There are some rules to “keep warm in spring and keep cold in autumn”. Are you “keeping warm” correctly this spring?

In early spring, when the weather is warm but still cold, there is a saying among the people: "cover up in spring and keep your children cool in autumn". Many parents have different understandings of this saying. Some parents think it is superstition and are eager to change their children's spring clothes after the temperature warms up a little. As a result, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is large, and the temperature fluctuations are difficult to adapt to, causing the children to feel unwell. Some other parents keep their children too "covered up in spring", and as a result, they wear too thick clothes when they are growing in spring, which affects their growth and metabolism.

So the question is, after the beginning of spring, how can babies be well covered in spring? What should parents pay attention to? Let's take a look:

1. Which parts of the body should be covered during “Spring Covering”?

Spring cover does not mean to cover the whole body tightly. There must be a degree. Parents should pay attention to the principle of focusing on key parts and protecting the top thin and the bottom thick. The head, back, abdomen, and soles of the feet of children are the key points of spring cover. The head gathers many meridians of the human body. Children should dry their hair in time after sweating or taking a bath to avoid the spring breeze blowing directly on the head; keeping the back properly warm can prevent diseases and reduce the chance of colds; abdominal warmth is very important for protecting the baby's spleen and stomach. The baby's spleen and stomach function is not fully developed, and the cold abdomen causes various discomforts such as stomach pain; the soles of the feet are very rich in nerve endings and are also the most sensitive to the outside world. Only when the baby's feet are warm can the body adapt to changes in the external climate.

2. How should parents dress their children in “Spring Cover-up”?

Mothers can follow the principle of "three more and one less": one more, one more piece of clothing than adults. Some mothers blindly believe in "spring cover" and are reluctant to reduce the clothes for their children. Adults only wear one coat, and they are still covered with cotton-padded jackets, sweaters, vests, etc. inside. Children sweat and get sick easily when they move a little. In fact, according to the clothing standards of adults, children can wear one more piece of clothing than adults. Two more, one more piece of clothing in the morning and evening than at noon. Winter turns to early spring, it is warm and cold, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Children should wear one more piece of clothing in the morning and evening to avoid going out at this time. The temperature is higher at noon, so take off a piece of clothing in time to avoid sweating and catching cold. Three more, one more piece of clothing outdoors than indoors. Spring is a good season for outings, and children should be brought into contact with nature frequently, but the outdoor temperature is lower than that indoors, so remember to add one more piece of clothing. Four less, one less piece of clothing when playing than when quiet. Children are active and sweat easily when playing, so one piece of clothing should be reduced for children in time. For babies who have "Yang Kang", they should pay more attention to the proper way of covering in spring. Remember "thick on the bottom and thin on the top" - the belly, back, legs and feet should be thicker; the head and chest should be less. It is better to feel warm and not sweat. Everyone has different standards for dressing. Don't let the situation of "there is a kind of cold, called mom thinks I am cold" appear.

3. For young children, what should they pay attention to in their diet during the “Spring Cover” period?

The temperature changes greatly in spring, and children are prone to illness, but spring is indeed the period of rapid growth and development for children. Therefore, after the beginning of spring, the baby's diet should pay attention to balanced nutrition intake, rich food types, daily milk, plenty of water, and reasonable choice of snacks. Eat less seasoning and less fried food.

(Li Ning, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University)