Summer Tips to Keep Your Baby Safe

Dress for the Weather: Choosing the Right Outfit

 

Dressing your baby appropriately is crucial for preventing overheating. Opt for single layers of lightly colored, moisture-absorbent, and breathable fabrics like lightweight cotton onesies or rompers. Avoid synthetic materials such as polyester and nylon, which can trap heat and make your baby uncomfortable.

Generally, infants should not wear more than one additional layer than adults during warm or hot weather.

 

Hydration is Key: Keep Your Baby Refreshed

 

Offer breastmilk or formula to keep your baby well-hydrated during hot days. You can introduce water for babies older than six months while they play outdoors to help them stay cool and hydrated.

 

Rest and Recuperate: Allowing for Extra Rest

 

The heat can make babies feel more tired than usual. To help them stay comfortable, plan for nap time following outside playtime.

Monitoring the Heat: Knowing When It’s Too Hot

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure for newborns if the heat index exceeds 90° F.

Infants are less efficient at regulating their body temperature and don’t sweat like adults, which makes them more vulnerable to overheating. To ensure their comfort and safety, limit your time outside during extreme heat to 15-30 minutes or less based on how your baby responds.

Before planning outdoor activities, check your local heat index here.

 

Stay in the Shade: Seeking Shelter from the Sun

 

Finding shade is one of the easiest ways to keep your baby cool during hot days. When spending time outside, park your baby’s stroller or blanket under a tree or any other shady spot to avoid direct sun exposure.

Time It Right: Avoiding the Hottest Parts of the Day

 

Plan outdoor activities during the early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are milder. If you do venture out during the day, consider investing in a portable stroller fan to help your baby stay cool.

 

Protecting Your Baby’s Skin from the Sun

 

Sun protection is crucial for babies, as their delicate skin is susceptible to sunburn. Follow these guidelines to shield your baby from harmful UV rays:

For Babies Under 6 Months:

• Avoid direct sun exposure.
• Dress your baby in a wide-brimmed sun hat.
• Use a stroller shade to block the sun from their arms and legs.

For Babies 6 Months and Older:

• Ask your pediatrician to recommend a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or more frequently if your baby has been swimming or sweating).

• Apply a car window shade during car rides.

Handling Heat Rashes: Keeping Your Baby’s Skin Comfortable

 

Heat rashes can occur when a baby’s skin gets excessively sweaty. If your baby experiences a heat rash:

• Bring them indoors to a cooler, air-conditioned space.
• Bathe them or use a washcloth to wipe away the sweat.
• Change their sweaty clothes to a cool, dry outfit.

Remember that heat rashes typically resolve on their own once the baby’s skin cools down. Avoid applying powders or ointments to the rash, and seek medical help if the condition doesn’t clear or worsens.

 

Creating the Ideal Environment: Maintaining the Right Room Temperature

 

According to the AAP, the ideal room temperature for babies is between 68 and 72° F. Keeping your baby’s room cool is especially crucial during sleep, as overheating can increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

If your home tends to get warm during summer:

• Keep blinds or curtains shut to block direct sunlight.
• Use fans to circulate air and maintain a comfortable environment.
• Set you’re A/C to keep the room temperature between 68 and 72° F.

Preventing Hot Car Tragedies

 

On average, 38 children die yearly from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle.

Even on a mild 80° F day, the temperature inside a locked car can rise as much as 19 degrees in 10 minutes. Given that a child’s body heats three to five times faster than a grownup’s, the risk of heat stroke, brain damage, and death increases significantly every minute a child spends in a hot car.

Thankfully, most hot car tragedies are preventable. Here is how you can help prevent them:

• Never leave a baby alone in a hot car, even for a moment.
• Place an important item in the backseat of your car. This way, you will notice your child in the backseat before exiting the vehicle.
• Set reminders on your phone and those of other caregivers to call or text when dropping off your child somewhere. This way, everyone always knows where your child is.
• Always check the car to make sure everyone gets out safely. Lock your vehicle once you know everyone is out to prevent your child from accidentally climbing inside the car and getting trapped.
• Ask your daycare providers to call you if your child doesn’t arrive on time.
• Call 911 immediately if you see a child alone in a car. Please stay at the scene until help arrives.