Seasons and Baby's Health

As the weather shifts from summer to the rainy season and then winter, Anita learns from the paediatrician how each season affects baby Rahul, and how to dress, feed, and protect him.

Meanings in Anita (mother), Rahul (baby), Paediatrician

Key words and phrases

seasonone of the four periods of the year with distinct weatherSummer is the hottest season of the year.

heat rashsmall red spots on the skin caused by excessive sweating in summerBabies often get heat rash in summer.

dehydrationa harmful loss of water from the bodyGive him extra fluids to prevent dehydration in summer.

monsoonthe rainy seasonInfections spread more easily during the monsoon.

humiditythe amount of moisture in the airHigh humidity can make the baby uncomfortable.

cold and cougha common illness affecting the nose and throatCold and cough are common in winter and the rainy season.

keep warmto protect from cold temperatures with clothing or blanketsKeep the baby warm with a light blanket in winter.

layer clothingto wear multiple thin layers of clothes for warmthLayer his clothing instead of one thick sweater.

immunitythe body's natural ability to fight illnessA newborn's immunity is still developing.

seasonal illnesssickness that becomes more common in a particular seasonDoctors see more seasonal illnesses during weather changes.

mosquito neta net used to protect against mosquito bitesUse a mosquito net over the crib during the rainy season.

sunscreena cream applied to protect skin from the sunAdults should apply sunscreen before going out in summer.

chilla slight feeling of coldnessHe felt a chill in the evening air.

overheatingbecoming too warm, often from too many clothes or blanketsAvoid overheating him with too many blankets.

ventilationthe movement of fresh air into and out of a roomGood ventilation keeps the room fresh.

damp weatherweather that is moist and slightly wetDamp weather can trigger coughs in babies.

woolen capa warm cap made of wool worn in cold weatherPut a woolen cap on him in cold weather.

hydrationmaintaining enough water in the bodyProper hydration is important in every season.

allergyan unusual reaction of the body to somethingHe may have an allergy to pollen in spring.

temperature fluctuationa repeated change in temperatureTemperature fluctuations can make babies fall sick.

Useful sentences

Ask How should I dress the baby in this heat?
Answer Dress him in light, loose cotton clothes.
Ask Why does he need extra fluids in summer?
Answer To prevent dehydration in the heat.
Ask Should we use a mosquito net during the monsoon?
Answer Yes, it protects him from mosquito-borne illnesses.
Ask How do I keep him warm in winter without overheating him?
Answer Layer his clothing instead of using one thick layer.
Ask Why does he catch a cold so easily?
Answer A newborn's immunity is still developing, so be extra careful during weather changes.
Ask Is it okay to keep the windows open for ventilation?
Answer Yes, fresh air helps, just avoid direct drafts on him.
Ask What if he feels a chill at night?
Answer Put a woolen cap on him and check that his hands and feet are warm.
Ask Can damp weather affect his breathing?
Answer Yes, keep the room dry and well ventilated.
Ask Is he allergic to anything in this season?
Answer Watch for sneezing or rashes, that could be an allergy.
Ask Should I worry about sudden temperature fluctuations?
Answer Yes, dress him in layers so you can adjust easily.

Dialogue

AnitaDoctor, it's very hot these days. How should I take care of him?

PaediatricianDress him in light cotton clothes and give him extra fluids to avoid dehydration.

AnitaNow that the monsoon has started, what should I watch out for?

PaediatricianKeep him away from stagnant water, and use a mosquito net at night.

AnitaAnd in winter, is one thick sweater enough?

PaediatricianIt's better to layer his clothing, that keeps him warm without overheating.

AnitaThat's helpful. Should I also worry about allergies this time of year?

PaediatricianWatch for sneezing or skin rashes, and let me know if you notice anything unusual.

AnitaI will keep an eye on that. Thank you, doctor.

PaediatricianYou're welcome. Just remember to keep him hydrated and comfortable in every season.

Common mistakes

Saying "the baby got cold" to mean an illness — say "the baby caught a cold" for the sickness, since "got cold" sounds like a temperature change.
Saying "put more clothes" instead of "dress him warmly" or "layer his clothing."
Saying "protect from disease" instead of "protect against disease" or "prevent illness."
Saying "he is allergic from dust" instead of "he is allergic to dust."
Saying "open the window for air" instead of "open the window for ventilation" or "let in fresh air."
Saying "he feels more hot" instead of "he feels hotter" or "he is overheating."

Quick quiz

1. What is "heat rash"?

2. What should be used to protect a baby from mosquitoes during the monsoon?

3. Complete: "___ his clothing instead of using one thick layer."

4. What does "ventilation" mean?

5. What should you check if the baby feels chilly at night?

6. Complete: "Dress him in layers so you can adjust to temperature ___."

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