Between birth and two years old, your baby will develop at an extraordinary rate, and each milestone will be a new source of wonder for you. Discover with us the major stages of their development and how to communicate with them to help stimulate their learning.
Winter is just around the corner, and you might be dreaming of a family ski trip. But is your baby ready for the mountains? The mountains offer many stimulating discoveries for a toddler, but they also present unique climatic conditions: oxygen is thinner, the air drier and colder, atmospheric pressure lower, and the sun stronger… Let's take a look at the precautions to take and the rules to follow to enjoy them safely!
Before leaving: a quick visit to the pediatrician
From their first few months, your baby can be taken to the mountains up to an altitude of 1500m: beyond that, the reduced oxygen and lower pressure could be difficult for their immature body to tolerate. Wait until their first birthday to aim for the highest peaks!
Before you leave, your baby must be in perfect health. In preparation for your vacation, remember to visit your pediatrician, who will check, among other things, that your little one doesn't have an ear infection, isn't anemic, and doesn't have a heart murmur: these health problems could cause issues in the high mountains. Everything okay? Then you're good to go!
A gentle climb
Are you the type to drive straight through to get there faster? With your baby, you'll need to change your habits! Once you reach 1200 meters altitude, a break is essential to allow their body to gradually adapt to the atmospheric conditions. During the ascent, remember to offer frequent breastfeeding or bottle-feeding to clear their ears and prevent any discomfort. And follow the same routine on the way back down.
Beware of the dry cold…
In the mountains, the cold is generally very dry, making it ideal for laryngitis in young children. Furthermore, your baby moves very little and gets cold much faster than you: extreme vigilance is essential! Bundle them up as much as possible, leaving as little exposed skin as you can: lined boots, gloves, a scarf, and a hat are indispensable, along with blankets or a footmuff.
Remember to moisturize your skin regularly, as it's put to the test by the cold and dry air: for example, try... Nourishing care with Mustela Baby Nutri-Protective Cold-Cream for face and body , and the Hydra-stick with Cold-cream for exposed lips and cheekbones.
Walks in the open air should not exceed one hour, and always in a stroller or in a front-facing baby carrier: never place your baby on your back, as you would have difficulty monitoring for signs of a possible chill.
…and in the sun!
At high altitudes, the dangers of the sun are at their greatest: UV rays are more intense because they are less filtered by the atmosphere, and the reflection off the snow intensifies the radiation. Your baby's skin and eyes must absolutely be protected. Before going outside, always equip them with category 4 100% UV sunglasses and apply sunscreen. SPF 50+ sun protection , specifically formulated for little ones. Now all you have to do is let them discover the joys of snow!
