The summer season is both a bane and a boon. Students rejoice at the thought because it means that school is over. Beach lovers also look forward to summer, since it’s when beach weather is at its best.
But with summer comes extraordinary high levels of temperature. And that means hot, hot, hot weather and possible health risks such as dehydration and hyperthermia (which is when the body's temperature gets elevated due to improper thermoregulation, and can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke).
That’s why it’s important that you keep your baby cool during summer. You want to prevent discomfort and heat-related illnesses that may cause crankiness. Want to know how? Read on and check out the seven tips below.
Load up on H2O.
Perhaps the most common problem wrought by the heat is dehydration. The heat makes us perspire, making our bodies lose water. So keep your kid from drying out (literally) by stocking up on liquids such as juices and water. Make sure he or she never goes out without it. You may also want to give your baby a sponge bath to cool him or her off.
Invest in a good anti-mosquito lotion.
Summertime is when kids go with their families for a trip outside the city—say, Tagaytay, Batangas, and other locales that expose your kids to mosquitoes. Summer season is also mosquito season, so protect your child from bug bites that may have harmful and dangerous effects later on with a potent anti-mosquito lotion.
Don’t forget the SPF.
Summer is when the sun is at its harshest. Protect your child’s skin by slathering on some sunscreen—even if he’s just going outside to play. Brands now offer spray-on SPF, so you might want to check it out. And, if possible, get your child to play indoors or under a shade instead of out in the sun.
Use breathable clothing.
Dress your child in lightweight, airy fabrics that let the body breathe. If not dressed properly, your child may become overheated and develop a temperature or skin rashes. This summer, skip the socks and let your baby or child romp sandals or slippers. The feet are where the most body heat is generated, so make sure that they’re always properly “ventilated.” Lastly, always use a cap or hat since the sun’s harsh rays can penetrate even the scalp.
Check for signs of diaper rash.
Your baby might develop an itchy, painful rash due to the heat. Regularly check your baby’s diaper and change accordingly. Give your child’s pediatrician a call and ask him or her to suggest a baby-friendly lotion to help prevent diaper rash or a baby-friendly ointment if your baby already has diaper rash.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature.
We live in a tropical country where malls with freezing air-conditioning abound. Your baby’s body might get shocked if you immediately change climate environs, so take it slow. Let your baby’s body gradually adjust to the change in temperature. For example, as you go out of the freezing cold mall and out into the summer heat, stand under the shade for a few minutes. (But really, it’s better if you can avoid this situation altogether.)
Make sure your child is in a properly ventilated environment.
Always see to it that your baby or child’s surroundings have good ventilation. At home, you can pull down the shades and keep the electric fan whirring to block away the heat, or move baby into the coolest room in the house.
(Photo source: sxc.hu)
