Summer is here, and with it, the hot weather. As babies are particularly sensitive to heat, certain behaviors should be avoided. Hydration, clothes… Aufeminin gives you a summary of the mistakes not to make with baby when it’s hot.
In the heat, we are not all equal. Certain categories of the population, such as the elderly, people suffering from chronic pathologies or even pregnant women, are particularly vulnerable during heat waves. Babies, too, are very sensitive to heat and should receive special attention from those around them.
To read also: Pregnant, how to resist the hot weather?
Every year, stories of babies forgotten in the car in the middle of summer make the headlines. Without reaching such extremes, in everyday life, certain small details put in place by believing they are doing the right thing, can turn out to be bad for them, and counterproductive. Here are 5 things you shouldn’t do with a baby when it’s hot.
Mistake # 1: Maintaining Exits
Walking with your baby well installed in his stroller is a real pleasure, of course. However, during heat peaks, outings with him are strongly discouraged. The hottest hours of the day are between 11-12 a.m. and 5-6 p.m., so it is important to avoid leaving the house at these times. The heaviness of the air and the overwhelming heat can create discomfort in the child.
If, despite everything, you are forced to go out with your little one in hot weather, observe the following precautions:
- Dress baby in loose, light and light-colored clothes to ensure maximum comfort
- Do not cover the stroller with either a wet cloth or a towel. By wanting to preserve it from heat, you run the risk of limiting air circulation and creating the famous “furnace effect”.
- Opt for early morning or evening outings
- Opt for the stroller rather than the carrying sling.
Depending on his age, don’t forget his hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Mistake # 2: dressing her up too much
It goes without saying, in hot weather, we forget the sleeping bag and the hat. For outings, dress baby in a simple bodysuit or short-sleeved t-shirt. Cover it a little more, only in air-conditioned places.
Read also: Baby sunscreens: We tested them and here is our selection
Important to note: inside, do not hesitate to leave it in a single layer, especially when he is sleeping.
Mistake # 3: not hydrating it enough
We don’t teach you anything, when it’s hot, you have to hydrate! For a baby, this is all the more essential. Also, if you are breastfeeding, practice breastfeeding on demand, day or night, or offer regular water.
My baby has heat rash, what should I do?
Stay alert for certain signs that may indicate dehydration, such as flushing of the face, prolonged crying, difficulty waking up, moaning, rapid breathing, etc.
When traveling, always remember to provide a sufficient quantity of water for the entire duration of your outing.
Mistake # 4: leaving baby in hot spaces
We can’t repeat it enough, but we never, ever leave a baby in a car in the summer. Even five minutes the time to go for a race, that’s no. If it’s 30 ° outside, the temperature in a car can quickly double and become a stuffy place.
Read also: It’s so hot! How to properly hydrate baby?
At home, make sure you ventilate well in the morning to let in fresh air, and close the shutters during the day to keep heat out. In the evening, open again. The air conditioner or the ventilator are not recommended in the presence of a baby, because this one risks catching cold quickly.
Mistake # 5: bathing her too cold
Adults, we sometimes take a cold shower to cool off in the summer, and that’s okay. For a baby, on the other hand, forget about the cold bath. Indeed, the thermal shock may be important for him and could make him sick. You can drop one to two degrees in body temperature, but no more.
To read also: Depending on the temperature, how to dress baby for the night?
If baby likes it, use a suitable misting device, sold in pharmacies or drugstores.
You are now ready to spend a wonderful summer with baby!
Barbara ejenguele
A journalism student, Barbara is currently doing a work-study master’s degree and writes on parenthood for the Aufeminin Maman, Parole de Mamans and Avis de Mamans websites. She is also …