Are you worried about the wind hurting your baby’s ears? I don’t blame you.
I worried sick about that as well when I had my first baby. Unfortunately, worrying didn’t get me anywhere.
Hence, it won’t get you anywhere as well. So, spare yourself from worrying about the wind hurting your baby’s ears. Instead, read on to learn if there’s some truth to it.
According to the scientists the wind hits the front part of the eardrum, so its impact is minimal. Since ear infections happen behind the eardrum wind is not harmful to babies. However, it is recommended to protect your baby’s ears with a hat on a windy day.
Does this mean that you can take your baby out on a windy day?
Well, yes because your baby needs some air. However, you need to use your better judgment as to when it’s safe to take your baby out.
The Most Important Thing to do When Taking your Baby Out on a Windy Day
Just because the wind won’t hurt your baby’s ears doesn’t mean that you won’t need to protect them anymore.
The fact is, babies experience discomfort when they’re out on a windy day. There’s a good reason for that.
According to Whattoexpect.com, it’s harder for tiny bodies to regulate temperature. Heat escapes faster in tiny bodies or younger children. So, if you’re feeling cold, your baby is feeling colder.
That’s the reason why it’s critical to keep your baby warm all over. Covering the feet, hands, ears, and nose is critical to keeping your little one warm. In doing so, you can prevent frostbite.
Frostbite affects any area of the body but it’s more prone to affect exposed parts such as the nose and ears. If you don’t bother to cover your baby’s ears, well, they can be at risk for frostbite. If frostbite is ignored, it can lead to an ear infection or worse, ear damage.
Another reason why it’s important to keep your baby warm on a windy day is to avoid catching a cold. Since babies cannot produce too much heat, they’re more prone to catch a cold. The last thing your baby needs is to catch a cold.
Like frostbite, a cold can lead to an ear infection. When your baby catches a cold, the middle ear becomes swollen. The reason for that is because there’s fluid trapped inside.
The wet environment is a breeding ground for bacteria. When the bacteria spread, your baby catches a fever to fight an ear infection called acute otitis media.
Here’s the thing. Babies are more prone to ear infections. There’s a biological reason for that.
You see, the eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the throat is shorter in babies. Since it’s undeveloped, it’s easy for fluid to build up.
That’s the reason why children, whose age ranges from six months to two years old, are more prone to get an ear infection as compared to older kids.
Even though the wind does not directly harm your baby’s ears, keeping your little one warm on a windy day is crucial. That’s one sure way to avoid an ear infection.
Signs of an Ear Infection
There’s no need to worry about the wind harming your baby’s ears. So long as you keep your baby warm, you’re worry-free.
Well, that’s not exactly the case. As a mom, it’s second nature for you to worry. After learning how your baby can develop an ear infection from a cold or frostbite, you’re probably worrying more than ever now.
Things won’t be any easier for you if your baby ends up with some sniffles. It can happen.
You spend a couple of minutes outside on a windy day and voila!
Your baby suddenly has the sniffles.
Just like any mom, you can jump from one conclusion to another and think of the worst-case scenario. Been there. Done that. From one mom to another, what I can say to you is … calm down.
I know it’s easier said than done but you need to calm down. Instead of worrying, look out for the signs of ear infection.
The first sign to look out for is when your baby starts tugging his or her ears. Babies with an ear infection will usually tug or pull at their ears.
That’s the most that they can do to express the pain in that part of their body.
At the same time, they’ll be crying and fussing. Then again, babies are experts in crying and fussing so you should focus on the tugging of ears.
Another critical thing to look out for is fever. If your baby running a fever? If the answer is yes, then you might just be dealing with an ear infection.
If there’s fluid coming out of your baby’s ear, well, that’s another sign of an ear infection. Worst of all, your baby is going to have trouble sleeping. If your baby can’t sleep, so can you.
When you see all these signs, call your pediatrician to set an appointment.
Only your doctor can give proper treatment and medicine. The most that you can do as a mom is to ensure that your baby gets enough rest.
Tips for Taking Your Baby Out on a Windy Day
It’s easier said than done to keep your baby warm on a windy day. The question is, how can you do it? Here are a couple of useful tips to consider.
The first useful tip is to dress your baby in layers. Now, you might ask how many layers is good enough to keep your baby warm.
Well, if you’re warm enough in two layers then add another layer for your baby. That extra layer can keep your baby warm.
Again, don’t forget to keep the ears covered to keep them warm.
While the wind isn’t bad for your baby’s ears, it’s the cold weather that can endanger your baby. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your little one warm and covered.
Another useful tip is to go against the direction of the wind. If you’re taking your baby out for a walk on a windy day, make sure to go against the direction of the wind. That way, the wind isn’t blowing right into your baby’s face.
In addition to that, make sure to use the rain cover of the stroller.
That is another layer of protection from the wind. Your baby’s delicate skin can be spared from the harsh effects of the wind. It also wouldn’t hurt to apply some lip balm on your baby.
Here’s the most important thing to keep your baby warm on a windy day. Make sure to stay outdoors for just 20 to 30 minutes. Do not keep your baby longer than that outside on a windy day.
When is a Windy Day too Cold for your Baby?
Not all winds are created equal. Some winds could get pretty cold. The question is when is a windy day too cold for your baby?
According to Ahealthiermichigan.org, wind-chills 13° and below is way too cold for a baby. All outdoor activities should be transferred indoors to avoid frostbite.
Temperature above 13° is safe but the baby shouldn’t stay out longer than 3o minutes. A wind-chill of 32° is pretty safe for your baby. Nonetheless, you still need to make sure that your baby is kept warm and comfortable.
Does Wind Affect Babies Breathing?
If the wind doesn’t directly harm babies’ ears, does it affect their breathing?
You’ve probably heard some moms worry about their babies suffocating from the wind. It seems like they can’t breathe when a strong wind is blown directly at their face.
What happens there is that babies are trying to gulp for some air but can’t. Hence, they end up gasping since they can’t get any air.
It’s always good to know how the wind can affect babies. Knowing how to protect your baby from it, will make you worry less.
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