Congratulations on your new baby! It can be a daunting prospect to suddenly be responsible for this tiny human and so it’s important to ensure you have an appropriate support network around you. Understanding how to care for your baby will also make your job a lot easier and take away some of that anxiety. Here we’re going to look at how first-time parents can care for their newborns during the summer season.
Clothes
Dressing your baby in the correct clothing is incredibly important and will prevent them from overheating – a common affliction during hot weather.
Dress your newborn in loose fitting clothes to allow their skin to breathe and don’t be afraid to strip them down to a vest if you think they need it.
If you’re going out into the sun, be sure to cover your baby’s head with a summer hat and keep them in the shade as much as possible.
Keep them cool
Whilst going outside and enjoying the sunshine is a popular past time during the summer months, first-time parents need to be mindful of how this can affect their newborn.
Newborns can overheat really quickly, so avoid taking your child into direct sunlight. Keep them in the shade where possible and this will also protect their eyes.
When it comes to sleeping at night, be sure to ventilate their room sufficiently to lower the temperature and keep them cool.
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Read More:
6 Ways to Establish Healthy Sleeping Habits for Your Baby
How to Keep Your Sleeping Newborn Baby Safe
Basic Things to Buy for Your Newborn Baby
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5 signs your baby is too hot
We’ve mentioned the importance of ensuring your baby doesn’t overheat, and it’s something that requires constant monitoring. But what symptoms should you be looking out for?
- Sweating
- Flushed cheeks
- Damp hair
- Heat rash
- Rapid breathing
All of these signs could indicate that your newborn is overheating, and without the capability to regulate their body temperature like an adult, it’s vital that you spot these signs early.
Summer illnesses to look out for
Whilst your baby’s immune system develops, they can be particularly perceptible to illnesses, and this is no different in the summer months. Whilst breastfeeding will provide your baby with the necessary antibodies, those using formula will need to ensure they correctly sterilise everything that your baby will put in their mouth.
The added heat that comes with the summer months can also bring with it a few conditions that parents need to look out for:
- Prickly heat rash – often caused by excessive sweating from being overdressed in warm weather
- Fever – caused by overheating and a lack of fluids
- Dehydration – caused by not enough fluids
- Heat stroke – caused by overheating and being in direct sunlight
- Viral infections – such as gastroenteritis, that can be picked up from poor hygiene
- Sunburn – caused by exposure to the sun
Resources:
https://www.babycenter.in/a1051200/caring-for-your-baby-in-summer
www.mychildmagazine.com.au/newborn-care-for-summer-babies/
https://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/making-baby-comfortable-in-summer-heat/
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