As monsoon clouds gather and the rains begin to fall, there’s a refreshing change in the air: cooler temperatures, lush greenery, and a break from the scorching summer heat. However, the rainy season also brings with it an unwelcome guest: mosquitoes. And among the many mosquito-borne illnesses, dengue fever remains one of the most concerning, especially for parents of toddlers.
At Modern School Early Years Deepali, we know that every child’s safety is a shared responsibility. While we maintain strict hygiene and mosquito control measures on campus, we also believe in partnering with parents to protect children beyond the school walls. This blog aims to provide simple, effective tips to help you safeguard your little ones from dengue, a disease that’s preventable with the right awareness and actions.
HOW TO PROTECT TODDLERS FROM DENGUE?
Dress Your Child in Protective Clothing
Always dress toddlers in long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during peak mosquito hours. Light-colored clothing is ideal because it attracts fewer mosquitoes compared to dark shades. Breathable cotton fabric can keep your child comfortable while providing coverage.
Use Safe, Child-Friendly Mosquito Repellents
Apply mosquito repellents that are specifically designed for children. Products containing DEET (up to 10%), picaridin, or natural ingredients like citronella and lemon eucalyptus are considered safe in small amounts. Stickers, patches, and roll-ons are good options for toddlers. Avoid applying repellent on their hands, eyes, or near the mouth.
Install Mosquito Nets and Screens
Use mosquito nets over beds, cribs, strollers, and playpens. Nets are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent mosquito bites during nap times or at night. You can also install mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from entering your home.
Avoid Outdoor Play During Peak Mosquito Activity
Try to schedule outdoor activities before 7 AM or after 6 PM to avoid the hours when dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active. If your child must be outdoors during these times, ensure they are fully covered and protected.
Eliminate Stagnant Water Around the House
Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so check and empty containers like flower pots, buckets, birdbaths, and coolers regularly. Even a bottle cap filled with water can become a breeding ground. Keep water tanks covered and make sure drains are unclogged. We also make sure that all areas around Modern Early Years play school in Delhi are free from stagnant water.
Maintain Clean Surroundings
Ensure your surroundings, both inside and outside the home, are clean and free of damp, dark corners where mosquitoes can hide. Use natural mosquito-repelling plants like tulsi, neem, and lemongrass around windows or balconies to help deter insects.
Use Indoor Mosquito Repellents Safely
Electric mosquito vaporizers or plug-in repellents can be effective indoors. If using coils or sprays, ensure your toddler is not in the room during application, and ventilate the room properly before they enter.
Boost Your Toddler’s Immunity with a Healthy Diet
A strong immune system can help the body fight off infections more effectively. Include plenty of fruits like oranges, papaya, guava, and kiwi, which are rich in vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables, pulses, and plenty of water will also keep your child healthy during the monsoon.
Stay Informed About Dengue Outbreaks in Your Area
Keep track of any reported dengue cases nearby through local news, health apps, or municipal alerts. If there’s an outbreak in your neighborhood, be extra cautious and consider limiting outdoor exposure.
Educate Caregivers and Family Members
Whether it's a nanny, grandparent, or daycare provider, ensure anyone who spends time with your toddler understands the importance of dengue prevention and follows the same precautions. Awareness is the first line of defense.
What We’re Doing at Modern School Deepali Early Years
While toddlers are naturally curious and love to explore, their developing immune systems and tendency to play on the ground or in shaded outdoor spaces make them more vulnerable to mosquito bites. A child’s most active playtime oftentimes coincides with the active time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, which often coincides with. The good news is that you can take proactive steps at home and outside to minimize the risk.
At the Best Preschool in Delhi, we’ve put several layers of protection in place to ensure your child’s safety during the monsoon. These include regular, non-toxic pest control on campus, screened windows and doors, netted nap areas, and strict hygiene practices in all classrooms and play areas. Our staff is also trained to spot early signs of illness and maintain a clean and safe learning environment at all times.
We also engage children in age-appropriate health education, helping them develop habits like washing hands, avoiding dirty water, and covering up when outdoors. While toddlers may not grasp the full seriousness of dengue, simple routines go a long way in creating lifelong awareness.
