Scorching heat and rising temperatures can make the summer appear unrelenting. This can make it a hard time for you and your little one. Babies are susceptible to various illnesses mainly during the summer such as dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, sunburn etc. Following a few simple safety measures can help get you and your baby through the summer safely.
- CLOTHES: Keep your baby comfortable and cool in loose-fitting cotton clothing that allows his/her skin to breathe. Use a summer hat to shield the baby’s face when you step out. If your area has mosquitoes then keep your baby's legs and arms covered with clothes made from breathable and light materials, like cotton. Baby Clothes should be soft and of proper size.
- CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE: The summer heat leads to increase in perspiration which can cause rashes and skin infection. Increase the number of sponge baths or proper baths to keep the baby cool and clean. When bathing the baby take special care to clean his/her neck, underarms and other folds in the body. Adding a few drops of neem or eucalyptus oil to the bath will help in disinfecting the baby’s body. Wash the little one’s laundry with a mild disinfectant in hot water.
- VENTILATED HOME AND SURROUNDINGS: Keep your home ventilated by keeping the windows open, until and unless the hot wind is blowing. Do not let the water stand in vessels like coolers or flower pots. Use a good quality disinfectant to keep your home clean and hygienic. Pest control can also help guard your home from all kinds of disease causing pests like ants, flies and cockroaches.
- FOOD: As long as you are solely breastfeeding your baby, you will not need to give him/her water. But your baby may need to be fed feed more often and for shorter periods in the heat because he/she will feel thirsty. If you are ‘formula-feeding’ your baby, then he/she may need to be given water in the heat. You will need to be cautious about sterilizing the bowl or bottle and spoon you use to feed your baby with and making sure the water is clean and safe. Do consult your doctor before introducing the water to your little one. Also take care while preparing food because what the mother eats affects the baby’s health through the breast milk.