By: Victoria H
The weather is getting warmer and summer is approaching! Pretty soon, everyone will be itching to get outdoors to play, attend barbecues, festivals, or take a dip in the pool. As glorious as it is to bask in the sunshine, the heat can be very dangerous. It’s important to protect yourself and your babies as the temperature rises.
Be sure to dress lightly. A single layer of natural and breathable clothing like cotton or linen is perfect for hot weather. Carrying a light blanket or cardigan for a quick cover up can come in handy when spending long periods of time in air conditioning. Remember that babies cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults so wearing appropriate clothes will help.
Make sure to protect exposed skin. Applying sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before going outside is best for children 6 months or older. Sunscreens with at least 30 SPF that protect against UVA and UVB rays are preferred. Mineral sunscreen is a great alternative for traditional chemical sunscreen if you have sensitive skin. An acceptable sunscreen substitute for you and babies under 6 months old is to wear rash guards, visors, sun hats, and parasols.
Staying hydrated is important when the temperature rises, especially if you are breastfeeding. Make sure everyone has access to water whenever possible. Babies under 6 months cannot rely on water as hydration and will need extra formula or breastmilk during these times. Make sure to offer more fluids than normal throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Sometimes the best option is to avoid the heat altogether. Keeping activities earlier or later in the evening can help you avoid the midday heat. Most weather platforms can provide a forecast by the hour to help you identify the temperature changes ahead. Make sure you plan your outings wisely to avoid the sweltering heat and get the most out of your day safely.
It is beneficial to educate yourself on the signs of overheating. Someone who is dangerously hot will have flushed skin, breathe rapidly, be irritable, and feel warm to the touch. Avoid car seat covers and being in tight spaces with no airflow. It doesn’t take much for one to succumb to the heat and knowing how to interfere is essential. If you notice someone is overheating, calmly get them to a cooler area, take off extra clothes, offer liquids, and fan them.
The car is a common place to overheat. Open the doors and windows to keep airflow moving until the car reaches a safe temperature. Take the time to turn on the air conditioning before placing children inside. Feel buckles and seats to ensure that they are not too hot to avoid burning your little one. Check to make sure you have your keys before shutting any doors or trunk of the car to avoid locking children inside. Remember that it only takes seconds for the car to become dangerously hot, so don’t leave your family or pets in the car unattended under any circumstances. Parking in the shade or covering your windows and car seat mirrors from the sun can make a huge impact on the internal temperature while away.
Spending time in the summer heat doesn’t have to be stressful when you are prepared. Planning ahead and staying hydrated will help everyone stay cool this summer. You and your family deserve to enjoy this season so have fun and stay safe!