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Summer heat is one thing that all of us want to avoid. Given the scorching heat wave all around the entire aura and mood is kept at stake and people tend to find solace in summer chillers. Extreme heat causes innumerable health problems like dehydration, cough, stomach illness etc and hence proper care must be taken during summers to withstand the heat and keep oneself cool and fresh.
Babies are required extra care so that they do not face summer problems and fall sick. As the skin of the baby is tender, it has to be well protected from sunlight and so as hot summer is around here are baby caring tips for new Mom:
1. Never take the baby out when sun is at peak: Avoid taking your little one out at peak time i.e. from 12 noon to 3.00 pm. This is the time when one experiences highest stroke of sun and thus it is advisable to avoid taking infants and babies out during this period. In case you have no option but to go out with the baby during this time, them see that your baby is well covered and it has cap over his/her head. You can also some quality baby cream over the face and hands so that it acts as protective shield for the baby.
2. Wear loose and cool clothes: Cotton clothes are the best attire that every one of us should prefer during summers. Light colored cotton clothes reflect the heat and it absorbs heat and sweat from the body, thus keeping it cool. Make the baby wear loose cotton clothes so that he/she feels comfortable and cool throughout the day.
3. Bath the baby with warm water: Water temperature is important as extreme hot water will harm the baby and cause heat rash and too cool water will affect the health. So bath your baby with normal water temperature that causes refreshing and soothing effect in hot summers. One the baby twice during summers.
4. Ensure Air circulation: Babies do not perspire effectively and this makes them more prone to overheating than adults and thus infants should never be left in parked cars or hot rooms and always keep your baby in place with proper air circulation.
5. Keep the baby hydrated: Even if you do not see the baby sweat, it may be still losing fluids through perspiration. It is advisable to keep the baby hydrated by giving fluids like juice and water at regular intervals. For babies below six months, water is not allowed to be given so nurse them frequently. Babies need 50% or higher fluids than normal during summers.
6. Choose nappies wisely: It is better to go for nappies that are comfortable and that prevent nappy and heat rash. In case the baby develops heat rash, which is more common in hot and humid conditions, then use good quality ointment or baby talcum powder to keep the place cool and moist.
7. Food: During summers, food should be light, with plenty of liquid in the diet. For babies, light food is recommended. Curd, dal pani, fruit juice etc. should be used in plenty as they are easy to digest and keep the baby hydrated throughout.
8. Viral infections: Viral infections are common during summers and the best way to support the immune system of the baby is to breast feed it and also try to keep the people affected from flu or such other disease away from the baby. See that anyone who touches the baby washes the hands properly.
9. Dehydration: Babies easily get dehydrated if they are taken out during summers. If you are breast feeding, then there is no need to give extra water as your feeding has water content required for the baby, just feed the baby every time he/she asks for. Formula fed babies require extra water in peak summer.
