If your baby is too young and you don’t want to take them on a summer vacation, but rather stay at home, you will need to make extra efforts to ensure a comfortable summer for both the baby and yourself. Babies and young children behave differently in hot weather compared to adults, and they have different temperature preferences and clothing needs.
- The optimal summer temperature for children is between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius, which can be challenging to maintain indoors. Protect the rooms where the baby stays from the sun and its harmful effects. It’s best to open the windows early in the morning to let in fresh air and then close them, lower the blinds, and draw the curtains. If you have a fan or air conditioning, be mindful that they don’t blow directly onto the baby. Also, ensure that the baby is never in a draft.
- Take your baby outdoors regularly for fresh air, but avoid strong sunlight. The best time for a walk is early in the morning or in the evening, after sunset.
- Inside the house or when going outside, make sure the baby feels as comfortable as you do in the heat. Dress them in lightweight materials, avoid synthetics, and opt for cotton clothing.
- Since babies also feel hot, you can refresh them multiple times with lukewarm water to make them feel more comfortable and prevent rashes. After bathing, gently pat the baby dry with a towel instead of rubbing.
- Avoid greasy creams as they can clog pores and prevent the skin from breathing.
Outdoor time is essential for children’s proper growth and development, so it’s important not to confine them indoors just because it’s summer. However, safety precautions should be taken into account.
What temperature is too high for children?
Babies and young children cannot efficiently cool their bodies like adults since their cooling and sweating systems are not fully developed. Additionally, young children and babies cannot communicate when they are too hot or not feeling well. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not taking children outside when temperatures exceed a certain degree as it can quickly overheat the baby. When planning outdoor activities, monitor the temperature. Never expose babies or young children directly to the sun. Always seek shade. Plan outdoor activities during the morning or evening hours and spend the hottest parts of the day indoors in an air-conditioned space.
Sunscreen Protection
Sunscreen with a protective factor should not be applied to the skin of children under 6 months old as it can cause irritations on their delicate skin. Instead of sunscreen, it’s important to protect the baby’s skin from the sun using shade and clothing. Babies should never be exposed to direct sunlight. Use sun umbrellas or canopies to create shade for babies.
