How To Keep Baby Cool in Summer: A New Parents’ Guide
While having a summer baby in Minnesota may sound easier than having a winter baby, there are still factors new parents must consider to help protect their babies from the heat. Conditions like heat stroke, sunburns and dehydration are very serious, especially if they happen to a new baby.
10 Tips for How to Keep Your Baby Cool in Summer
Discover 10 ways to keep your precious babe cool during the summer months.
Keep baby hydrated: Although babies under six months should not drink water, they should be more frequently breastfed or offered a bottle when it’s hot. Babies need up to 50 percent more breastmilk or formula during the warm summer months to receive sufficient hydration.
Babies over six months should be offered modest amounts of water in addition to breastmilk or formula.
Don’t expose baby to direct sunlight: Your new baby cannot regulate his temperature like an adult and is not old enough to wear sunscreen. Therefore, when venturing outdoors, you must fully cover your baby in loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Do this every time you go outside and include a broad-brimmed hat to protect his head.
Additionally, seek shade wherever possible and avoid outdoor activities during the sun’s most harmful hours, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Use sunscreen wisely: Although sunscreen is not advisable for small babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics has now stated that children under six months can wear small amounts of sunscreen on exposed areas when necessary.
• Children over six months should have sunscreen applied liberally and often when exposed to the sun.
• Always wipe off sunscreen with a cool, damp wash cloth upon returning inside to allow baby’s body temperate to regulate most efficiently.
Check out this list for the safest sunscreens for kids.
Choose the right clothing: Always choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for your baby on hot days. Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo and linen work best in the heat to keep baby covered but still cool.
Remember that sunburns can happen even in the shade. Ensure your baby is fully covered or in the shade at all times if he is under six months and avoid prolonged exposure for babies over six months.
Never EVER, EVER leave baby alone in a hot car: It does not matter if you roll down all the windows and only intend to be gone for a minute. There is never a time when this is a safe practice.
DID YOU KNOW…on a 70-degree day, it only takes 20 minutes for the car's internal temperature to reach over 120 degrees, WITH the windows cracked. Therefore, leaving your baby in a hot car can be life-threatening.
Choose a summer-friendly baby carrier: While baby-wearing is wonderful for bonding, it can create extra heat between you. To ensure you both stay as cool as possible while baby-wearing, choose a warm-weather-friendly carrier like a linen ring sling, gauze wrap or SSC with a mesh panel.
They also make mesh wraps and slings that can be worn in the pool so you and your baby can take a cool dip together.
Opt for tummy-to-tummy carry positions during the summer to allow baby easy access to breastfeeding.
Keep baby’s sleep environment cool: The safest room temperature for a new baby is between 65-70 degrees. If temperatures are high and you do not have an air conditioner, consider installing a window unit or large fan or dress baby in minimal nighttime clothing.
Your baby should be dressed comfortably and appropriately for the nighttime temperature—not too warm but not too cold. It’s also imperative that you do not over bundle your baby for sleep as overheating has been found to play a factor in some instances of SIDS.
Find more tips on safe sleep for infants.
Choose air-conditioned fun activities: If it’s unpleasantly hot outside and you have a new baby, you really shouldn’t be spending much time outdoors, if any. Think of places in your community where you can go to cool off. In the case of extreme temperatures (over 100 degrees), opt for staying home instead and waiting for more comfortable weather before taking your baby out.
Crank the air in the car: Cool your car down first before buckling baby into her car seat. Because she cannot regulate her little body temperature, strapping her into her car seat in a hot car is not a good idea.
Let the AC run for a few minutes to cool down the car. Also, if you have them, ensure that your backseat vents are open and working properly to increase airflow to baby once you do get moving.
Watch for signs of heat distress: Problems caused by hot weather can range from less serious conditions like heat rash (a red and bumpy rash in the creases and folds of the body) to much more severe complications like heatstroke and dehydration.
Signs to Look Out For
If your baby displays any of the following signs or symptoms, seek medical attention immediately as he may be experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke:
• Appears flush
• Red-faced
• Restless and lethargic
• Vomiting
• Seems to be breathing rapidly
While you wait for medical help, take baby to a cool place, strip him down to his diaper and sponge him with a cool wet cloth. Most importantly, take precautions to prevent severe conditions like heat stroke and dehydration before they happen.
What outside temperature is too hot for a baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure with their children when the heat index is at or above 90°F, as it can cause them to overheat quickly.
What temperature is safe to take baby outside for a walk?
In order to protect your baby from the harmful effects of the sun's rays during the summer months, it's important to avoid outdoor activities during the peak period of 10 AM to 2 PM. Instead, plan your activities for before or after this time.
Keep in mind that outdoor temperatures outside of this period can also affect your baby's safety, so it's important to monitor the weather closely. If you find yourself in the middle of a heat wave, wait until the weather cools down significantly before resuming any outdoor activities.
Keep Baby Cool and Safe This Summer!
Taking the proper precautions to protect your baby from the sun and heat during the summer months is as important as protecting them from the winter chill. Remember that your little one cannot regulate his body temperature like adults and therefore relies on you to keep him in a comfortable setting.
For questions about infant care, pregnancy, natural birth and more, contact Health Foundations for a free consultation.
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Happy Summer!
