Summer is here, and the temperature seems to rise every single day. The heat during peak summer can be tough even for adults to handle. What about babies? How can you take care of your baby during the summer season? Don't worry; we have some tips and ideas for baby care in summer.
First, let's understand the impact of summer on babies. During summer, the temperatures soar, increasing our body temperature too. Babies are very sensitive, and the heat can have a greater impact on them than on adults.
Problems during summer are not restricted to just increasing temperatures. Common problems during the summer season are:
Most parents dread the summer heat for its impact on their babies. Here are some simple yet practical summer baby care tips:
Dehydration is a major concern for babies during summer, as they may not be able to communicate their thirst effectively. It's crucial to keep your baby hydrated by offering a variety of liquids. These can include plain water, fresh juices without sugar, milk, or even flavoured water. A simple trick is to add a slice of apple or orange to the water, let it soak for a while, and then give it to your baby.
Restrict timing if your baby loves to spend time outdoors or wants to play with other babies or toddlers. Keep them inside the house during noon, when the temperature is at its highest. You can take them outside in the evening when it is cooler.
Staying indoors does not need to be boring in summer. Plan interesting indoor games and fun activities to occupy your baby. This will encourage them to stay indoors when it is too hot outside. These activities can be simple and innovative. Montessori activities or painting boost motor skills development.
Opt for light layers to dress your baby in. The heat and humidity can make it very uncomfortable when a baby is fully covered. Light layers of breathable fabric can offer protection from the sun's rays without suffocating the baby. If your baby feels too hot in them, you can remove a layer and add it back on when needed.
Babies have a lot of energy, and sometimes, they can refuse to go down for a nap or take some rest. Ensure your baby gets enough rest during the day. The heat can cause tiredness or fatigue, and babies will not understand this. They may get fussy and just cry when they are overtired. Try to follow a routine and put them down for naps daily to avoid such exertion.
During summer, many insects are on the ground, in the grass, or on plants. Babies tend to sit, roll around, and play on the grass and other outdoor surfaces. Always use a baby-safe insect repellent before taking your baby outside. These repellants can also keep away mosquitoes.
It is not easy to find sunscreen lotion that is safe for babies. Today, you can find a few brands catering to babies, but you need to pay close attention to the ingredients and age recommendations when you buy sunscreen for your baby. Apart from creams and lotions, you can use physical protection to reduce your baby's exposure to the sun. Use big hats and umbrellas, pull the hood over the pram, and try to keep your baby covered when you step out in the sun. Reducing their exposure can reduce the impact of the sun.
Summer increases perspiration, and sweat can trap between skin and clothing layers. This can lead to bacteria formation, leading to skin issues. When you bathe your baby, pay special attention to skin folds like the neck, stomach, elbows, behind the knees, etc. If giving your baby more than one bath is not feasible, you can give them a sponge bath with cool water. Wash your baby's clothes and dry them out in the sun to get rid of germs.
All parents pay special attention to the products they use on their babies. Summertime can be tricky. You may have to choose an alternate body wash or oil for your baby's skin. If the products are heavy or comedogenic, they can cause skin irritation and other issues.
If your baby has been out in the sun for a long time or is turning red due to heat exposure, do not panic unnecessarily. Babies can sense when their caregivers panic and can get fussy. If your baby shows symptoms of dehydration or overheating exposure, just take them inside. Help their body cool down by undressing them, giving them a sponge bath, or offering liquids to drink.
Babies and small children love the outdoors. They prefer to run out and play free rather than stay indoors, be it summer or winter. You cannot completely keep your baby locked inside all summer. They need fresh air and some sun exposure too.
What if the exposure is just a little too much for your baby? A baby's sweat glands take time to develop fully, so excessive sweating may not be a reliable symptom. If your baby is feeling too hot, symptoms to watch out for are:
Summer can be a great time for babies and young children to explore the outdoors. With a little summer baby care and precautions to avoid overexposure, you and your baby can enjoy the summer instead of staying indoors or fearing the heat.
No, babies can struggle in hot weather conditions. As their sweat glands are yet to develop fully, their body can trap the heat and increase the overall temperature, leading to health issues.
The ideal room temperature for a baby is about 24°C. More than 25°C during summer can be very uncomfortable for babies. If your baby is very fussy or showing signs of too much heat, try using a fan or air conditioner to cool the room, or dress your baby in lighter clothing to help him stay cool.
