As a mom of two adventurous little monkeys and a content writer with over a decade of writing about health and parenting, I can say with absolute certainty—monsoons are beautiful, but they’re not exactly kid-friendly when it comes to staying healthy.
The pitter-patter of rain may bring joy, paper boats, and muddy puddles, but it also brings an army of infections, colds, allergies, and all things yucky. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that kids don’t need much to fall sick during this season. But with a few mindful habits—and yes, some creative parenting—you can keep your little ones safe, strong, and still enjoying the season.
Here are my top 10 monsoon health tips for kids, tried, tested, and born out of both experience and many soggy socks.
1. Boost Immunity Naturally
I know, it sounds like the advice every health blog gives. But hear me out—immunity doesn’t just mean vitamins.
In our home, we swear by warm homemade soups with garlic, turmeric milk at bedtime (yes, I bribe them with honey), and seasonal fruits like papaya and guava. Try not to go overboard with fancy supplements unless prescribed; your kitchen is often the best pharmacy.
👉 Pro Tip: Sneak in a spoonful of chyawanprash or a handful of soaked almonds every morning. The trick is not to make it feel like medicine.
2. Keep Those Little Feet Dry
One year, my son refused to wear his rainy shoes because, in his words, “they squeak too much.” Result? A lovely little fungal infection that had us at the dermatologist’s for weeks.
Always keep extra socks and footwear ready. If their shoes get wet, dry them properly (a newspaper stuffed inside helps!), and never let kids sit around in damp clothes—even if they claim they “like the feeling.”
3. Hydration Still Matters (Even If It’s Not Hot)
During monsoons, kids tend to drink less water—because, well, it’s not hot, and they’re too busy jumping in puddles. But dehydration is still very real.
Make water “interesting” with infused options—lemon, mint, or even a slice of orange. And yes, monitor how often they’re heading to the loo. That’s an underrated mom tip that doctors rarely mention.
4. Say No to Street Food (Even if You Love It Yourself)
This one’s hard. I’m a sucker for roadside bhutta and golgappa. But when it comes to kids, monsoon street food is a gamble you don’t want to take. Waterborne diseases spike during this time.
Instead, recreate those treats at home. Roast corn with a sprinkle of chaat masala, whip up pani puri with filtered water—you get your fix, and the kids stay safe.
5. Dress Smart—Layer, Don’t Smother
During monsoons, the weather is all over the place. One minute it’s chilly, the next it’s humid. So forget the thick woollens—opt for light, breathable layers that can be added or removed as needed.
My daughter has this adorable habit of wrapping herself in two sweaters and then sweating like she just ran a marathon. Trust me, layering is a game changer.
6. Make Hand Hygiene a Fun Routine
Monsoon = germs galore. But repeating “wash your hands” 10 times a day gets old fast.
We made a handwashing song when my kids were toddlers, and somehow it stuck. You don’t need anything fancy—just a tune, 20 seconds, and a reward system. Also, keep sanitizer handy during outings (though don’t go overboard).
7. Ventilation Over Air-Conditioning
In our modern obsession with sealed windows and cool air, we forget that monsoon demands ventilation. Damp, closed spaces = mold, mildew, and respiratory issues.
Open windows when it’s not raining, use exhaust fans, and occasionally sun the bedding. Old-school? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
8. Keep an Eye on Mosquito Breeding
After my son had a dengue scare (thankfully, it turned out to be a mild viral infection), I turned into a mosquito-hunting ninja.
Don’t let water stagnate in buckets, plant pots, or open containers. Use mosquito repellents (we use patches on clothes), and if your child’s a scratcher, keep a mild antiseptic handy. Those tiny bites can turn ugly.
9. Watch Out for Skin Issues
From heat rashes to fungal infections, skin problems are rampant during monsoons. Dry their skin well, especially in folds and between the toes.
I’ve found talcum-free powders with antifungal properties quite useful. Also, loose cotton clothes are a must. Avoid synthetic materials, no matter how cute the raincoat-themed outfit is.
10. Don’t Skip Play—Just Get Creative Indoors
Kids have energy. Lots of it. If you bottle it up just because it’s raining, you’re asking for chaos.
Set up mini indoor games—think hopscotch with tape on the floor, hide-and-seek, or yoga for kids. My daughter and I do “rainy day dancing,” which is just us jumping around the living room like maniacs to 90s Bollywood songs. Does it look silly? Absolutely. Does it work? 100%.
In Conclusion
Monsoons are magical, but they’re also messy—and not just in the literal sense. Kids are more vulnerable this time of year, and as parents or caregivers, we need to strike a balance between protection and freedom.
Don’t bubble-wrap them out of fear; just give them the tools to enjoy the season safely. With the right habits and a little intuition, you can let them dance in the rain and sleep soundly at night.
And hey, even if they get a cold once in a while, snuggle up, make some soup, and enjoy the rhythm of the rain together. That’s what childhood is made of.
Want more parenting and seasonal wellness tips? Let’s connect over a chai (virtual, of course) and chat!
