It is hard to watch a sick baby. You would do anything to give them some relief, but because of their age, options are extremely limited. Just like adults, babies are susceptible to the coughing, sneezing, and congestion that is so prevalent during the winter months. Keep reading to find some tips and tricks for your home to fast track your little ones onto the road to wellness.
The quality of the air in your home is more important than you know. This is especially true in homes with children. Their lungs are still developing, so indoor pollutants like dust mites and fumes from cleaning products could affect them more greatly than with adults, which could cause problems.
A big contributor to baby sniffles and congestion is right in their room – look no further than their crib. Crib sheets easily gather dust mites, along with any stuffed animals in the crib, or even in your child’s room. Take special care when laundering their sheets and stuffed animals. The best way to wash bed and crib sheets is with hot water. It has been proven to kill 100% of dust mites when sheets are laundered at 140° F. This also helps eliminate pollen and pet dander. If hot water does not work for your delicates, you can remove dust mites by using a lower temperature, then rinsing the laundry twice with cold water for at least three minutes each.
There are many ways to improve the quality of the air in your home. One of the easiest things you can do is run a humidifier! A personal-sized one like the AURORAmini is great for a nursery. Not only that, it features a multi-colored night light and an essential oil diffuser. Protip: Lavender is a good choice to promote relaxation in a nursery. Try it if your little one is having trouble catching some zzz’s! The Environmental Protection Agency recommends the ideal humidity for a baby’s nursery be between 30% and 60%. Do not go over 60%, or mold may form. If condensation forms on the walls and windows, chances are, your humidifier needs to be turned down. A whole house humidifier, like the top-rated Console, is a solid choice for the rest of the house. Remember to keep them clean!
Your baby depends on you to keep them safe and healthy. Run that humidifier when they are congested. It will thin the baby’s mucus, making it easier for them to expel. Humidity also soothes their dry throats to reduce their coughing.
Keep yourself and your kids healthy this winter and throughout cold and flu season. Questions about which humidifier might be right for you? Our Customer Service Team is here to help! Give them a call at 800-547-3888. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm CST.
