It always becomes a top priority for parents to comfort their baby to stay cool as temperatures rise. In order to make things easy for you we have curated few easy-to-follow tips which can keep your baby cool this summer.
Dress your Baby light
Lightweight Fabrics: Dress your baby in lightweight clothing, breathable fabrics such as cotton garments to help keep your baby’s skin stay cool and dry from scorching sun.
Loose Clothing: Choose loose-fitting light weighed clothes is advised to promote ample air circulation according to room temperature.
Keep your Baby Hydrated
Frequent Feedings: Ensure your baby stays hydrated by breastfeeding or bottle-feeding more often. A baby needs two ounces of milk per pound which increases by 50% during summers. Babies can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather.
Supplemental Water: For babies older than six months, you can offer small amounts of water in addition to their regular feedings.
Create a pleasant Sleeping Environment
Cool Room: Keep your baby’s sleeping area cool by using fans or air conditioning. Maintaining room temperature between 20-22°C is advised.
Light Bedding: Use light, breathable bed sheets, blankets and avoid heavy bedding. You can also use a thin, lightweight blanket if needed, tucked in securely at chest level.
When Sun is Shining Bright
Shade: As your baby’s skin is sensitive avoid stepping out between 10 AM to 2 PM. Use a stroller with a canopy or make sure to carry an umbrella along. Use caps with wide brims to protect your baby’s face and neck from scorching sun.
Sunscreen: For babies older than six months, apply a baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to exposed skin.
Cool your Baby with Cool Baths
Frequent Baths: Give your baby a lukewarm bath to help cool them down. Avoid cold water as it can be too shocking for a baby’s system.
Wet Washcloths: Use a damp washcloth to gently wipe your baby’s skin during the day to keep them feeling cool.
Check for Exhaustion signs
Symptoms: Due to non-availability of fully developed sweat glands, it is difficult to find if your baby is feeling hot. Unusual behavioral signs such as fussiness, excessive sweating, red skin, rapid heartbeat, or milk refusal are few signs of heat exhaustion
Immediate Action: If you suspect your baby is showing overheating symptoms, move them to a cooler place immediately, offer fluids, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
During Car Travel
Never Leave Unattended: Never leave your baby in a parked car, even for a short period, coz the temperature inside a car can rise dramatically within minutes.
Cool Car Seats: Before placing your baby in their car seat, check that the seat is not too hot. Consider using a sunshade for the windows and cooling the car down with the air conditioning.
Summer Skincare
Soothing Summer Powder: Choose the powder which effectively absorbs excess moisture and oil from your baby’s skin and prevent rashes. The ones with fine texture that glides easily on your baby’s skin is advised.
Moisturizing Lotion: Choose a baby moisturizer that is gentle on your baby's skin and toxin-free. Consider ones which can lock in moisture for long hours due to its low water content.
Oil Massage
Oil Massage: Oil Boy Massage offers your baby multiple benefits as this is an age-old practice across India. While choosing ready made ones, lookout which are non-toxic, fragrance-free, and non-sticky in nature.
Natural Oils: Oils from Coconut, Almond, Olive, Shea butter, Oats & Rose hip can be considered. These help in healing skin rashes and get rid of dry, itchy skin on regular use.
Summary: By following these tips, you as a parent can ensure your baby stays cool, and comfortable during this hot summer season. It is advised to keep an active eye on your baby for any signs of discomfort and take necessary precautions to protect them from pesky heat.
