Summer with a doll

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44

Here are a few tips and precautions to take so you can fully enjoy this wonderful season with your newborn.

The beautiful warm and sunny days are waiting for you. It is therefore an opportunity to go for walks or even beautiful picnics with your baby. Here are a few tips and precautions to take so you can enjoy it hassle-free.

Protect baby from the sun

It is essential to protect your baby from the sun, because their skin is fragile and therefore more prone to sunburn, even on cloudy days since the sun's harmful rays can still pass through clouds. It is therefore preferable:

• Avoid exposing baby to direct sunlight.
• To stay in the shade or indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most dangerous.
• Try as much as possible to plan your outings either early in the morning, late afternoon or early evening.

Sunscreen: Instructions for use

Some companies like Klorane Bébé, Laroche Posay and Vichy make sunscreens based on spring water and therefore hypoallergenic and these are the ones I recommend. Use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at leastminus 30 which offers protection against UVA and UVB rays and is Paba free. Take care to apply generously, about 20 to 30 minutes before exposure, on all exposed parts of the body, not to mention the ears, neck and tops of the feet. Do not forget to reapply it every two hours or after swimming so that it retains its effectiveness.

Protective Clothing

• Prefer light-colored clothes made of tightly woven light cotton which will not let the rays pass through. Avoid synthetic fabrics if possible, as they trap heat and moisture.
• Hat with a wide brim and a neck protector (available at Bummies, Mère-Hélène…).
• Sunglasses with sun protection (available in pharmacies or in some baby stores such as Câlins et Popotins).

Carrying in a sling in summer

What a joy to have your little one against you, but it's hot and you wonder if baby will be comfortable in the scarf? Absolutely! In the wrap, the little one takes advantage of your temperature to regulate his own. Unlike the stroller which stores heat, baby will stay cool against you. Take advantage of the summer to go skin-to-skin with your little one in the sling. A few tips remain:

• Do not overdress baby, a camisole is sufficient.
• Make a double wrapped cross so baby has less fabric on him. If you dothe cross wrapped, do not put the pocket on the baby.
• Check regularly that the baby is comfortable. Protect baby's head from the sun and stay in the shade.

However, if you must take your stroller outside, remove any unnecessary padding that may restrict airflow. Avoid putting a blanket that is too thick on the sun visor, as this prevents air from circulating which can affect baby's breathing in addition to giving him too hot. Touch and hold baby regularly to check for signs of dehydration.

Keep baby hydrated

Babies dehydrate much faster than adults due to their smaller size. Here are some tips to prevent dehydration throughout the summer, especially during heat waves.

Offer baby drink regularly and more frequently

• For the breastfed baby, offer the breast more often. If the baby has already used the bottle or cup, you can, if you wish, offer a little water between feedings, but it is not compulsory, because the increasing the number of feeds is usually enough to keep baby well hydrated.
• For a bottle-fed baby with formula, you can offer water between feedings.

Reminder: For babies 4 months and under, always boil water first.

Remember to refresh baby

Never forget that despite his need for heat, baby is hot too, and he is all the more prone to dehydration and heatstroke.

• Cool baby in a bath (small pool or kitchen sink) with lukewarm water a few times during the day, as needed.
• Make sure baby is in a place with good air circulation.
• Never leave baby alone in the car no matter how hot or how long you've been away.

Here is a list of signs to look out for that could tell you that your baby is dehydrated:

• Baby wets less than 4 diapers in 24 hours.
• His urine is darker and less abundant.
• Baby has dry skin, lips and/or mouth.
• Baby is more restless or irritable than usual.
• Baby has sunken, sunken eyes.
• Baby sleeps a lot in addition to being hard to wake up.
• Baby has difficulty breathing.
• Baby's body temperature is higher, 38.5°C and above (rectal).
• Baby has headaches, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

If your baby has one or more of these signs, call Info-santé or see a doctor right away.

Eco-Friendly Jerseys

When swimming, avoid “Little Swimmers” style disposable swimsuits. They are indeed practical, but not at all ecological. Instead, favor reusable swimsuits such as Kushies or Bummies. Very comfortable for the baby, they allow air to pass through and dry quickly. They are adjustable, cleanable and therefore reusable.

Protect baby from insects

Summer often rhymes with mosquitoes and other bugs. Insects often come out at dawn and in the evening. It is therefore important to protect your baby against insect bites by putting on long, light-coloured clothes.

• Never use mosquito repellents (e.g. Off, Muskol), they are very harmful for the baby.
• Don't put it on your upper body either, as your baby might put it in his mouth.
• Wash the baby in the morning with unscented products.
• If you carry your baby, it is easier to protect him from insects. This is because you are more on the lookout for them and can ward them off quickly.
• If baby is in a stroller, put on the mosquito net. There are also universal mosquito nets that fit the car seat and playpen.

Homeopathic tips for injections

Small remedy for anything red, hot and relieved by cold, for example, a reaction to an insect or bee sting. Apis 15ch: 2 pellets 2 to 4 times a day. For the baby, dissolve the 2 granules in a small amount of water (5 ml) then give the mixture using a small medicine syringe. Aspigel homeopathic cream is very effective in relieving babies. Apply it as soon as the pimple orredness.