whole-wheat crackers with cheese, and yogurt.
· Before temperatures fall below freezing, make sure your home’s heating equipment and your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors function properly. If you own a space heater, keep it away from small children or, better yet, don’t use one at all. And don’t forget to discuss fire safety with your family.
· Woolens tend to become the breading grounds for bacteria. With kids, the problem is more serious as they are greater exposed to germs and dirt. So, take good care of their warm clothes.
· Sometimes warm clothes are not enough. It is equally important to protect their delicate skin from the chilly waves. If their skin is not given sufficient protection, the winter dryness may become painful for your kids. Therefore, use a cold cream regularly on their skin especially after they have taken a bath with warm water.
