Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Photo by Yaroslava Borz on Pexels
Kids love the monsoon, and after a long, humid summer we parents are just as happy to see the rain. The season also brings tummy infections, mosquitoes and slippery roads, so a little planning goes a long way. Here are the ten things I keep in mind so that my family can enjoy the rains without too much trouble.
- Go easy on street food. Pakoras and pani puri are tempting on a rainy evening, but food that is prepared or stored unhygienically, or made with unsafe water, is a common cause of diarrhoea, according to the WHO fact sheet on diarrhoeal disease. Making your monsoon snacks at home is the safer treat.
- Wash hands with soap and water. After covid, most of us carry sanitizer everywhere, and that is useful when you are out. But the CDC guidance on clean hands says soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations, and sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) is for when soap and water are not available. Make it a habit before eating, after the toilet and after coming in from outside.
- Do not let water collect around your home. To stop the mosquitoes that spread dengue from laying eggs, the WHO fact sheet on dengue advises getting rid of places where water collects and covering, emptying and cleaning water storage containers every week. Check flower pot trays, buckets, coolers, old tyres and anything on the balcony or terrace that holds rainwater.
- Drink safe water. Give the family boiled or properly purified water, and carry a bottle from home when you go out. Keep a few packets of ORS at home: the WHO says diarrhoea should be treated with oral rehydration solution, and having it ready saves a late night search.
- Dress for the weather. Light, quick drying clothes are most comfortable in the damp. Give children waterproof footwear with a good grip so they do not slip on wet floors and roads. For evenings outdoors, a light long sleeved top and long pants also help keep mosquitoes away.
- Plan some indoor fun. There will be days when it pours nonstop. Keep a box of board games, colouring, clay and books ready, or let the kids make paper boats to sail in a bucket. Puddle jumping is fine too, as long as everyone washes their hands and feet and changes into dry clothes afterwards.
- Wash fruit and vegetables well. Good food hygiene is one of the main ways to prevent diarrhoea. Rinse fruit and vegetables in clean water, cook food fresh, and do not keep cooked food sitting out for long in the humidity.
- Use mosquito repellent the right way. The American Academy of Pediatrics advice on insect repellents suggests the lowest strength that covers the time your child is outdoors, applied by an adult on exposed skin and clothing only. Keep it off their hands, eyes, mouth and any cuts, and wash it off with soap and water when they come indoors. Use DEET sparingly on children under 2, and do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus products on children under 3. For babies, a mosquito net bed or netting over the pram is a simple option.
- Be ready when you travel. Carry umbrellas, a raincoat for each child, a spare set of clothes and waterproof bags for phones and documents. Leave extra time, as roads can flood and traffic slows down.
- Know when to see a doctor. Do not wait it out if your child seems unwell. With diarrhoea or vomiting, watch for signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, unusual restlessness or irritability, drinking very eagerly, or being very drowsy and unable to drink. After a fever, the WHO warning signs of severe dengue include severe tummy pain, repeated vomiting, fast breathing, bleeding gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, cold pale skin, restlessness and weakness. These signs can appear after the fever has gone, so get medical care immediately if you notice them.
About The Author:
Monika is a blogger who has worked as a Public Relations Executive in an import and export company and as a Marketing Executive in an outdoor media firm. She is a homemaker and the mother of a beautiful daughter, and is passionate about writing about her experiences and sharing them with the world.
