Ah, summer is here and we all love a good trip to the beach, a vacation, or even the joy of stepping out in parks. Everyone is using their time off from work to relax for a bit. But what does that mean for new parents and newborns?
Summer is arguably the best season of the year, but it can also bring about plenty of challenges for babies and newborns. Without adequate summer care, it can be hard to enjoy this season as a new parent. So what can you do?
We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips that will definitely make summer all the more enjoyable for you and your little one.
How to Dress My Newborn Baby during Summer?
Hot and humid weather is as risky for a newborn baby as cold weather. Because newborns do not yet have the ability to regulate their body temperature, they are more likely to become overheated and get heat-related illnesses.
This is why you should be careful when dressing your newborn in the summer.
- When the weather is above 24°C degrees, just dress your baby in a single layer.
- Always pop a light hat on your baby’s head. Whether it’s hot or cold, a hat helps shield them from harsh sunlight.
- Go for soft, light fabrics, especially when it’s warm. Stick to a single layer of cotton during the heat of the day.
- When it cools down at night, a light, cotton sleeping bag is perfect for your baby.
- If you’re using a sling or baby carrier, make sure it’s made of breathable fabric so your baby doesn’t overheat.
- Keep your baby out of the sun. The FDA doesn’t recommend sunscreen for babies under 6 months, but many doctors now say it’s okay if you use the right kind.
- Protect your newborn from the sun in any weather. Avoid long beach stays, especially in summer. Keep them in the shade and out of the sun during peak hours.
- Make sure your baby’s eyes are safe from the sun with UV-protective sunglasses.
What is the Right Temperature for a Newborn?
When talking about temperature with regards to your newborn baby, you should think about it from two perspectives: body temperature and ambient temperature.
Regardless of the air temperature, your body temperature should be between 36-37°C degrees.
Measuring your baby’s temperature using a rectal thermometer will always give you the most accurate result.
If your baby’s body temperature goes out of this range, they may be sick. In that case, it is recommended that you contact a doctor immediately.
On the other hand, regardless of whether it’s summer or winter, your baby’s environment’s temperature should be between 20-22°C degrees.
For premature babies, things might be a little different. An ambient temperature slightly above 22°C degrees may be sufficient.
If your baby is in a very hot environment, it can trigger sudden infant death syndrome. Therefore, maintaining an ideal ambient temperature is important.
Baby cameras such as Invidyo help you make sure that their ambient temperature is always ideal.
The risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome increases when your baby’s temperature rises. During the first 6 months, you should be particularly careful to avoid sudden infant death syndrome.
How Often Should I Bathe My Newborn during Summer?
How often you bathe your newborn in the summer really depends on your baby and how they’re doing. In the first few weeks, stick to sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off.
After that, experts suggest giving your baby a bath once a day with water at the right temperature, especially during those hot summer days.
Should I Cover My Newborn Baby in the Summer?
There is no need to cover your newborn baby in the summer. In the appropriate ambient temperature, you can put your baby to bed with a single layer of cotton clothing on.
If you are swaddling your baby, avoid synthetic fibers and choose between cotton or muslin fabric.
If you think that your baby might be bothered by drafts in the room, you can use a sleeping bag made of cotton or thin fabric.
Can I Use Baby Oil While Massaging?
Massaging your baby regularly is very important. Baby massage has many benefits for your baby’s development and growth. Using baby oil keeps your baby’s skin moist and cool throughout the summer. Therefore, it is important to use suitable oils while massaging your baby.
You can tell if a massage oil is suitable for your newborn by the fact that it:
- does not clog pores
- allows the skin to breathe
- easily absorbs by the skin
- contents are clean and chemical-free
Can I Swaddle My Baby in the Summer?
Yes, you absolutely can swaddle your baby in the summer. However, the fabric you choose for the swaddle should be:
- Light,
- Breathable
- 100% cotton
So how should you dress your baby is you’re going to use a swaddle?
Dress your baby in a single layer. For example, a cotton bodysuit would be ideal.
How Do I Prevent Overheating at Night?
In order for your baby to have a restful night’s sleep,
- their sleeping environment must be ideal
- their body temperature must be normal.
Room temperature
While you can’t control the weather outside, you can control the conditions in your baby’s room to some extent.
The ideal temperature in a baby’s room should be between 20 to 22°C degrees.
To keep the room cool, you can try the following:
- Make sure the room is adequately ventilated.
- Keep the windows and doors open for a while.
- Prevent heat from entering the room by using blackout curtains.
- Provide airflow through a fan.
Proper Sleepwear
Under normal circumstances, the golden rule for baby clothing is this: Whatever you wear as an adult, you should dress your baby in one layer more.
However, for a baby who cannot regulate their body temperature on hot summer nights, it may be necessary to be a little more flexible.
Pajamas and sleepwear that are suitable for a newborn baby include:
- Short sleeve, short leg jumpsuit
- Organic cotton t-shirt
- 100% cotton, pajamas without booties
- 100% cotton, pajamas with footies
Pay attention to not overdress your baby. Never put your baby to bed wearing a bonnet, hat, or beret. This can cause your baby’s head to overheat and poses dangers to your child’s wellbeing.
Another danger of wearing a hat or beret while sleeping is that it may prevent your baby from breathing if it falls off their head.
How Can I Tell That My Baby Is Hot?
Your baby will always clear indicate their discomfort in any situation through their attitude or behavior. Some signs you can look out for that may indicate that your baby is too hot are:
- Their skin is very warm to the touch
- Their skin turns red
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Breathing quickens
- Vomiting
- Restlessness, crying or lack of response entirely
- Neck sweats
- Damp head and hair from sweat
- Heat rash
- Inability to fall asleep
- Body temperature is 38°C degrees or more
What Should I Do If My Baby Is Too Warm?
If you notice that your baby is hot or uncomfortable in the heat, the first thing you should do is to stay calm! Panicking will not allow you to handle the situation calmly and put your little one at ease.
Some ways your can lower your baby’s body temperature are:
- Take off your baby’s clothes and leave just the diaper on. If you notice redness in the diaper area, give them a break and take the diaper off for a while.
- If you’re breastfeeding, go ahead and nurse your baby. If not, offer some formula, but make sure it’s not hot.
- Grab a cool cloth and gently apply it to your baby’s lips or forehead.
- Give your baby a bath in lukewarm water, not cold.
- Move to a room with good ventilation.
- If you think it’s necessary, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.
How to Protect Your Baby from the Heat
Keep an Eye on Your Baby’s Feeding
If you’re breastfeeding, try to nurse your baby more often to keep them hydrated in the summer heat.
For formula-fed babies, it’s best to check with your doctor about how often to feed and what temperature the formula should be, especially on those scorching summer days.
Beat the Heat Rash
Heat rash is super common in young babies and can be quite the hassle for certain skin types.
Many parents and experts swear by using pure olive oil or organic coconut oil to tackle heat rash.
But remember, every baby’s skin is unique. It’s a good idea to check with a dermatologist to find the best solution for your little one.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Feeding your baby frequently is key to keeping them hydrated. Whether it’s breast milk or formula, it helps meet their nutritional needs and quenches their thirst.
During summer, the body needs more water. Keep an eye on your baby’s diaper.
If your baby hasn’t wet their diaper in over 6 hours or shows signs like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, reach out to a healthcare provider.
Avoid The Sun Between 10AM and 2PM
Try to stay indoors with your baby during these peak sun hours when the rays are the strongest.
If you need to be outside, take extra precautions.
Baby skin is super sensitive to the sun. Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing that covers their skin. Don’t forget an umbrella for some extra shade.
Protect Your Baby From Flies And Insects
Summertime often means dealing with flies and insects, which can be a real nuisance for babies too. So, special precautions are a must.
A mosquito net can be perfect for newborns. Just ensure it’s sturdy and doesn’t touch the baby’s face. Consider using an organic, chemical-free insect repellent or a baby-friendly oil.
A fan or air conditioner (not blowing directly on the baby) can also help keep flies at bay.
Dress Your Baby Right
Opt for breathable, cotton, and lightweight clothing that won’t cling to your baby’s skin during summer.
When you head out in the heat, don’t forget to apply a suitable sunscreen, put a hat on their head, and dress them in appropriate clothing to protect their whole body.
References: parentingfirstcry.com, healthline.com, whattoexpect.com, parents.com, babycenter.com
