Summer is a great time for you and your baby to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to know how to keep them safe in the heat and around water. This summer baby safety guide will help you understand how to protect your little one during the summer months.
Staying Cool in the Heat
Babies can get too hot easily, especially if they are under six months old. There are several ways to help keep you and your baby safe.
The simplest way is to avoid the hottest times of the day. Stay indoors or in the shade during the middle of the day when the sun is the strongest if you can. Dress in light, loose clothing that lets their skin breathe. Cotton is a great option, as are hats.
Hydration is super important, especially for little ones. Offer breast milk or formula more often than you usually would. If your baby is already eating solids, offer fruits like watermelon—they have a high water content.
Never leave your baby in your car. It seems like a no-brainer, but we’ve all read the stories, and a reminder can help. It gets dangerously hot inside a vehicle very quickly, even on mild days.
And, watch for signs of overheating. More on this a little later.
Sun Protection
Protecting your baby’s skin from the sun is very important. Here’s how. Shade is the best. Utilize trees, umbrellas, canopies, portable play pens with a canopy, etc. Older babies, over six months, can use a baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you’re headed to the beach, consider a reef-safe option. Check out this guide for safe sun protection options for the whole family. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, reapply every two hours, and after water play. You can also use a wide-brimmed hat and dress them in light, long-sleeved shirts.
Water Safety
Water can be fun, but it’s crucial to be safe. Here are some water safety tips:
- Always Watch Closely: Never leave your baby alone near any water, even a small amount in a baby pool or tub.
- Swimming: It is never too early to learn to swim. Consider lessons early.
- Learn Infant CPR: Knowing how to do CPR on an infant can save a life in an emergency.
- Use Safety Gear: If you’re near a larger body of water, make sure your baby wears a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Small Pools, Big Caution: Empty small baby pools when not in use. Even a little water can be a risk.
- Color is important: Swimwear choices for babies can be super fun. However, true neon colors are always visible in the water and can help you keep an eye on your little one throughout the day in any body of water.
Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke can happen to anyone, but it’s important to know the signs of heatstroke in babies and those who are non-verbal.
Heatstroke symptoms can be as simple as very hot skin. This seems odd, considering skin will be hot when the temperatures soar, but you’ll likely notice abnormally hot skin, and it may even be flushed. Their breaths may be rapid. They can be running a temperature, so it is a good idea to keep a thermometer in the diaper bag. Lastly, if your baby has severe signs of lethargy or seems listless, if they’re overly sleepy and not responding, this is a warning sign.
If you see signs, move your baby to a cool place and seek medical attention immediately.
General Tips
- Check Car Seats: Car seats can get very hot. Check the seat before putting your baby in. If you have time, place a cooling pad or reusable ice pack wrapped in a light towel in the seat for a few minutes to cool things off.
- Hot Surfaces: Be careful with hot surfaces like sidewalks or playground equipment. Temperatures on solid surfaces like these often soar well above the ambient air temperature, especially if they’re in direct sunlight.
- Plan Outdoor Time: Go out in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler, avoiding the midday heat.
Keeping your baby safe in the summer means being prepared and watchful. By following these tips, you can ensure you and your baby have a happy and safe summer.
