Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Vivek Walia
Sr. Consultant in Paediatrics, Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital
Introduction
Taking care of infants is difficult, especially in summer when the sun is brightest and the hottest. Apart from the scorching heat, disease-causing bacteria also roam free and is another trouble for your child. Being a mom, your duty during the summers is amplified. So, if you are a new mother and worried about how to take care of your child, our paediatrician offers 5 summer healthy tips for children.
We understand that handling a baby is not a cake walk, hence, here are the summer safety tips for kids and parents :
Summer Tips: Hydration is Key, Dress for the Weather, Sun Protection, Stay Cool Indoors, Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely, Be Aware of Signs of Dehydration, Mosquito Protection
Summer Safety Tips for Kids
Hydration is the Key
Summer tips for Newborns especially those below the age of 6 months should be breastfed at regular intervals to keep them hydrated. For babies above the age of 6 months, you can give water, soups, curd, or semi-solid food with high water content. If you are stepping outside in the sun, make sure to carry all the essential food items especially water or juices to keep your child always hydrated.
Make sure to Give Fresh Milk and Other Baby Food
Being a mother, you must be aware that the main problem during the summers is the souring of food items. Apart from food items, even boiled milk and baby food tend to get sour if not stored in the refrigerator. Make sure that you keep all your baby food properly stored and in the refrigerator.It is best to give freshly prepared milk and food and avoid reheating.
Another safety tip for newbie mommies is to not keep their baby food uncovered. Uncovered food is host to house flies and other contamination. If such food is served to the baby, it may lead to indigestion, colic, gas, and other stomach-related problems.
Bath Them At Least Twice a Day
Start your baby’s day by massaging him with a moisturizing and strengthening oil. Oil massage to babies helps in improving their muscles as well as improving their mobility. According to the best child specialist in Chandigarh, a bubbly bath after an oil massage will make their skin supple and healthy.
What you can do is give them a good bath twice a day in the summer. You can bathe them once after an oil massage and once in the evening. This will also bring down the baby’s temperature and give them the energy needed for playing.
Keep Them Covered
Avoid taking out your baby during peak heat timings from 11 to 4 pm. In case baby is taken out, avoid direct sunlight exposure by using an umbrella, shades etc. Make sure to protect your baby from harmful UV rays by covering them with light, breathable, and stylish full-body covering. Cotton clothes are an excellent barrier to the UV rays and will protect their body as well as keep them cold.
Let Your Baby Stay Cool
The top paediatrics doctor in Chandigarh suggests always shielding your baby from the sun. If possible, even, do not take your baby out and keep them in the house. This will keep them from heat, rashes, and dehydration. Make sure to keep them inside in a cool room with a comfortable temperature of 26⁰C to 27⁰C. This ambient temperature will also help them sleep better and be less irritated.
Conclusion
Newborns give anxiety to newbie mothers who are constantly jittery about the safety of their babies. Being a new mother, your responsibilities are multiplied in difficult summers. Make sure to protect your child from the scorching heat by carefully following the above pointers.
If you suspect a sudden change in your baby’s health, visit the top paediatrics doctor in Chandigarh at the Motherhood Hospitals.
FAQs:
Keep your newborn out of direct sunlight, dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, and use a stroller with a canopy or sunshade when outdoors.
Use fans or air conditioning to cool your home, dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing, and offer frequent breast or bottle feeding to prevent dehydration.
Look for signs like excessive sweating, rapid breathing, flushed skin, irritability, lethargy, or vomiting. Seek medical help immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Always supervise your baby closely around water, use appropriate flotation devices, and avoid crowded or overly chlorinated pools. Rinse off chlorine or saltwater after swimming.
You can bathe your newborn 2-3 times a week in warm weather. Use lukewarm water and a gentle baby soap, and be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent irritation.
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