Baby's summer: outdoors
Summer is a delicate season for a baby, especially if it is their first summer and has not yet completed the first year. Babies are more sensitive to changes in temperature, excess heat, air currents ... but everything has a solution. Take note of these "summer rules" for your baby to spend a fresh and happy summer enjoying the benefits offered by the summer season.
Here you will find an answer to the most common questions asked by mothers and fathers about the care of the baby in the hottest months of the year.
The baby in the open air: answers to all your doubts
Can I take the baby to the beach?
It is not advisable to take the baby to the beach until he is six months old. If you have more than 6 months, you can accompany us to the beach before 11:00 in the morning and after 18:00 in the afternoon, that is, in the hours of less sun, and always under the umbrella.
Is it good or bad to bathe the baby in the sea water or in the pool?
Chlorine from swimming pools and sea salt can irritate your fine skin, so it is essential to always rinse with fresh water after bathing. It is also very important to dry well, without neglecting the folds. Before bathing, make sure that the water is warm. Introduce it slowly, wetting your hands, feet and neck first. Then, quickly change your swimsuit.
Can I wet your head or your ears be in danger?
It is preferable not to wet your ears, especially if there is a history of otitis. If you are going to do it, never introduce your head suddenly into the water and carefully dry your ears after each bath.
How to know if the baby is hot or cold?
Children have the same heat or cold as adults, except for newborn babies or babies of a few weeks, whose thermoregulation system is immature and do not regulate well their body temperature. Newborns lose heat, above all, through their heads. To find out if he's hot, run a finger along the back of his neck to see if he's sweating. Overcoating children in summer is counterproductive because sweat can cause skin irritations. Use a damp sponge to cool babies and always avoid drafts.
Should I apply moisturizing milk to the baby?
Yes, in summer the baby's skin needs extra hydration. After having been in the pool or on the beach, that is, after the bath, it is advisable to apply moisturizer on the skin because the water dries the epidermis. Choose a moisturizer with fluid texture, which is better absorbed. The special creams for babies leave a pleasant sensation of freshness.
How should I protect the baby from mosquitoes?
Meshes or mosquito nets to wrap the crib or stroller are the best options to protect the baby from mosquitoes. The bites of insects, unless the child is allergic, are not usually dangerous, but they are annoying. They proliferate in regions of humid and warm climate, or in houses that are near a river or lake ... Lotions and aerosols to scare off insects should never be applied on the hands or feet of the baby because of the danger of sucking them . Choose specific products for babies and if possible, it is preferable to cover him with long-sleeved clothing. At home, use electric insecticides that effectively protect against insects and have no odor
Can I teach you how to swim so soon?
No, but you can teach him to become familiar with water because it will help the baby to develop his psychomotor skills while playing. Swimming involves, like walking, a learning process that requires neurological maturation that you do not yet have.
From what age can the baby travel?
The newborn can travel from the first fifteen or twenty days, taking into account that he still does not support long journeys well. Although the journey is short, he makes frequent stops to move, feed and drink.
Can the walking bag be used when it is hot?
The contact with the body of the adult and the fabric that completely envelops the baby can increase the feeling of heat during the ride placed in a baby carrier. Therefore, it is preferable to place the baby in his stroller or sitting in the hammock or chair, where he will be freer and fresher.
Marina Berrio
