Five Tips to Keep your Baby Cool During Hot Weather

It is summer in the Philippines, and everyone can feel it! Although we experience warm days all year round, summer is usually when temperatures reach their highest, thus daytime can cause discomfort to adults and babies alike. 

In Timor Leste where we used to live, it seemed as if it was summer all year round! The years we spent with two little ones there have taught me that when it comes to keeping baby cool, one must keep the following pointers in mind:

1. Easy breezy as 1-2-3.
Needless to say, when it is hot outdoors, the indoors provide temporary relief. However, being inside the house can also be quite uncomfortable if your home is stuffy and has poor ventilation. As much as possible, keep your baby in a well-ventilated place, like the living room or on a covered veranda.Opening several windows in the house to let the breeze blow is a practical idea.  If you have an airconditioning unit in your home, switch it on and leave it for an hour or two, after which you could immediately turn on the electric fan to help circulate the cool air and keep the room cooler longer.

2. Hydrate.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the dangers of hot weather, especially for young children, is dehydration, which may lead to heat stroke if not given proper attention. Thus, it is important to always keep your baby hydrated. Babies should drink at least 50 percent more than usual during hot weather. Babies under 6 months should be nursed more frequently, or, if formula-fed, given extra formula. It is estimated that the normal fluid intake for infants is at least 2 ounces per pound per day. For babies 6 months and above, parents can supplement their fluid intake by supplementing formula with clean drinking water in a sippy cup or bottle. Breastfeeding moms should also increase their fluid intake to keep their milk supply up (Remember that carbonated drinks, coffee and tea do not count as proper fluids!). Don’t overdo it though (more than 12 glasses a day), as this may decrease your milk supply. If needed, give baby a bath twice in a day (or even more if it’s really, really hot!). If you have an inflatable pool, let your older babies splash around in it under your supervision. 

 

Click next to read more tips on how to keep baby cool during hot weather.

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3. Dress down when the temperature is up.
As cute as those overalls would look on your little tot, it would be best NOT to dress him up too much on hot days. This applies especially to newborns, who are unable to regulate their body temperature and tend to easily feel hot faster. Dr. Bruce Epstein, a US-based pediatrician, recommends that parents dress their babies the way they would dress for the weather. If you’re staying indoors on a hot summer day, let baby wear lightweight, loose-fitting garments made from natural fiber like cotton, not synthetic like polyester. I usually dress our youngest in a plain sando and diaper, although now that we are toilet-training her, the diaper has been replaced by cotton panties. When going out, dress baby in light-colored cotton clothing as darker colors absorb more heat.

4. Make a “beat-the-heat grab bag.”
What exactly is a “beat-the-heat grab bag”? Basically, it’s just a small bag or pouch that contains basic items that can help your little one “beat the heat.” These could include, but are not limited to, the following things:• a hand-held fan or battery-operated mini-fan• child-appropriate sunscreen • shades / sunglasses • small umbrella (especially for commuting families like us!)• car shades • water mist bottle – just fill up a small clean spray bottle with clean water and spritz it occasionally on your baby’s exposed body parts during really hot weather• wet ones or damp washcloth – wipe down your baby occasionally during hot days outside• extra lampin and change of clothes for when she sweats. 

5. Practice perfect timing. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the worst time of the day for your baby to be outdoors is between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. This is when ultraviolet rays are at their harshest. So if you want to take baby out for a walk or playtime in the park, it would be best to time your trips before or after this period. Also, take note that sunlight can penetrate through the shade even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds. Therefore, it is best to always put sunscreen on baby when you are outdoors. 

The hot summer days are far from over, so take heed and protect your family by following these tips and taking extra precaution for your little one. 

 

Photo from dgl.microsoft.com

 

May 1, 2011

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