Summer is approaching and it is time that you buckle up. Newborn babies require more care than anyone else. When the temperature is soaring high, the child tends to become annoyed and irritated.
If it gets too hot, the baby will start sweating. This may however be extremely annoying. The child will stay irritated the entire day. So, the best thing to do is to keep them cool. When summer is here you need to ensure that your child gets special attention.
Why pay attention to children during summer?
If you have a newborn baby at home, they require more attention than anything else, irrespective of the season. However, the best thing to do is to care for them mostly during summer.
Uncomfortable
- Summer can be pretty uncomfortable. Newborn babies need a cool environment. For a country like India, summer can be pretty inconvenient. Therefore, providing extra care and coolness to them can be pretty helpful.
- They can't cool their bodies
- The body of babies isn't as advanced as adults. Therefore, they do not get the ability to cool their bodies. Babies won't ever be able to tell you about overheating. Parents should take breaks every fifteen to thirty minutes so that they can work on cooling their babies.
Rashes
- Summer can be very uncomfortable for kids. Overheating can lead to rashes. Prolonged periods can be extremely annoying even when you are catering to the local heat index. Rashes refer to the response of the baby towards heat.
Symptoms of overheating in children
During summer, your child will be prone to the risk of overheating. You should use your common sense to understand if the baby is overheating or not. The best way to understand if the child is overheating is to touch their skin, feel the warmth or watch their face for any signs of redness.
It is extremely necessary that you pay special attention to the signs of overheating. Many people can confuse the symptoms of overheating to be the same as dehydration or fever. If your child does not sweat too much, you must check for overheating. Sometimes you may not even know that your child is overheating.
Some of the key ways to understand whether the child is overheating or not, include the following:
- Redness on face
- Feels hot
- Restless and fussy
- Faster heart rate
- Damp hair
- Confused and weak
- Nauseous
- Constant vomiting
How to keep a baby cool in summer?
Since summers can be overwhelming and annoying, your child is likely to cry the entire day. Therefore, as soon as you notice the temperature exceeding, you must consider trying out tips to keep your baby cool. Here are some of the prominent ways that can be extra helpful:
Get them under the shade
- The key to keeping your baby cool is to keep them under shade always. Whenever you are taking your child outside, you must make it a point to wrap them in a blanket or stroller. You might as well keep them under a tree so that you can receive extra benefits. When you keep them under the shade, you protect them from the harsh rays of the sun.
Keep them hydrated
- The key to keeping your child cool is to keep them hydrated. If they are less than 6 months, you should feed them milk at regular intervals. However, you should ensure that before you provide them with water, you should wait till they are 6 months old.
- Older babies and toddlers can drink water but infants cannot. It is often advisable that the parents keep their children hydrated. When your babies are playing outdoors, you must ensure to keep them hydrated.
Dress the baby cool
- It is all about how you dress the baby that determines if they are going to be fine or not. Woollen and heavy clothes are best suited for winter. However, when it is summer, you need to ensure that you keep the baby cool.
Use comfortable diapers and wipes
- Make sure that you are using comfortable diapers with superior absorption for your baby. You can try Mamy Poko Pants Extra Absorb which has +50% widespread absorption area that absorbs urine quickly and repeatedly. Also, bathing your baby multiple times a day after you change their diapers isn’t possible. Hence, you can also try cleaning your baby with Mamy Poko’s Rich in Moisture wipes which will gently wash your baby with no fear of redness or rashes.
- While you may think that not making them wear anything will keep them cool, it will not. When it's summer, your child is at the risk of developing rashes. Therefore, it is advisable to wrap them at least in a single piece of cloth.
- Make sure to use breathable fabric so that the child can get benefits. Cotton rompers and onesies can be of great help. During summer, you should get fabrics such as linen and cotton. It is advisable to avoid polyester and nylon. It is necessary to dress the infants as per the environment. You should not add additional layers as it will make them feel uncomfortable.
Keep a check for sunburns
- You should keep a check on sunburns. If you are stepping out, you should consider making your child wear full pants and full sleeves. A brimmed hat can also be of great help. It will offer extra protection to your child from direct exposure to the sun.
Keep them indoors
- Until and unless it is extremely urgent, you should prefer to stay indoors. Overheating can lead to your child developing rashes. Prickly heat can also have a negative impact. Extra sweating can lead to the baby’s sweat glands being clogged.
- You should consider staying away from the heat as much as possible. If you are going outside, and it's not urgent, don't take your baby along with you. During summer, you should consider keeping your baby indoors as much as possible.
- Furthermore, your child will be prone to rashes and prickly heat because of the baby carrier sling. Therefore, you must keep those away as much as possible. These things can lead to your child becoming very hot and sweaty and developing rashes.
Never leave them unattended
- You should never keep your child unattended. Not only is it unsafe but it is also a significant risk during Summers. Heat buildup can be harmful.
- When you keep your children inside the vehicle, it can become tough for them. Overheating can lead to stroke in children. Even though it doesn't sound that dangerous, you should avoid it.
Schedule extra rest time
- You should ensure that your child gets some extra rest time. Overheating can be very annoying and uncomfortable for the children. If you allow the children to take a comfortable nap, things can become easier.
What is the ideal temperature for an infant?
The ideal temperature for a child is 36.4°C. However, it is necessary to note that the temperature of a child will vary depending on various factors. These include:
- Their clothes
- Time of the day
- The process of taking their temperature
The bodies of babies function in a very different manner than adults. Since their bodies can't regulate the temperature, they will have a tough time cooling their body. As soon as you notice the body temperature of the baby going over 37°C, you should know that it's a sign of fever. Fever in kids can be pretty concerning.
Conclusion
It is necessary to note that overheating and fever are two different things. However, these can lead to a significant rise in body temperature. You must reach out to a professional if your child is sick. Find the best ways to keep your baby cool in summer by using the right clothes, comfortable diapers and a lot of fluids.
FAQ's
Q. Why do babies need extra care during summer?
Ans.Babies can't regulate body temperature like adults. During summer, they overheat quickly, which can cause irritability, rashes, or even heatstroke. Their delicate skin and developing systems require extra attention to stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable to avoid health issues and ensure overall well-being during hot weather.
Q. How do I know if my baby is overheating?
Ans.Signs of overheating include flushed skin, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, damp hair, and excessive fussiness. In severe cases, confusion or vomiting may occur. Always monitor their skin temperature by touch and watch for visible redness. If your baby feels unusually hot or acts unwell, take immediate cooling measures.
Q. What should I dress my baby in during summer?
Ans.Choose lightweight, breathable clothes like cotton rompers or onesies. Avoid polyester or nylon fabrics. Dress the baby in single layers suitable for room temperature. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps prevent rashes and keeps the baby cool and comfortable in hot, humid weather.
Q. Can I give water to my baby in summer?
Ans.If your baby is under 6 months old, avoid giving water. Breast milk or formula is enough to keep them hydrated. For older babies, small amounts of clean water can be offered. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing water, especially in extreme heat.
Q. How can I protect my baby from sunburn?
Ans.Keep your baby in the shade when outdoors. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and use a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid peak sun hours and never apply sunscreen on babies under 6 months unless advised by a doctor. Sunburns can damage their sensitive skin quickly.
Q. What’s the best way to keep my baby cool indoors?
Ans.Use fans or air conditioning to maintain a cool room temperature. Dress your baby in breathable clothes and keep them hydrated. Avoid over-bundling or using heavy blankets. A lukewarm sponge bath can also help bring their body temperature down gently.
Q. Why do babies get rashes more often in summer?
Ans.Heat, sweat, and tight clothing can clog a baby’s sweat glands, leading to prickly heat rashes. Their sensitive skin is more prone to irritation. Keep your baby dry, dress them in breathable fabrics, and use moisture-rich wipes to prevent skin issues.
Q. Are diapers safe for babies in the summer?
Ans.Yes, but choose high-absorption diapers like Mamy Poko Pants Extra Absorb to avoid moisture build-up. Change diapers frequently and clean the area with gentle wipes. Letting the baby have some diaper-free time in a cool environment also helps reduce the risk of rashes.
Q. Is it safe to take my baby outside during summer?
Ans.Avoid taking your baby outdoors during peak heat hours. If necessary, keep them shaded, well-dressed in light clothes, and hydrated. Use a stroller with a canopy or a light blanket. Limit outdoor time to early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower.
Q. What is the ideal room temperature for a baby in summer?
Ans.The ideal room temperature for a baby is around 24°C to 26°C. Keep the room well-ventilated and cool but not cold. Use light bedding and monitor your baby’s body temperature to ensure they stay comfortable and avoid overheating or chills.
