How to Protect Your Newborn in Delhi’s Air Pollution

ByHemali Ramchandani
Updated: 28 Nov 2025, 10:00 am

Delhi’s winter smog can irritate adult lungs within hours, yet a newborn breathes almost twice as fast and has immature airways that trap pollutants for longer. Babies have no ability to cough forcefully or filter particles, which means even short exposure can overwhelm their developing lungs and skin. Understanding how to reduce indoor pollution, limit outdoor exposure, and strengthen your baby’s immunity helps you navigate this season safely.

Pregatips
Newborns arriving during a period of intense pollution face a challenge that most parents do not anticipate so soon after birth. Their lungs are still forming, their immune systems are inexperienced, and their airways are narrow enough that even tiny particles can trigger breathing discomfort. Pollution levels in many parts of Delhi exceed WHO recommendations several times over, particularly in the winter months when smog becomes dense, persistent, and unavoidable in daily life. When you are caring for a new baby, this environment can feel frightening. Even simple adjustments can drastically reduce what your baby inhales during these critical first months.
In this article:


Why Newborns Are More Vulnerable to Polluted Air


A newborn breathes about 40 to 60 times per minute. An adult breathes 12 to 18 times per minute. This faster breathing rate means your baby inhales more air per kilogram of body weight, and with it, more particulate matter. Studies show that PM2.5 particles can reach the deepest parts of an infant's lungs and cause inflammation, breathing difficulties, or long-term respiratory vulnerability.

Several factors increase sensitivity:

  • Immature lungs: The alveoli are still developing. Pollutants can irritate the lining and cause inflammation quickly.
  • Narrow airways: Even mild swelling can make breathing harder because the airway diameter is tiny.
  • Underdeveloped immune system: Newborns cannot fight infection efficiently. Airborne irritants weaken natural defences further.
  • Limited mucus clearance: Babies cannot cough forcefully or clear secretions well, so pollutants linger and irritate for longer.
Understanding this vulnerability helps you prioritise preventive steps early.


Creating the Cleanest Possible Indoor Environment


Indoor air can become a safe zone if you manage it well. Most newborns spend 90 per cent of their time indoors, which makes indoor air care the most effective protective strategy.

Choose the right air purifier for your room:

Not all purifiers work on fine particulate matter. Look for:

  • True HEPA filter (H13 or higher): This captures PM2.5 and smaller particles. Studies published by the US Environmental Protection Agency show that mechanical HEPA filters significantly reduce particulate matter.
  • CADR (clean air delivery rate) suited to the size of your room: A purifier that is too small will not clean the air adequately.
  • Low-noise settings: Your baby needs restful sleep, so night mode or <40 dB noise levels are helpful.
Place the purifier at least 1 metre away from the cot, ensuring airflow does not blow directly on your baby. Keep doors and windows closed during severe pollution days so the purifier can work efficiently.

Ventilation at the right time:

Total sealing creates stale indoor air. Controlled ventilation helps a lot with the circulation of air. It’s advisable to open windows only during lower-pollution hours, usually early afternoon, based on your local AQI updates. It’s important to avoid opening windows during early morning or late evening, when smog is heaviest.

Even 15 to 20 minutes of mid-day ventilation refreshes indoor air without letting in heavy pollutants.

Reduce indoor pollutant sources:

Sometimes, pollution inside the house rivals outdoor levels. Simple steps prevent that:

  • Avoid incense sticks, aromatherapy burners, and mosquito coils. These release irritants that newborns cannot tolerate.
  • Switch to electric cooking if possible. Gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, which worsens airway inflammation.
  • Keep soft furnishings clean. Curtains, carpets, and cushions trap dust. Vacuum regularly with a HEPA vacuum.
  • Avoid indoor smoking entirely. Passive smoke is harmful for everyone, but newborns face serious risks, including bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing.
With consistent indoor air practices, your home becomes the primary protective barrier for your baby’s lungs.


Managing Outdoor Exposure Safely


It is not realistic to stay indoors continuously. Doctor visits, vaccinations, or essential errands may still require stepping out. What matters is how you reduce the exposure.

Track AQI every morning: Several apps and government monitors provide real-time numbers. Avoid outdoor exposure when AQI is above 200, and minimise it sharply when above 300.

AQI under 100 is ideal, though rare in Delhi winters. On moderate days, short, essential outings are safer.

Choose the right outdoor timings: Avoid peak smog hours.

  • Early morning (5 am to 10 am)
  • Late evening (6 pm to midnight)
Plan outings around noon to early afternoon when pollution dips slightly.

  • Use stroller covers that seal properly: A transparent, breathable stroller cover helps create a protective pocket of air. Choose covers designed to prevent dust entry, not just rain shields. Do not drape scarves or cloths over the stroller. These reduce ventilation and create breathing hazards.
  • Avoid traffic-heavy routes: Roadside particulate concentration can be several times higher than in residential lanes. Shorter routes with less traffic, even if slightly longer in distance, reduce exposure.
  • Do not use masks on newborns: No medical body recommends masks for infants below 12 months. Masks can restrict airflow, increase CO2 levels inside the mask, and pose suffocation risks.
The safest strategy focuses on controlling the baby’s environment, not masking them.


Strengthening Your Baby’s Immunity From the First Weeks


Air pollution weakens immune defences. While no intervention can instantly “boost” immunity, several habits strengthen your baby’s natural resistance over time.

  1. Breastfeeding if possible: Breast milk contains antibodies, immune cells, and anti-inflammatory factors that reduce respiratory infections. WHO reports show a lower incidence of lung problems in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants, particularly in polluted environments. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, if possible, offers significant protection.

  2. Ensure vaccination is on schedule: Vaccines protect against infections that could worsen in a polluted environment, such as pneumonia. Vaccination delays increase vulnerability at a time when protection matters most.

  3. Maternal nutrition influences immunity: If you are breastfeeding, your own diet supports the quality of your milk.
  • Omega-3-rich foods like flaxseed and walnuts
  • Iron-rich foods like leafy greens and lentils
  • Vitamin C-rich fruits
  • Adequate hydration
These nutrients support the anti-inflammatory properties of breast milk.

  1. Limit visitors during peak pollution: More visitors mean more germs entering the home. Restricting contact during the first weeks reduces viral exposure at a time when air pollution already stresses the baby’s lungs.
  2. Keep your baby well rested: Sleep strengthens immune regulation. A calm, well-regulated sleep environment supports respiratory health by keeping stress hormones lower.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.


FAQs on How to Protect Your Newborn in Delhi’s Air Pollution

  1. Is an air purifier safe for newborns?
    Yes. True HEPA purifiers are safe and recommended. Avoid ionisers because they release ozone, which can irritate the lungs.
  2. Can pollution affect my baby’s long-term health?
    High exposure in early life may increase the risk of wheezing and respiratory infections. Reducing daily exposure lowers this risk significantly.
  3. Is it safe to travel with a newborn on polluted days?
    Avoid non-essential travel when AQI is above 200. For necessary travel, use a covered stroller and choose times when pollution is lower.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore