A healthy home is not only about keeping the rooms clean. Paediatrician Dr Rajiv Chhabra pointed out that children spend a lot of time indoors in the early years, so everyday household habits can affect their breathing, sleep, nutrition, skin health and overall development.
Minor adjustments to the home environment can lower exposure to preventable health hazards and provide a safer environment for children to develop in. he went on to share five such changes with HT Lifestyle, which are presented as follows. Indoor air quality can be affected by dust, cooking smoke, incense, mosquito repellents and strong fragrances, pointed out Dr Chhabra. “Dusty surfaces should be wiped down regularly to keep the air clean. Open up the home to fresh outdoor air when pollution levels are low, if possible.”
“Kitchens should be well ventilated, and when cooking, an exhaust fan should be used,” he noted.
A healthy home is good for sleep. In the words of Dr Chhabra, “Make bedrooms comfortable, quiet and fairly dark at night. Avoid screen time before bed as well as maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule. Good sleep helps children learn, feel good, fight infections and grow physically. “The goal is to identify everyday exposures that can be reduced and create simple, consistent habits. Cleaner air, safer storage, nutritious food, good hygiene, adequate ventilation and healthy routines can together build a stronger foundation for a child’s health at home.”
“Parents don’t need to make a perfect home,” he explained.
