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There is something about summer that is wonderful, it's filled with vacations, pool parties summer walks, and other activities. Depending on where you live, managing the heat for you and your baby can be a challenge and you might be concerned about keeping your baby cool as the temperatures rise.
Rising temperatures don't only make your baby uncomfortable or irritable but without proper precaution, it also increases their risk of heat rash and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) because of overheating.
In this article, we're going to talk about 7 ways you can keep your baby cool in their stroller, how you can spot if they're overheating, and other tips for keeping baby cool in general.
7 Ways to keep your baby cool in their stroller
- Use a parasol or sunshade
This is an obvious one, but worth mentioning! If you're using a stroller that doesn't have a built-in sunshade, make sure to bring along a parasol to attach to the side. This will help protect your baby from harmful UV rays and keep them from getting too hot.
- Dress them in loose, light clothing
Another easy way to keep your baby comfortable is by making sure they've dressed appropriately for the weather. In the summer, that means opting for loose, light clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. This will help them stay cool and avoid any uncomfortable chafing.
- Use a stroller fan
If you're going to be out in the heat for an extended period, a stroller fan can be a lifesaver. These handy little devices clip onto the stroller and provide a gentle breeze, helping to keep your baby cool.
- Keep them hydrated
It's important to keep your baby hydrated in the heat, especially if they're spending any time in a stroller. offer them regular sips of water throughout your walk, and if they're old enough, bring along a small container of juice or electrolyte drink mix.
- Take breaks in the shade
If it's a particularly hot day, make sure to take breaks in the shade as often as possible. This will give your baby a chance to cool down and avoid getting overheated. If you can, find a park or other green space where you can relax for a few minutes.
- Consider a lightweight stroller
If you're going to be doing a lot of walking in the heat, a lightweight stroller can make a big difference. These strollers tend to have better airflow and be easier to push, making them ideal for hot weather strolls.
- Don't forget the sunscreen!
Last but not least, don't forget the sunscreen! Even if you're staying in the shade, it's important to protect your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays. Choose a sunscreen that's specifically designed for babies and reapply it regularly.
Dos and Don'ts
Do:
- Use a parasol or sunshade
- Dress them in loose, light clothing
- Use a stroller fan
- Keep them hydrated
- Take breaks in the shade
- Consider a lightweight stroller
- Don't forget the sunscreen!
Don't:
- Overdress them
- Leave them in the sun for too long
- Forget to reapply sunscreen
- neglect their hydration needs.
How to tell if baby is overheating
When determining whether your baby is overheating, use your senses. Check for redness on their face and indications of discomfort or stress on their skin.
Signs of overheating can be confused with those of fever or dehydration, and because young infants don't always sweat much, they may be overheating from their surroundings without sweating.
Babies have a difficult time controlling their body temperature unlike adults and any reading of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is considered a fever which is especially concerning for infants under three months old.
To determine whether baby is overheating or now, pay attention to whether your little one:
- feels hot (with or without fever) - Use the back of your hand as this is more sensitive to temperature than the front.
- looks flushed or red
- is sweating or has damp hair (though keep in mind that babies can be overheated without sweating)
- acts more fussy or restless than usual
- has an elevated heart rate - (To check this properly, lay your baby down on the back with one arm bent so the hand is up by the ear. Feel for the pulse on the inner arm between the shoulder and the elbow: Gently press two fingers (don't use your thumb) on the spot until you feel a beat. When you feel the pulse, count the beats for 15 seconds.)
- seems overly tired, sluggish, or listless
- appears confused, weak, or dizzy
- feels nauseous or is vomiting
When to call a doctor
If you are unsure whether they are overheated or not, then best to air on the side of caution and call the local emergency services or visit the nearest emergency room.
If your child is under 3 months old and has a rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), you should call your baby’s doctor or go to the emergency room right away.
Also call your doctor if your baby:
- is more lethargic than usual and difficult to wake
- extremely fussy or irritable
- vomiting or not eating or drinking as usual
- is inconsolable or won't stop crying
- has a seizure or isn't behaving like normal
- Has a fever that will not go down with treatment at home.
The ideal temperature for your baby
The ideal temperature for a baby's room is 68 and 72°F (20 and 22°C) which is perfect for both the winter and summer.
A good gauge for how to dress your baby when sleeping is thinking how you'd dress yourself. Even in the winter, too many layers on your baby could lead to overheating.
Not all homes have an accurate thermostat either so having a baby monitor that measures room temperature will often be much more accurate
But what if you are outside or there is a heat wave?
Obviously, even though the temperatures mentioned above is ideal, that can be difficult in a heat wave or if you're outdoors so here are some other ways you can keep baby cool
- Lower your baby’s room temperature to below 75°F (23.8°C). If you don’t have air conditioning, try using a fan but avoid pointing it directly at your baby at full blast. Instead, have it oscillate (moving back and forth) to circulate air around the room.
- Keep your baby out of direct sunlight, especially at the peak hours of the day, which are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Windows can also make the heat more intense so keep that in mind when indoors or driving.
- Try temporarily moving your baby’s sleep space to a cooler spot in the house or draw your curtains to keep as much out as possible.
- Never, ever, leave your baby alone in a car. Heat builds up rapidly inside vehicles on even mild days, and it can lead to concerns ranging from overheating to heat stroke and even death.
- If you have a cool washcloth, you can put that on their skin to help keep them cool
In cold weather
In cold weather, parents often overcompensate by wrapping their babies in too many blankets. In fact, according to a 2017 researchTrusted Source this is a leading factor for SIDS.
Here are a few tips:
- At most, add only one more layer or a blanket/swaddle to keep your baby warm
- Especially if the car's heat is running, you can resist bundling your baby with too many blankets, you should also remove your baby’s winter coat/jacket before putting them in a car seat which can also make the car seat less effective if you’re in an accident.
- Remove all extra bedding and comforters from the crib. They might be a source of overheating and cause suffocation danger.
- Don’t bump the heat up any higher than 72°F (22°C).
- Avoid having your baby sleep too close to heating vents, portable heaters, or fireplaces.
Takeaway
Babies cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as older kids and adults.
So, it’s important to pay attention to your little one’s environment and other factors, like how they’re dressed, to ensure comfort and safety.
If you have any other questions about safe sleep or signs of overheating, don’t hesitate to contact your baby’s doctor.
