Delhi’s air quality turns ‘severe’: How to protect kids from pollution

With air quality deteriorating, parents should ensure their kids get minimum exposure to pollutants and are well protected to prevent respiratory issues. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

How to protect kids from air pollution

Newborn babies are the most vulnerable to diseases with their immunity not having developed fully yet. More than half of all deaths from acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in kids under five years are reportedly caused by exposure to air pollution. It also increases the risk of asthma, damage brain tissue impacting cognitive development and even increases the risk of childhood obesity.

Here’s what parents can do:

1. Do not take your baby out of the house before they are at least a month old, especially during the morning hours when air pollution is usually at its worst. Afternoons are a relatively safer period.

2. Use air purifiers in the room along with a humidifier. Dry air can lead to nasal blockage and your baby may end up crying excessively.

3. Indoor plants or vertical gardens can work as natural air purifiers.

4. Kids should also be protected from household air pollution too. This means, try and avoid dusting or cleaning and use of chemical sprays around your child.

5. Keep doors and windows shut during peak hours of poor air quality.

6. Using air masks can limit exposure to pollutants.

Anti-pollution foods for kids

To fight the impact of air pollution, kids need to strengthen their immunity. They should be given enough of foods rich with anti-oxidants to protect the body.

1. For newborn babies, breastfeeding is essential since it gives them a lot of immunity and keeps them protected from diseases.

2. Parents should ensure their kids eat plenty of vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C like lemon, carrots and apples.

3. Turmeric and honey make a good combination for kids who need to build their immunity. You can also give them basil, mixed with honey and ginger on an empty stomach in the morning.

4. Jaggery has anti-inflammatory properties and will keep your kids healthy.

5. Neem removes impurities from the blood and helps in developing immunity.

6. Ghee is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which can be added to your kids’ diet in regulated amounts.

7. Ayurvedic mixes such as Haridrakhanda and Chyawanprash are also recommended. Most kids like to eat these due to their sweet taste.

Exercise to cope with air pollution

Breathing exercises are a good way to prevent respiratory diseases. These exercises include pranayams like Bhramari, Hot Air Balloon or Tumble Dry, to name a few.

Also Read| How air pollution affects pregnant women and newborn babies