Want nothing but the best for your children? Want to keep the whole family safe from viruses and colds? Here’s a list of habits you can adopt to ensure your little ones stay healthy all winter long!
1-Make sure they get fresh air every day.
Even if your child isn’t walking yet, getting some fresh air will do them a world of good! Grab a sled and head to your neighbourhood park to watch the snowflakes falling from the sky together. If your child can walk, ask them to help you build a snowman! And if you have a dog, turn your daily walks into family walks . . . 30 minutes a day is all it takes to reap the benefits!
2-Feed them fruits and vegetables on the daily.
The fresher, more local, colourful, and diverse your diet, the more packed with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants it is. Even better if the fruits and vegetables are organic! At Rachelle Béry, you’ll find a wide selection of organic, local, and/or eco-certified fruits and vegetables—perfect to offer as a puree or chopped into pieces for babies 6 months and up! If your child is just starting on a solid diet, the top recommended fruits and vegetables are steamed carrots, steamed broccoli, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, and kiwi!
3-Wash their hands frequently.
Make it your family mantra: As soon as you come in from outside, everyone washes their hands for a good 30 seconds. When you are at someone’s house or receiving visitors, try to go back to the sink as often as possible to avoid an outbreak of respiratory viruses. Opt for the homemade hand soaps available in bulk format at Rachelle Béry, or Bleu Lavande antiseptic gels for outings!
4-Switch positions.
If you have a young baby, try to place them on their stomach as often as possible to strengthen their neck and back. Set interactive games up on the ground and position yourself at their level! If your child is older, make sure they are not constantly sitting; ensure they spend time playing on their stomach or back, have fun tumbling around on the floor with them, or take short walks if they’ve already taken their first steps. It’s also very important not to leave a young baby buckled in their car seat for more than an hour!
5-Diffuse conifer essential oils throughout your home.
There are a multitude of Quebec-made essential oil diffusers to choose from at Rachelle Béry, like the Divine Essence line. During the winter months, simply diffuse a few drops of local conifer essential oil (think balsam fir, jack pine, or cedar) in water to decongest the whole family. Such essential oils are safe to use around babies and children of all ages. However, it is important to exercise caution when using active ingredients such as this around children: use a maximum of two drops of essential oil three times a day and never apply directly to the skin (you must dilute essential oil in a fatty substance prior to application). In case of doubt, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or naturopath.
