Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated : March 13, 2017 8:33 PM IST
Summer is synonymous with scorching heat, prickly heat, heat rashes and a host of other problems. Often a mother is baffled how to take care of her little one during this hot season. Well though it is a bit uncomfortable for the baby to bear the heat, there is a lot that can be done to help your baby breathe easy and keep cool during summer. Follow our summer guide to help your baby beat the heat easily.
Dress your baby right: Cottons are the best pick for summer wear. Fabrics other than cotton can trap heat and make it uncomfortable for your baby and may give rise to prickly heat and heat rashes. Never make your baby wear sleeveless in the mornings especially if you are taking her outdoors. Choose light full-sleeved cotton clothes. Get a summer hat with a wide rim, but avoid the ones that have elastic bands as it can hamper circulation.
Change diapers frequently: Ideally this should be done every three hours. Be more vigilant during the summers as the dampness and the sweat can make bacteria thrive in the privates giving rise to diaper rashes. Also ensure you wash the area and pat it dry before putting on a fresh diaper or after cleaning poop.
Keep your baby hydrated: Dehydration among children is a common problem during the summers. If you are breastfeeding and doing it on demand it would probably help your baby remain adequately hydrated. But if your baby is weaned remember summer is the time when her appetite might go down. Replenish her with more liquids like fruit juices, buttermilk or milkshakes. Keep the glass in the fridge for few minutes before you offer it, but make sure it s not too cold to drink. Cooled healthy drinks are more soothing to kids than a plate of khichdi or porridge.
Give massage oils a miss: During the summer oil on the skin can give rise to more problems than benefits. If not washed thoroughly it can stay in the folds of the skin and give rise to heat rashes, itching, boils etc. Oil can be trapped especially in the nappy areas, nape of the neck, back and shoulders. Make sure you wash these areas thoroughly. Also avoid using powder all over your little one s body. With sweat the remnants of the powder can cake up and again give rise to other skin problems.
Follow the bath routine regularly: Unlike winters, summers aren t the time to give bath a miss. Make sure you give your tot a good bath every day. In the evenings you can offer a cold sponge bath followed by a cream massage that would help her lull into sleep. Read 7 tips to bath your baby right.
Avoid outdoors in the mornings: For good reasons avoid being in the sun with your baby between 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening. Take her out for a walk in the evening after the sun sets. Remember play time is important during summers, with a sluggish metabolism and loss of appetite this simple activity will help whet your baby's appetite. Also summers are the great way to encourage your tot take up water sports if she is above two years of age.
Keep the temperature of the room constant: If you are to use an AC, keep the temperature constant on 24 degrees. Fluctuations in temperature can make your baby susceptible to cold and cough. Also never make your baby sit with the AC on right after the bath.
Ensure proper ventilation and cleanliness: Ventilate your home by keeping windows open and also ensure that your surrounding areas are clean and devoid of stagnant water. Else mosquitoes can breed and spread diseases like dengue and malaria which could be fatal. Read how to keep your baby safe from mosquito bites.
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