How Does Haze Affect Babies and Toddlers? What Every Parent Should Know

When the skies turn hazy in Singapore, it's natural for parents to worry about how the poor air quality might affect their little ones. While adults may experience a scratchy throat or irritated eyes, babies and toddlers can be more sensitive to the effects of haze.

With their lungs and immune systems still developing, young children need a little extra care when air quality takes a turn for the worse.

So, how exactly does haze affect babies and toddlers, what symptoms should parents watch out for, and how can you keep your little one comfortable and healthy during haze season?

What Is Haze and Why Does It Happen in Singapore?

Haze occurs when tiny particles of smoke, dust, and other pollutants accumulate in the air, reducing visibility and affecting air quality.

In Singapore, haze is commonly associated with forest and peatland fires in neighbouring countries, particularly during dry weather conditions.

One of the main concerns is PM2.5, which refers to fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These particles are small enough to travel deep into the lungs when inhaled.

For babies and toddlers, whose respiratory systems are still developing, exposure to these pollutants can be particularly uncomfortable.

Why Are Babies and Toddlers More Sensitive to Haze?

Unlike adults, babies and young children are still developing their lungs and respiratory systems. They also breathe more air relative to their body weight, making them more vulnerable to airborne pollutants.

Here's how haze may affect your little one:

1. Irritation of the Nose, Throat and Eyes

Fine particles in hazy air can irritate sensitive areas of the respiratory system.

• Frequent sneezing or coughing
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Red, watery or irritated eyes
• Throat discomfort or increased fussiness

Babies may not be able to tell you what feels uncomfortable, so changes in their behaviour can sometimes be an early clue.

2. Coughing and Breathing Discomfort

Haze particles can irritate the airways, potentially triggering coughing, wheezing or breathing discomfort.

Children with existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may be particularly sensitive to changes in air quality.

If your baby develops fast or laboured breathing, chest retractions, or appears to be struggling to breathe, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Disrupted Sleep and Feeding

Have you noticed your baby becoming fussier or waking more frequently when the air quality is poor?

A blocked nose, persistent cough or throat irritation may make it harder for babies to settle comfortably.

For younger babies, nasal congestion may also interfere with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, as they rely heavily on breathing through their noses while feeding.

If your baby is feeding significantly less than usual or showing signs of dehydration, consult a healthcare professional.

4. Additional Stress on Developing Airways

Babies' and toddlers' respiratory systems are still growing. Exposure to fine particles can irritate their airways, particularly if they already have allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

While short-term haze exposure does not necessarily cause lasting health problems, reducing unnecessary exposure is an important way to protect young children.

6 Ways to Protect Your Baby or Toddler During Haze Season

The good news? There are simple steps you can take to reduce your little one's exposure and keep them comfortable when air quality worsens.

1. Monitor Singapore's Air Quality

Before heading outdoors, check the latest Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and PM2.5 readings through the NEA website or myENV app.

When the PSI reaches unhealthy levels, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities for children.

On days when air quality becomes very unhealthy, consider keeping outdoor playtime to a minimum and switching to indoor activities instead.

2. Keep Indoor Air as Clean as Possible

When outdoor air quality is poor, close windows and doors to reduce the amount of haze particles entering your home.

Using a properly sized air purifier with a HEPA filter may also help reduce airborne particles indoors.

Remember to maintain your air purifier and replace its filters according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Keep Your Little One Well Hydrated

Staying hydrated can help maintain comfort, especially when haze causes throat irritation.

For babies below 6 months, continue regular breast milk or formula feeds rather than offering extra water unless advised by a healthcare professional.

For older babies and toddlers, continue their usual milk feeds and offer water according to their age and feeding stage.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Outdoor Exposure

When the haze worsens, consider swapping playground visits for indoor activities such as reading, sensory play or building blocks.

For infants and very young children, N95 masks are generally not suitable because they cannot reliably achieve a proper fit and may make breathing more difficult.

Reducing exposure is a safer approach.

5. Maintain Good Hygiene Habits

Although haze itself is not contagious, children can still catch respiratory infections during haze periods.

Regular handwashing, cleaning frequently touched toys and avoiding close contact with people who are unwell can help reduce the spread of germs.

6. Support Their Everyday Nutritional Needs

Alongside reducing haze exposure, good nutrition is an important part of keeping your little one healthy.

A balanced, age-appropriate diet provides essential nutrients that support normal immune function and overall growth.

For babies who have started solids, including a variety of fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods can help provide important vitamins and minerals.

What About Your Little One's Immune System During Haze Season?

Here's something important to understand: haze irritation and respiratory infections are not the same thing.

Haze is caused by airborne pollutants, while illnesses such as colds and flu are caused by viruses.

However, symptoms like coughing, a runny nose and throat irritation can sometimes overlap, making it difficult for parents to tell the difference.

This is why it's helpful to focus on two separate things: reducing exposure to polluted air and supporting your child's everyday health through adequate nutrition, rest and good hygiene.

Certain nutrients, particularly vitamin C and zinc, also play important roles in maintaining normal immune function.

For parents exploring additional nutritional support, it's important to choose age-appropriate products and check with their child's healthcare professional before introducing supplements.

Meet Legendairy Milk's Organic Elderberry Drops

Did you know that elderberries have traditionally been used in wellness routines for their naturally occurring plant compounds?

Elderberries contain antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which give the berries their distinctive deep purple colour.

For little ones aged 6 months and above, Legendairy Milk's Organic Baby & Toddler Elderberry Drops combine carefully selected ingredients in one convenient liquid formula.

What's inside?

• Organic Elderberry Extract: A source of naturally occurring plant antioxidants.
• Vitamin C: Helps support normal immune function and protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Zinc: An essential mineral involved in healthy immune function, growth and development.
• Organic Echinacea Extract: A botanical traditionally used in herbal wellness products.

The formula is also sugar-free, vegan-friendly and made with organic ingredients.

Easy to Include in Your Little One's Routine

Legendairy Milk's Elderberry Drops come with a convenient dispenser, making them easy to give directly towards the inner cheek or mix into your child's food or drink.

Suggested daily serving according to the product label:

• 6–12 months: 2 mL daily
• 1–3 years: 4 mL daily

Because evidence on the benefits and safety of elderberry and echinacea supplements in very young children is limited, consult your child's healthcare professional before use.

Important: Elderberry Drops are intended for nutritional and immune support. They do not prevent or treat haze-related irritation, protect the lungs from PM2.5 pollution, or replace measures that reduce exposure to poor air quality.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Although mild irritation from haze may improve once air quality gets better, certain symptoms shouldn't be ignored.

Seek medical advice if your little one experiences:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Unusual tiredness or reduced activity
• Difficulty feeding or drinking
• Symptoms that continue or worsen despite reduced haze exposure

Seek urgent medical care if your child has difficulty breathing, bluish lips, severe lethargy or other signs of serious breathing distress.

A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way

Haze season can be unsettling, especially when you have a baby or toddler at home.

While we can't control the outdoor air quality, we can take steps to reduce our children's exposure and support their everyday wellbeing.

From monitoring PSI levels and creating a cleaner indoor environment to ensuring proper nutrition, hydration and rest, small daily precautions can make a meaningful difference.

And remember, when it comes to protecting your little one from haze, cleaner air and reduced exposure should always come first. 💜