As the chilly months roll in, it’s really important to prepare your baby’s nursery for cold and flu season. There’s nothing worse than a sick and very uncomfortable baby.
We all want to keep our little ones happy and healthy, but that can be a challenge when the sniffles start to circulate. Thankfully, with a few simple items and steps, you can create a cozy, safe environment that helps your baby breathe easier and sleep better. From humidifiers to wearable blankets, we’ll cover all the must-haves to ensure your nursery is ready to tackle the season ahead!
Keep the Nursery Clean and Dusted
The first thing to focus on is that a nursery needs to be kept clean and free of dust. Why? Well, a room that isn’t dusted and vacuumed regularly can cause more problems. Things like dust, dirt and allergens can trigger respiratory issues and can even aggravate symptoms. According to The Clean Bedroom, “When it comes to a dirty home, it is about more than the cosmetic effect. There have been countless studies performed which look at how bacteria in the home can lead to higher instances of common colds, skin infections and upper respiratory conditions.”
This is why it’s so important to not only keep your home clean but also keep the nursery spotless. Here are a few things you should be doing on a regular basis to keep your nursery clean:
- Dust all surfaces – Make sure you’re dusting everything in baby’s room. Don’t forget hard-to-reach places like shelves and even ceiling fans.
- Wash bedding – Babies should only have a fitted crib sheet in their cribs, but if you have baby quilts or even baby plush toys decorating other parts of the nursery, they can be dust traps. Make sure you’re dusting and washing them regularly.
- Vacuum and mop – Make sure you are vacuuming the nursery at least a few times a week to keep dust, dirt and more at bay.
- Clean frequently touched items – We’re looking at you – door knobs, light switches, toys, etc. Make sure you use baby-safe disinfectants.
By keeping your baby’s room clean, you can potentially avoid any allergies or other illnesses.
Have a Humidifier Ready to Go
When you notice flu symptoms in a newborn or even in an older baby, it can be really distressing. That’s why you need to have a humidifier on hand before your baby even shows symptoms. That way you’re not running around to various stores at 11 p.m. when your baby unexpectedly has the sniffles.
Why a humidifier, though? Well, cold, dry air tends to irritate a baby’s delicate airways, making them more vulnerable to colds, congestion and dry coughs. Keeping the air in the nursery moist with a humidifier can help alleviate these symptoms, providing some much-needed relief for your little one. Plus, when your baby is younger, over-the-counter medicine options are limited. Many pediatricians recommend using a humidifier as one of the best ways to manage flu symptoms, so it’s important to have one ready to go.
When choosing the best humidifier for your baby, there are a few key features to keep in mind.
- Look for models with adjustable mist settings, so you can control the moisture level in the nursery.
- A quiet operation is also crucial, ensuring that the humidifier won’t disturb your baby’s sleep.
- And since cleanliness is essential for your baby’s health, choose a humidifier that’s easy to clean to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.
Our baby humidifiers check all these boxes, offering whisper-quiet operation, adjustable settings and an easy-to-clean design.
Each of our humidifiers also comes with some thoughtful extras. For instance, some of them have features like a sleep support light that creates a calming atmosphere, perfect for lulling your baby to sleep. Plus, we include a 1-year limited warranty, providing added peace of mind.
Keep Things Like Saline and a Thermometer on Hand
Having a few basic medical supplies as part of your nursery setup can make all the difference when cold and flu season rolls around. Early detection of symptoms like a stuffy nose or fever allows you to take action quickly, helping to minimize discomfort and prevent more serious issues. One must-have is saline drops, which are perfect for clearing out a congested baby’s nose, making it easier for them to breathe.
According to Verywell Health, “Saline drops are ideal for babies because they do not contain medicine and it is easy to control the dosage.” They also add that there are different products for older children, and saline sprays and mists are best for children who are a year old or even older. Be sure to consult your pediatrician before using anything on your baby or child, though.
Another essential for your nursery setup is a reliable digital thermometer. For babies under six months, a rectal thermometer is often recommended for the most accurate readings. Keeping track of your baby’s temperature is crucial, especially when they’re fighting off a bug.
To stay organized, consider storing these essentials in a handy basket or drawer that’s easy for only adults to reach. With these simple preparations, you’ll be ready to handle any little sniffles or fevers that come your way.
Have an Air Purifier in The Nursery
Air quality is very important for your baby, especially when you’re seeing flu symptoms in your newborn. Using an air purifier in the nursery can help filter out harmful particles like viruses, bacteria, pet dander and more creating a cleaner and safer environment for your little one. Our air purifiers offer HEPA filter protection, which can remove 99.97% of airborne particles while also filtering out common household odors that can irritate baby’s sensitive sinuses.
When choosing an air purifier, features like quiet operation and adjustable speed controls are key. Our air purifier is designed with things like four-speed settings and a low-noise option that’s perfect for keeping the air fresh without disturbing your baby’s sleep. Just remember to regularly change the filters and clean the vents to keep the purifier running efficiently and ensure your baby continues breathing the cleanest air possible!
Have Wearable Blankets and Swaddles
Safe sleep for babies is important, and when they’re sick you also want to make sure babies are snug and warm. Traditional blankets may seem cozy, but they pose a safety risk for babies, as loose blankets in the crib can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
That’s why wearable blankets and swaddles for newborns (swaddles are not for babies once they can roll over) are a safer, more comfortable alternative. These snug, cozy options keep your baby warm without overheating, creating a safer sleep environment. Our wearable blankets and swaddles for newborns are perfect for colder months, providing warmth while allowing your little one to sleep more comfortably.
Preparing your baby’s nursery for cold and flu season doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools like a humidifier, air purifier and safe, cozy wearable blankets or swaddles, you can create a comfortable, healthy environment for your little one.
Be ready for whatever the season brings by shopping our carefully curated selection of baby essentials at Crane Baby.