Summer is always a difficult season for keeping your baby both safe and comfortable and this is true whether you remain inside or head outside. If you overdress your infant, he may get a heat rash; while exposing his body to any hot conditions could potentially lead to heatstroke or sunburn, both of which would be damaging. SIDS has even been linked to babies in summer. This is because hot weather can make babies sleep more deeply, making it harder to wake them up. You need to know how to keep baby cool in summer.
How to Keep Baby Cool in Summer
1. Dress Baby Appropriately
When your child is inside, opt for lightweight clothing that are loose and made from cotton or other natural fibers as these are better at absorbing perspiration. Generally, you should try to dress your baby how you dress yourself. When you go outside, opt for long pants that are light in color, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats. Don’t even leave your child’s skin exposed on gray days as the UV rays can still shine down.
2. Ensure Air Circulation
Babies don’t perspire effectively and this makes them more prone to overheating than adults. Because of this, infants should never be left in parked cars or hot rooms. Even a few minutes could lead to a life threatening spike in high temperature, so keep your baby somewhere the air circulates.
3. Avoid Baby Getting Dehydrated
Despite not seeing your baby sweat, he may still be losing fluids through perspiration. Signs of dehydration include restlessness, rapid breathing, skin that feels warm to the touch, and a flushed face. You shouldn’t give water to babies under six months, so simply nurse more frequently. Remember that babies need 50% (or higher) more fluids than normal during the summer.
4. Avoid the Peak Heat Hours
You should avoid being outside during the peak heat hours which are from 10 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon. At this point, the sun will harm his skin most. Try to be outdoors before or after this time frame.
5. Find Shade
As soon as you arrive in an outdoor location, your first step should be to find a protected, shady spot such as by a canopy, umbrella, or tree. Try to take a fabric tent with you outside, specifically one that is able to prevent UV rays but with see-through mesh for ventilation.
6. Use Sunscreen
When your baby is under six months, his skin is thin and delicate, so you should avoid the sunlight as much as possible. When you simply can’t avoid it, always find a good sunscreen and apply it minimally to exposed skin (and the face). Once your baby is over six months old, he can use sunscreen more frequently and in larger quantities. Always reapply it after two hours and opt for a waterproof one for kids. Be sure to apply it under clothing, because typical shirts don’t provide enough protection.
The following video gives you advice on picking the best sunscreen for your baby:
7. Choose Nappies Wisely
Cotton nappies are better at keeping your baby cool than disposable ones. This is especially true of the synthetic band on disposable nappies as they can lead to a heat rash where sweat accumulates. By opting for cotton cloth nappies, you can keep your baby comfortable and prevent nappy rash and heat. When using disposable ones, always dress your baby correctly and keep him in a cool area.
8. Keep Close to Water
Babies enjoy water play in the summer and it can help cool them off. Fill up an inflatable baby pool or put him in his bathtub, add some toys and let him play. Just remember to keep an eye on your baby constantly and never leave him alone for even just a second as babies can drown in a few inches of water.
9. Never Leave Baby in the Car
You should NEVER leave your baby in the car even if you are parked in the shade or have the vents or windows open. If your baby is asleep and you don’t want to move him, you should sit in the car with him with the air conditioning on until he wakes up. Cars trap heat can make temperatures raise quickly even it is cooler outside. Anytime you see a child in a car alone, contact 911 right away.
Signs and Symptoms That a Baby Is Hot
1. Loud Crying
Crying is your baby’s way to show many things which includes being too hot. Try to narrow down the possibilities, check and then remove a layer of clothing. If that doesn’t stop the crying, try something else, such as playing with him.
2. High Temperature
The most accurate way to see if your baby has a fever is by taking his temperature. Babies under three months should have their temperature taken rectally. Temperate over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit indicates a fever and it may mean a health problem like pneumonia or an infection, so be sure to contact your child’s doctor immediately.
3. Heat Rash
Heat rash is most frequent in humid and hot conditions and is more common among infants. It appears as tiny bumps bordered by red skin and usually is found on areas of the body that are clothed like the groin, armpits, upper chest, neck, abdomen, and back. It will always go away once the skin cools down.