The UAE’s unique climate, marked by long summers, mild winters, and seasonal changes like dust storms, means that parents need to stay mindful of their child’s health needs throughout the year. Adapting care routines to suit each season can help ensure children stay healthy and comfortable.
Easy, season-based routines can go a long way in ensuring your child remains healthy, cheerful, and flourishing throughout the year.
Summer
Protecting your child’s health in summer is very important, providing them enough liquids so that they stay hydrated throughout the day, and here are many more healthcare tips for summer
Protecting Children from the Heat
UAE summers are hot. With temperatures usually crossing the 45°C mark, heat illnesses and dehydration are issues of concern, particularly among active children.s
Hydration is Key
Kids need more fluids during the summer, even if they don’t appear to be sweating. Regular water drinking is encouraged, along with avoiding sweetened sodas or juices. Add mint or slices of fruit to water to make it more enjoyable.
Always use sunscreen when going outdoors.
Before your child goes outside, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Make sure to reapply the sunscreen every two hours, following exercise or a swim. Packing a large hat, wearing lightweight garments, and using UV glasses helps too.
Stay Indoors During Peak Heat
Schedule outdoor playtime early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as strong. If they have to be outside, seek shade and frequent cool breaks.
Monitor for Heat Exhaustion
Be aware of profuse sweating, tiredness, lightheadedness, or irritability. These are precursory symptoms of heat exhaustion. Take your child indoors, provide water, and cool them down right away.
Autumn & Spring
Autumn is a season for allergies; protecting your kids during this season will be very difficult. But consulting a pediatrician for proper care and tips during this season will be helpful. Here are some of the tips.
Managing Allergies and Unpredictable Weather
These months in transition provide a break from sweltering temperatures but bring with them pollen, dust, and fluctuating temperatures—all of which can play havoc with a child’s respiratory system.
Reduce Exposure to Allergens
Pollen and dust quantities can trigger allergies and asthma. Keep windows shut during windy or dusty days, use air purifiers indoors, and change AC unit filters regularly.
Nourish Immune Function
Provide your child with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Citrus fruits, carrots, and yogurt are beneficial for developing immunity. Get a proper diet plan from a nutritionist to control the allergies and boost the immunity of your child.
Preparation for School Reopenings
These periods mostly overlap with the start or end of school semesters, which may interfere with sleep patterns. Enforce bedtime routines to allow your child sufficient rest to help their immune system.
Stay Active, But Safe
Outdoor play is wonderful in mild weather, but caution should still be exercised. Make sure to keep them hydrated and properly clad for fluctuating temperatures.
Winter
The cold weather this season will make your child ill. With proper care and precautions, you can keep your child safe. Here are tips to protect your child from cold weather in the UAE.
Avoiding Common Colds and Flu
Although winters in the UAE are relatively mild, the cold air can still lead to seasonal illnesses. As children are indoors more, infections such as the flu and colds tend to spread quickly.
Dress in Layers
Mornings and evenings are cool, but the daytime can be warm. Layering allows kids to easily adjust to the day’s varying conditions.
Boost Immunity with Nutrition
Seasonal fruits such as oranges, guavas, and pomegranates are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Include these in your child’s regular diet for a natural immune boost.
Encourage Proper Hygiene
Empower children with hand washing, coughing into a mouth cover, and not sharing water bottles or eating utensils. These are basic behaviors that lower infection transmission significantly.
Consider Flu Vaccinations
Flu season is usually during the winter months. Getting a yearly flu shot can keep your child and the entire family safe. Speak with your pediatrician to determine if it’s appropriate for your child.
Use a Humidifier
Dry indoor winter air, in particular, can cause irritated sinuses and dry skin. A humidifier introduces moisture into the air, which keeps airways at ease and prevents respiratory problems.
Year-Round Wellness Habits Every Parent Should Practice
Regardless of the season, some healthy practices should always be followed. These everyday habits contribute greatly to laying a solid health foundation for your child.
Encourage a Nutrient-Dense Diet
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are growth-promoting and immunity-enhancing. Year-round, include foods that enhance immunity, such as almonds, sunflower seeds, ginger, and leafy greens.
Keep Vaccinations Current
Catch up on your child’s vaccinations and talk with your pediatrician about any other seasonal vaccines, such as flu or pneumonia vaccines.
Provide Quality Sleep
Sleep is vital for a healthy immune system. Most kids require 8–10 hours of sleep at night. A relaxing bedtime ritual helps them relax and sleep soundly.
Encourage Good Hygiene Practices
Educate your kids to wash their hands prior to eating, after using the toilet, and upon entering home from school or play. Sanitizers are convenient but should not be a substitute for soap and water.
Reduce Face Touching
The eyes, mouth, and nose are all germ portals. Teach children not to touch their faces unnecessarily, particularly when the weather is flu season or dusty.
Signs It’s Time to Go See a Pediatrician
Preventive care is only half the battle, and knowing when to tap professional advice is just as important. If you observe any of the following, get your pediatrician’s advice:
- Fever over 48 hours
- Labored or noisy breathing
- Symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, less urination)
- Constant coughing or wheezing
- Skin rashes that do not get better
- Unexplained fatigue, irritability, or loss of appetite
Early treatment will eliminate complications and relieve suffering much more quickly.
Why STEPS Clinic is a Reliable Option for Children’s Care in Dubai
At STEPS Clinic, we know that kids require custom care according to their surroundings, and in Dubai, that requires adjustment to the weather extremes, sandstorms, and seasonal changes. Our pediatricians take their families seriously and make sure each child is provided with empathetic, preventive, and custom healthcare.Centrally located in Dubai, STEPS Clinic is your one-stop shop for pediatric treatment, gynecology, internal medicine, and aesthetic care. Our vision is to combine medical excellence with true empathy—because your family is worth the very best. To get expert advice to protect your child from the seasonal flu, contact us now to book an appointment or visit our clinic in Dubai, UAE