Everybody looks forward to summer for all the fantastic fun they can have under the sun. But the summer weather isn’t all fun and games. With rising temperatures and heatwave frequencies, looking after your and your children’s health during these hot summer months is crucial, especially if you’re a parent with young babies.
Keeping babies cool and comfortable in hot weather is challenging since they are sensitive to temperature and cannot regulate their body heat well. And if you don’t have good ways to mitigate the effects of hot weather on your babies, they’ll become susceptible to illness and get sick often during the hot summer months.
Here are some ways that you can ensure that your baby stays cool and within normal temperatures throughout the hot summer months.
Regularly Check Your Baby’s Temperatures
The most important thing to keep your baby healthy during the summer is to check their temperatures regularly. You can use a rectal thermometer for young babies under three months or an ear or forehead thermometer for older babies.
If their temperature is above 38 °C, they have a fever, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Several conditions can cause fevers in babies, so don’t try to diagnose their medical condition yourself. It’s always best to get them checked out by a doctor because there might be other things that are causing your baby to get sick.
Dress Your Baby In Lightweight, Breathable Clothing
When dressing your baby for hot weather, it’s important to choose lightweight clothing that won’t trap heat against their skin. Natural fabrics like cotton are usually the best choice because they’re breathable and won’t make your baby too hot.
You should also dress your baby in breathable clothing to give them ample air circulation around their body. It’s also a good idea to avoid dressing them in too many layers since that can make them uncomfortably hot.
Keep Their Rooms Cool
As much as possible, keep the temperature in your baby’s room between 16 °C and 20 °C. Keeping their room cool within those parameters will help your baby’s body temperature stay within the healthy range of 36.6 °C to 37.2 °C. There are many types of thermometers available that you can install to monitor the conditions of your baby’s room closely and accurately.
With the help of an air conditioner, you can quickly cool your baby’s room without much fuss. But ensure it’s in good shape before the summer months come. It’s always a good practice to have your air conditioners serviced by professionals to ensure that it’s in perfect working conditions. Contact your local AC maintenance service providers and have them visit your home to inspect your ac and conduct repairs if needed. With their expertise, you’re sure to have your ac working perfectly and ready for the summer.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Dehydration is a significant concern during hot weather, so it’s essential to make sure that your baby stays hydrated. The best way to do this is to give them small amounts of water frequently throughout the day.
You can also give them breast milk or formula if your baby is still young and fruit juice or electrolyte solutions if they’re a bit older. It’s essential to avoid giving them sugary drinks like soda because they can cause dehydration to get worse.
Signs of dehydration in babies include dry mouth, sunken eyes, few or no tears when crying, and decreased urine output. If you notice any of these signs, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately.
Give Them Plenty Of Bath Time
Baths are an excellent way to keep your baby cool in hot weather. You can give them a full bath or just let them play in a tub of water for a while. The cool water will help bring down their body temperature and make them feel more comfortable.
Supervise your baby closely during bath time because they can easily slip and hurt themselves in the tub. It would help if you kept the bathroom door open to let air circulate while bathing your baby.
Keep Your Baby Out Of The Sun
Babies are also sensitive to the sun, so it’s essential to keep them out of harmful sunlight as much as possible. If you have to take them outside, ensure they’re wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing and a hat covering their face and neck.
You should also apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, but be careful not to use one that’s too strong since babies’ skin are sensitive. It’s best to use sunscreen specifically for babies with an SPF of at least 15.
If your baby is under six months old, keeping them out of the harmful sun is best since their skin is even more sensitive in those conditions.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your family, but it’s essential to take precautions to ensure everyone stays healthy. Following these tips can help your baby stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
