Nutrition and Hygiene: Key Factors in Combating Child Malnutrition During Summers
As the scorching summer heat sets in, children’s health becomes an even more pressing concern—especially in regions where access to clean water, nutritious food, and healthcare is limited. The rise in temperature not only brings with it risks of dehydration and heatstroke but also heightens the danger of child malnutrition, an issue that silently affects millions.
Why Summer Increases the Risk of Malnutrition
Children are naturally more sensitive to climatic changes. During summer, their bodies lose fluids faster through sweat, and with poor hydration, even minor illnesses can escalate. Digestive problems such as diarrhea and food poisoning become common due to improper food storage or contaminated water, further aggravating nutrient loss.
In rural and economically disadvantaged communities, where resources are already stretched thin, the combination of heat and poor hygiene can quickly turn dangerous. Without proper nutrition and hygiene, children become more vulnerable to growth delays, reduced immunity, and cognitive challenges.
Child Malnutrition during Summers
Summer Child Nutrition Tips: What to Include in Their Diet
A child’s diet during summer should be light, hydrating, and nutrient-dense. Here are some healthy foods for kids in summer that support energy, growth, and immunity:
Seasonal fruits like watermelon, mango, muskmelon, and papaya help keep the body cool and provide essential vitamins.
Curd and buttermilk are rich in probiotics and calcium, supporting gut health.
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte drink that replaces lost minerals without added sugar.
Leafy greens and cucumbers, if washed properly, offer hydration and micronutrients.
Home-cooked meals with whole grains, pulses, and vegetables ensure balanced nutrition.
Avoid heavy, oily foods and sugary drinks that can dehydrate and disrupt digestion.
Importance of Hygiene in Preventing Summer Illnesses
Food safety becomes critical during summer months. Bacteria multiply faster in heat, making food spoilage a serious concern. Here are some hygiene for children tips that every parent and caregiver should follow:
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water.
Ensure hands are washed with soap before eating or handling food.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and avoid leaving cooked food at room temperature for long.
Boil or filter drinking water, especially in areas where contamination is common.
Educate children about using toilets properly and maintaining personal hygiene.
Good hygiene prevents infections like diarrhea and typhoid, which are direct contributors to undernutrition.
Special Focus on Low-Income Communities
In underprivileged areas, the lack of awareness, clean water, and sanitation facilities makes summer especially dangerous for children. NGOs and foundations like SESR Foundation are working tirelessly to bridge these gaps by spreading health awareness and promoting community nutrition programs. Simple steps—like distributing water purifiers, organizing hygiene education camps, or providing nutritional supplements—can go a long way in preventing child malnutrition.
What Parents and Caregivers Can Do
Monitor fluid intake; give water frequently, even if the child doesn’t ask.
Prepare meals fresh and avoid street food during peak heat hours.
Recognize early signs of malnutrition: fatigue, frequent illness, or poor weight gain.
Seek help from local health workers or government health centers if symptoms persist.
Prevention is the Best Cure
Combating child malnutrition in summer is not just about food—it’s a combination of clean habits, hydration, and informed care. While the challenges are real, the solutions are within reach. With proper nutrition and hygiene, we can protect children from seasonal illnesses and ensure they grow into healthy, happy individuals.
Let’s use this summer not as a season of struggle, but as a time to raise awareness, build resilience, and ensure access to nutrition for all. After all, every child deserves a fair start—no matter the temperature outside.
