Here’s how to protect your child from germs

• Germs are found in our environment naturally. Millions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens cannot be seen by the naked eye.
• These pathogens can be deadly and pose grievous harm babies.

 

"A baby's immune system is nascent and hence not developed enough to fight off germs like an adult human being would," says Dr Supa Tunje, a paeditrician at Adora Children's Clinic.

A baby is exposed to germs via consumables, aerated particles and skin contact. "It is a natural behavior for babies to want to nibble, suck or taste anything that comes close to the mouth. This explains why babies may suck the thumb when it comes into contact with the mouth," Dr Tunje says.

Indeed, any object that makes contact with the mouth is a potential fomite -- a substance carrying germs that can infect the baby.

The World Health Organisation estimates that about 2.5 million children in Africa don't make it past age 5 largely due to preventable communicable diseases such as diarrhea and respiratory illnesses. There are various precautionary measures a parent can take to ensure that the baby's safety against germs in the environment is not compromised.

"The baby's hands and fingers are potential sources of infection," says Dr Tunje. "Therefore, they have to be clean at all times."

If the baby gets into contact with germs and they are subsequently ingested, chances are high that the result will be a disease.

Sanitizing all feeding equipment protects the newborn from germs. Even the breast ought to be clean for the baby to breastfeed.

"Anyone handling a baby should always ensure that their hands are clean first. This minimizes chances of contamination," Dr Tunje says.

Other measures that may help with hygiene include:

• Avoid exposing the baby to large groups of people in the first few months

• Keep pets off the baby

• Often wash your hands (and your body) before handling the baby