Cities like Bangalore are becoming hotter, more polluted, and more challenging to live in as a result of climate change. Everyone is impacted, but infants and young children are more sensitive. Unlike adults, they are unable to withstand severe weather conditions due to their weak immune systems. We’ll discuss how climate change impacts your baby’s health in this blog, along with how a pediatrician can assist you keep your child safe.

1. Air Pollution and Breathing Problems

Bangalore’s traffic, factories, and construction is polluting the air quality. Babies breathe faster than adults, so they take in more polluted air, leading to coughing, sneezing, asthma, or lung infections. To protect your child, keep windows closed on high-pollution days, use an air purifier, and avoid heavy traffic areas.

2. Hot Weather and Dehydration

Bangalore is getting hotter because of climate change. High temperatures can cause dehydration. Health risks include a dry mouth and lips, fewer wet diapers, and feeling tired or weak. To keep your baby safe from extreme heat, make sure they drink enough fluids like breast milk, water, or juice, dress them in light clothes, and keep them in a cool place on hot days.

3. More Mosquitoes and Infections

With more heat and rain, mosquito borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are rising in cities. Babies are at higher risk due to weak immunity. These illnesses cause fever, tiredness, vomiting, or diarrhea. Protect your child by using mosquito nets, repellents, and screens, and by removing standing water where mosquitoes breed.

4. Dirty Water and Stomach Infections

Climate change is making clean drinking water harder to find. Dirty water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach infections, which can be dangerous for children’s health. To keep your baby safe, always give them clean and boiled water, wash your hands before feeding them, and make sure their food is well-cooked.

5. Food Shortages and Malnutrition

Climate change is making farming difficult, raising the cost of fresh food. This can cause malnutrition in babies, leading to weak immunity, slow growth, and delayed brain development. To keep your child healthy, give them fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade meals, and consult a doctor for nutrition advice.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Child?

Although we can’t stop climate change, there are simple things you can do to protect your child from its effects:

Keep the Air Clean: Close windows on bad air days, use air purifiers, and try to keep your child indoors during times of high pollution.

Stay Cool: Dress your child in light, cool clothes, use fans, and keep them in the shade during hot weather.

Avoid Mosquitoes: Use mosquito nets, and keep your child away from places with standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Drink Safe Water: Make sure your child drinks clean, safe water to avoid stomach infections.

Eat Healthy: Feed your child healthy food with plenty of fruits and vegetables to help them grow strong and stay healthy.

How a Pediatrician Can Help

Pediatricians provide expert advice on prevention, nutrition, and care to keep your child safe in changing environmental conditions. They can guide you on:

• How to protect your child from pollution and heat

• What vaccines your baby needs to stay safe from infections

• How to keep your baby hydrated and well-fed

• What to do if your baby falls sick due to climate-related issues

Climate change is affecting children’s health, but parents can take steps to protect them. Visiting a pediatrician regularly can help keep your baby safe and healthy in changing weather conditions. Consulting them ensures your child receives the right care to manage and prevent health problems linked to environmental changes. Stay informed, take precautions, and keep your little one safe!