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How To Prepare Children For The Harmattan

Season

This is the season when Harmattan creeps in with its tell-tale signs of dust, cold weather, cracked
skin and allergies. As a result of so much dust moving around, this season brings along cough, catarrh,
and sore throat.

Harmattan can be very deceptive. This minute, it is very hot, the next minute, it is cold; or the sun is
shining, yet there is a chill in the air. Parents need a lot of wisdom when it comes to taking care of
their children during harmattan.

So the question is; how do we protect and prepare our children during the harmattan season? Here
are some tips that should help.

Care of the body

 Bathe them with warm water. This protects against di-

rect cold, and many children seem to love it! You can also de-
cide to put some Mentholatum or Vicks VapoRub on their

chests and the soles of their feet at night to stay warm.

 With every diaper change, you may want to moisturize

their buttocks. Some mothers do this with shea butter. Af-

ter a warm bath, apply Rub on the sides, chest and feet. This

keeps them warm.

 Always moisturize their bodies – Shea Butter is a great

product to stay moisturized. Some mothers also mix whatev-

er cream they use with olive oil.

 You may also apply a little Vaseline on the lips. You want

to avoid the lips getting cracked and bleeding.

 Give them lots of water to drink and fruits to eat as this

helps to build their immunity.

 Find ways to keep them warm; warm food, warm tea, this
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is a season to stay away from ice cream and chilled water.
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