A newborn needs extreme care till its first birthday. This is major because it cannot express its emotions in any form except for crying until this period. Caring for your baby during summer is hence very crucial. The usual crying might have different reasons behind it. Newborn babies should never be taken out in the sun.
Their delicate skin cannot bear the heat, and their skin does not have the pigmentation to protect them from the sun. While brief exposure to the early morning sun is allowed, long hours in the hot sun is an absolute no. Till six months of age, a baby cannot be exposed to the sun. While this first fact about caring for babies during summer is well-known, there are other vital things. Here are the five best Summer safety tips for babies:
Dress the baby to sustain the summer heat
- It is best to clothe babies in light and loose dresses.
- The body temperature is higher in babies compared with adults. So, ensure the clothing is not tight, and uncomfortable. This is the general rule for babies’ clothing, and you must be very careful about it during summer.
- Their clothes should let their skin feel comfortable. Unless you are in an air-conditioned environment, do not add clothing to protect them from clothes.
- Even an indoor environment should not mean they can have tight-fitting and thick clothes on.
- Sweating is the key sign that the baby is getting overheated. Thick clothes can only add to your baby’s woes when she sweats. Cotton clothes are best suited for summer.
- Overheating can lead to irritability in babies, and can also result in heat rashes.
Ways to prevent dehydration in babies
- Drinking enough water is recommended for adults and older kids in the summer to prevent dehydration. But this rule does not apply to babies.
- The electrolytes and nutrients required are not present in water, and this is why you need to either breastfeed or give formula milk to ensure your baby is well hydrated during summers.
- If you think babies would cry due to dehydration and end up with rashes, you need to know that there can be other symptoms too.
- The babies cry a lot without tears due to dehydration, and the pee count decreases. The diapers that are not full are a sign that can be easily identified.
- Another sign is that the baby turns lethargic. The skull has soft spots in newborns. Dehydration leads to sinking in off these spots.
- Start feeding your baby with breast milk or formula immediately when you see these signs.
Pro tip: When there is overheating that can lead to dehydration, take the baby indoors or cooler environment, like under a tree. Take off extra clothing or blankets, if using them. In case of dehydration, offer milk, and immediately get medical assistance.
Use a hat and Sunscreen
- If you need to take your child out, then use a hat to protect them from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
- Use sunscreen with a broader spectrum of 30. Sunscreen should be used only sparingly on the face and feet. Use the 30 minutes before stepping out in sun.
- Choose areas that are shaded amply, like under a roof or an umbrella.
- If possible avoid going out between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Never leave the baby in the car seat
Even if you are going to be away for a few minutes, do not assume the baby is safe in the car seat. The humid weather, sun’s heat, and closed doors are life-threatening. Carry your baby wherever you go.
Stay ready to beat the heat
- A nursing mom must take lots of water and fluids. The baby needs more fluids, which can be offered only this way.
- Carry more water when you are on the move.
- Use cooling pads to offer relief or wet towels to stay cool when you have to go out in the summer with your baby.
Remember: Summer does not only harm the newborn and young babies, but nursing mothers too can face dehydration. The water content in the body is spent on breastfeeding. So ensure you get a proper diet and water, and also stay in covered areas to ensure your baby is protected during summer.
