A scorching summer presents a muddling conundrum for first-time moms. How do you dress your baby in the heat? Babies have a limited ability to regulate their own temperature, so it’s just as important to keep them cool in the warm months as it is to keep them warm in the cool months. We need to be cautious of how we can protect them from the heat and the rashes and allergies that are a result of the summer months.
So here are some important skin care tips to help keep your baby happy, healthy and hydrated through the season:
#1 Seek Out Shade
As much as we love to take our babies out in the summer, the sun can play havoc on their delicate skin and eyes. Hence, we need to be mindful of the time when we take them out. First thing in the morning or late afternoon i.e. post 4:30 pm is an appropriate time to play with your baby in the sun as the sun rays are much gentler. Definitely use a good sunscreen when out in the sun for babies beyond 6 month of age.
To protect your baby from the direct sunlight, use a pram that has a canopy to shade your baby at all times. You could also use a cloth but do ensure that there is enough room for ventilation.
#2 Keep the baby hydrated
Water is the most important ingredient for summer. For babies under 6 months, breast milk is enough but babies older than 6 months need to be given water regularly, In summer, babies should drink at least 12 ounces of water to prevent them from dehydration.
Other than hydrating them from within, it is important to also keep your baby cool, clean and moisturized. Dry skin is associated with winter but that is a misconception especially when it comes to babies. Babies experience dryness in summer as their skin is much thinner than ours and can dry out more due to the air conditioning and being in the swimming pool. In fact, a baby’s skin loses moisture up to five times faster than an adult’s skin.
Give your baby a bath in lukewarm water twice a day. Use a mild baby soap that also provides superior moisturisation like Baby Dove’s Rich Moisture Baby Bar. The Baby Dove bar contains 1/4th moisturising cream making your baby’s skin soft and nourished. It is hypoallergenic to minimise the risk of allergies and pH neutral. Moreover, it replenishes the essential nutrients lost during cleansing and help preserve skin barrier function, meaning more moisture and nutrients stay in.
Also, to prevent itchy and parched skin, keep your baby’s skin hydrated with a good-quality moisturiser like the Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion, which soothes dry skin from the very first use. It gently moisturises baby’s skin for 24 hours leaving it extra soft and delicately scented
#3 Pick the right clothes
Babies should be comfortable dressed for high temperatures just as you would dress yourself. So, ask yourself how hot it feels and what you would be comfortable in, when you are considering how to dress your baby.
What are you wearing? If you are comfortable in a t-shirt and shorts, then your baby will be comfortable in similar clothing. For hot days, a cotton short-sleeved bodysuit is perfect. You can add layers when things cool down.
Similarly, if it’s so hot that you feel terribly hot then dressing your baby in a nappy when indoors is completely appropriate
Also, if you find nylon, polyester and synthetic fabrics uncomfortable and itchy in summer, so will your baby. Soft breathable organic cotton is the best to keep them happy and cool.
#4 Provide good ventilation
Sweating is one way the human body cools down. Babies have a limited ability to sweat – they only sweat from their neck, hands, feet and head (30% of their overall body.) Because of this, they can become overheated very quickly. So putting socks and hats on babies when it’s hot will limit their ability to cool themselves down again. So, ditch the socks and hats in summer and let their skin breathe easy.
How do I know if my baby is too hot?
Here are the signs that your baby is too hot:
- sweating
- damp hair
- flushed cheeks
- heat rash
- rapid breathing
To check how hot or cold your baby is, place the back of your hand on the back of your baby’s neck. Their skin should feel comfortably warm.
Make sure your little one stays cool and protected during the long, hot days of summer with these hacks. Try the above tips and enjoy the heat, instead of hiding from it!
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