In extremely hot weather where the temperature rises considerably (heat wave), a baby often needs some extra care. The summer season is good for your baby because the metabolism is stimulated and the skin produces more vitamin D. Summer can also bring drawbacks. Because they themselves are not yet able to maintain their own body temperature, you as parents have to be extra alert on such days.
The Baby Skin
Your baby’s skin is very sensitive. A baby cannot regulate its own body heat yet. Avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen with a factor above thirty. Sometimes it can happen that your baby suffers from heat rash. This looks like small bumps on red skin. These bumps will disappear on their own as your baby cools. A lukewarm bath is great for your baby to cool off.
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Outwards
If you want to go outside with the little one, keep the following things in mind:
- It is best to use a parasol and put on sunglasses, a cap, or a hat when playing outside.
- Look for a sheltered shady spot.
- Protect your baby against flies and mosquitoes by attaching a mosquito net or a layer of curtains to the stroller.
- Place an extra Molton or towel in the crib or pram, this absorbs a lot of moisture so that your child is less bothered by perspiration.
- Make sure there is adequate ventilation in the pushchair.
- Feet also burn quickly, for example, put on cotton socks.
- Use aftersun to cool the skin.
Temperatures
If you want to be sure that your baby is not too hot, measure the temperature. A temperature of 37.5°C is normal, and with a body temperature of 37.6°C or higher, your baby is too warm. On hot days, your baby may sweat, but not have a redhead! Airy clothing is pleasant in the heat. Don’t put your baby on more than one layer of clothes. You can also swaddle your baby in hot weather, but pay close attention to the risks that swaddling can entail. A tight swaddling method and the use of fabrics that are too thick or poorly ventilating significantly increase the risk of heat build-up.
Nutrition In Hot Weather
We all need extra moisture on a hot weather day. On a hot day, continue to breastfeed on demand. You can give your baby five to ten cc of extra water in addition to the formula. If you are breastfeeding, drink extra yourself and put your baby on more often. Breast milk consists of more than ninety percent water. Trust your own body and listen to your child’s needs. If you are not breastfeeding, refill the bottle regularly. If possible, give small pieces of fruit or a fruit snack. Do not give sweet drinks, your baby will get even more thirsty.
Stool
Make sure your baby is urinating enough. In general, small erratic nappies (especially in hot weather) indicate insufficient nutrition. Of course, this doesn’t always have to be the case, but it’s good to keep an eye on this. If your baby suffers from diarrhea, you should think about ten to sixteen dirty diapers a day. Make sure the baby drinks enough and put him or her on more often. This also applies to a baby who is vomiting. Make sure that the baby does not drink too much at once, but do this in stages.
Dehydration Hot Weather
Your baby is sensitive to the heat because they can’t regulate their own body heat yet. Recognize the first symptoms of dehydration as soon as possible! You have different stages of dehydration:
- Thirst
- Less urination and dry skin, restless or sleepy.
- Less responsive than usual, no tears, no more urination, deep-set eyes, no elasticity of the skin.
- shock
When in doubt, always consult the midwife.
To Sleep
Light, temperature, and noise are all factors that are important when sleeping. It is sometimes difficult to sleep well during the summer days. Try to keep the bedroom at a temperature of about 18 degrees, but in the summer this will be difficult to maintain. The temperature can rise especially in small rooms or attic rooms. If necessary, move the bed to another cooler room. Hang dark sun protection curtains for warmth and to keep it dark.
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Opt for thin cotton clothes. Sometimes a shirt or romper is enough. Put your baby to bed at the same time every day and a bedtime ritual can also work very well with this. Make sure that this pattern is not disturbed as much as possible. Be aware that there is half an hour between the last meal and going to bed, then the food can still sink.
Tips For Baby In Hot Weather
- Provide airy cotton clothing.
- Keep your baby in a cool place or in the shade as much as possible. Make sure your child is not in a draft.
- Avoid direct sunlight. From six months you can let him get used to the sun in the spring.
- A Molton in bed absorbs extra perspiration.
- When walking, lower the hood of the pram.
- Never, ever, leave a baby in the car!
- Encourage a newborn to drink regularly.
- When you go on holiday it is best to give ‘familiar’ food and the only water that is reliable for the first few days.
