Caring for your Munchkin this Summer

Whether you spend it inside or in the great outdoors, summer is a tricky season for keeping an infant safe and comfortable. Overdress a baby and he could develop an angry heat rash; expose his fragile body to hot conditions and he could be vulnerable to a painful, damaging sunburn or to heatstroke, a serious affliction characterized by a high fever and rapid breathing.

To make sure your little one stays cool and protected during the long, hot days of summer, check out our expert advice.

Pick the Right Clothes

• If you're going to be indoors, dress your infant in loose-fitting, lightweight garments, preferably made from a natural fiber like cotton, which absorbs perspiration better than synthetic fabrics. Keep a watch on your baby if you are not sure how much to dress her. The rule of thumb is to dress her with one more layer of clothing than you are using. If however she looks like she’s hot, remove a layer. Your baby can easily sweat and lose fluids from being overdressed or feeling too warm. Overheating can lead to dehydration.

So watch for signs that your baby is getting too hot. These signs include:

• Sweating
• Damp Hair
• Flushed Cheeks
• Heat Rash
• Rapid Breathing

To keep your baby comfortable as she lies down, place a cotton cloth under her first, especially if you are putting her down on a surface made from synthetic material that might trap heat in the skin and make your baby sweat more.

Use a summer hat to protect her head and face when you step out.Babies under six months should be kept out of the sun.

If there are mosquitoes in your area then keep your baby's arms and legs covered with clothes made from light coloured, breathable materials, like cotton.

Provide Good Ventilation

• Since a baby doesn't perspire effectively, he can become overheated far more quickly than an adult. That's why you should never leave an infant in a hot room or a parked car. Even a few minutes could cause his temperature to spike and, in extreme cases, may prove life-threatening.

Use a Summer-Friendly Baby Carrier

Keep Him Hydrated

• Even if you don't see beads of sweat dripping from your infant's forehead, he can be losing precious fluids to perspiration in hot weather. A flushed face, skin that's warm to the touch, rapid breathing, and restlessness may be warning signs of dehydration. Since infants under 6 months shouldn't drink water (babies over 6 months can take in modest amounts), replace the lost liquids by giving him extra formula or by nursing more frequently.

Skin Soothers

• If an infant sweats profusely during hot, humid weather, tiny red bumps may start to cluster on her neck or groin, in the folds of her skin at the back of her knees, or in the crease of her elbows. To relieve heat rash, remove her sticky outfit and dress her in loose cotton clothes (or simply a diaper), and apply corn starch baby powder to the affected areas. Keeping her in a cool, well-ventilated room will help relieve symptoms.
• A sunburn, characterized by hot, red, swollen skin that's painful to the touch, can cause a baby even greater misery. Contact your doctor immediately if a child under age 1 gets a sunburn. He'll likely have you apply cool (not cold) tap water, followed by a moisturizer, to the burned area. Don't pop blisters; they protect against infection. Infants' acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be appropriate for relieving discomfort.