Are you expecting your baby sometime between now and the end of September? If so, you’ll quickly learn that tending to a newborn in the summertime can be tricky. This new little person can’t tell you whether he’s too hot, or feeling just right, and his limited ability to regulate his body temperature. With a bit of caution and some preparation, you can be sure to keep your newborn safe and comfortable on warm summer days.
Timing is everything. Between 10am and 2pm, the sun is highest in the sky, and temperatures are likely to soar. If you can, schedule outdoor time for the morning or the late afternoon, when there is likely to be more shade and temperatures will be more moderate. If you’re running errands, take advantage of the long mornings your baby’s early wake-up time has created, and get outside before the ground heats up. And if you’ve been invited to a backyard party or want to attend an outdoor event, wait until the late afternoon to arrive, as things are cooling down.
Shady spots are key. Walk on the shady side of the street. If dining outdoors, ask for a table with an umbrella. At the beach, park, or a friend’s backyard, find the shady area and get yourself situated there. A floppy, lightweight hat will help to protect your baby from the sun, as will sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
Be mindful of sunscreen use. Babies under six months of age have very delicate skin, so heavy use of sunscreen is not desirable. If you can, keep your baby shaded from the sun and wearing lightweight clothes. But if you’ve decided to take your baby for a quick dip in the water or if you find yourself in a situation where shade is minimal, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a very light layer of sunscreen, as the protection it affords is preferable to a sunburn!
Clothe her carefully. Think about how you like to dress on a hot, summer day. Dress your baby in loose-fitting garments that are lightweight. Natural fibers like cotton let skin breathe and absorb sweat, and lighter colors reflect sunlight away from your baby’s skin. And, as we said above, a floppy sunhat and some sunglasses will add protection.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Your baby may not sweat as profusely as you do under the hot summer sun, but just a small loss of moisture can lead to dehydration in such a tiny person! Nurse more frequently if you’re outdoors.
Making sure your outdoor time is brief, shady, and during the coolest times of day will go a long way toward preventing heat illness in your infant. And follow us on Pinterest to see “What’s in our beach bag!”
