Can cold weather make a baby sick?

Q: Can cold weather make a baby get sick?

A: We're so happy you asked this question so we can set the record straight once and for all: To catch a cold, you need to be exposed to a virus. Simply being out in cold weather can't trigger the sniffles. Of course, once your baby is already sneezing and wheezing or has a runny nose or cough, it's best to keep her indoors, since breathing in cold, dry air can aggravate her symptoms.

Another common old wives' tale is that you shouldn't bathe kids with a cold because they can "catch a chill." This is untrue. In fact, giving your baby a lukewarm bath while she's sick can help clear her nasal passages and sometimes even help bring down a fever.

You've probably heard this before, but washing hands (yours, baby's, and anyone else's who comes into regular contact with her) often is the number-one way to keep colds and other germs away.

Copyright 2009 Meredith Corporation.

Answered by Parents.com-Team