15 Tips for Keeping Your Baby Safe During the Wet Season

The rainy season may bring temporary relief from Singapore’s heat, but it also brings with it humidity, mosquitoes, diseases, and lots of bacteria that can make babies susceptible to illness all season long. Common problems include viral infections, runny and blocked noses, congested chests, joint and muscle pain, and dark coloured stools. For parents of young children, the rainy season isn’t a particularly fun time.

Children are highly prone to infections during rain season, and the younger they are, the more serious these infections can be. Many people think that colds and coughs are just common diseases that are simply part and parcel of the wet season, but the truth is these simple diseases can lead to severe respiratory tract infections.

For babies in particular, it’s important you protect them from the dangers of the wet season.

Prevention is better than cure

As with anything, prevention is better than cure. The good news is that with a little preparation and knowledge, you can easily prevent your baby from getting sick during the wet season.

Here are our top tips for keeping your baby safe this wet season.

1. Choose the right clothes

The weather can change quite dramatically during the wet season, so layers will be your best friend. Dress your little one in comfortable cotton clothes to address the humidity, and then carry a cardigan or jacket in case it gets chilly. You never know when the temperature might suddenly drop in Singapore! You might also like to pack a raincoat or something waterproof.

2. Keep mosquitoes away

Diseases like malaria and dengue are extremely prevalent during the wet season, therefore it’s important you protect your little one from mosquitoes. Light long sleeve clothing can be beneficial, as will mosquito patches and repellants with DEET. Most formulations are safe for the over two months.

It’s also important that you make your home mosquito-safe, by clearing any stagnant water and by mopping the floors with citronella oil. You may also like to try growing lavender in your outside garden or indoor planters, or drop a few drops of cinnamon oil around the home.

A mosquito net placed over your baby’s cot is also an excellent idea.

3. Stay clean and dry

During the wet season, it’s important to bath baby twice a day, paying extra attention to the underarms, neck, genitals and other folds and creases in their body. You (and any other carers) should also wear clean clothes and bathe regularly to ensure you are free of infections.

When bathing baby, always ensure you dry them properly before getting them dressed.

4. Wash your and your baby’s hands regularly

The best way to stay safe from infection is to keep your and your baby’s hands clean with soap and warm water. Get in the routine of washing hands as soon as you come indoors, following a diaper change, and before food. Ask older siblings and other carers to do the same.

5. Avoid sick people

If you know your friend has a cold, ask them to stay away until they are feeling better. Viral infections are extremely contagious and it won’t take much for your baby to catch whatever they have. It’s best to play it safe and avoid any people you know are fighting illness.

6. Avoid crowded places

Crowded places like shopping malls are hotspots for germs, and can be dangerous places to be for a baby with low immunity. If you really must go shopping, try to go at times when the shops are less busy, or alternatively, shop online.

7. Take care with food

When giving baby fruits and vegetables, make sure you wash them thoroughly first, ideally in salted water. When out and about, avoid any fruits and vegetables you can’t be sure are washed and free of bacteria, and always avoid raw food.

When preparing baby’s bottle, only use cooled boiled water, as water borne diseases such as diarrhea and stomach flu are more prevalent during the wet months.

8. Protect baby’s skin

The first showers of the season tend to be quite acidic and can harm your baby’s sensitive skin. Always let a few showers pass before attempting to take baby outdoors. A good way to tell when the acidity has dropped is to pay attention to the smell of the air following heavy rain. The more intense the smell, the more acidic the rain was.

9. Keep baby away from water

Water safety is always important, but during the wet season this is more than just drowning prevention. Stagnant water like puddles may be fun to jump and play in, but polluted water can lead to skin infections and other diseases.

10. Alter baby’s diet

During the wet season, it’s important to focus on light foods that are easy to digest, as the digestive system is generally weaker during this time. Avoid spicy or overly oily foods, which can lead to digestive problems. Eating foods like pulses and rice is also a great option.

11. Carry sanitiser

If you don’t have access to soapy water when out, carry hand sanitiser with you, and wash your hands thoroughly before feeding your baby.

12. Cover cooked food

Ensure food is covered when placing it on the table to protect it from flies that may be carrying diseases. This is important even inside the home during the wet season, as flies can quickly get inside with the opening of a door or window.

13. Keep baby’s nails trimmed

Nails are a major source of bacterial infection and should be trimmed regularly to keep them short. Babies love to put their hands in their mouths, so the less bacteria under their nails, the better. Discourage any nail biting in older children.

14. Carry a change of clothes

If your baby gets wet when out and about, change them into some dry clothes even if they are only slightly damp. Damp clothes can lead to skin infections and can harbour bacteria, so it’s important to remove wet clothing and change it as soon as the rain stops.

15. Remove shoes at the door

Footwear can carry dirt and germs into the house when not removed or cleaned at the door. Walking germs through the house is never a good idea, but if your baby is crawling this is especially important.

Keeping your baby healthy during Singapore’s wet season

A short walk in the rain shouldn’t be scary, and in fact, getting outside can be great for your baby. Rain delights them, and exposes them to new sights, sounds and sensations – all important parts of development. Fresh air is also important, therefore stepping outdoors is something every parent and child should do.

We don’t suggest hiding away this wet season, but we do encourage you to take precaution, dress your baby sensibly, and do a little preparation, so that you’re ready for the coming months.

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