Just when a bout of cold or flu clears up, your baby is down with another virus. EVELINE GAN finds out why doctors say this is normal.
1 It’s normal for babies to get a runny nose, fever or cough every other month.
Healthy babies, toddlers and preschoolers catch a bout of cold or flu about six to eight times a year on average, says Dr Michael Wong, deputy medical director of Raffles Medical.
Some studies even show that babies under the age of two may fall sick up to 12 times a year – which is about once a month – adds Dr Natalie Epton, a specialist paediatrician and neonatologist at SBCC Baby & Child Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre.
This is normal and does not mean that your child has a poor immune system or is sickly, Dr Wong says.
Contrary to what Grandma thinks, colds are not brought on by exposure to cold air, so don’t over-swaddle Baby if the weather is fine. This can make her body temperature rise when she is not sick.
“In other countries, flu seasons tend to coincide with cold weather, but the truth is, they are not related. Neither are colds caused by being exposed to cool air, having wet hair or wearing wet clothes,” Dr Wong adds.
The real reason is due to babies’ immature immune system, which makes them fall sick more easily, Dr Wong explains.
But there are many other factors, too, such as being exposed to germs from an infant-care centre or unwell siblings who end up spreading the virus to the little one.
2 Most colds and flu clear up on their own in a week or two.
Both colds and flu are respiratory tract infections that can make life miserable for your baby.
この記事は Young Parents Singapore の February 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Young Parents Singapore の February 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
