Summer

Precious Cargo: Keeping Baby Safe in Summer Heat

Summer is the most magical time of year, and can also be the most dangerous. Sun burns, sun rashes, sun fever - for bringing us so much joy, the sun can sure be a jerk. Here are some ways to ensure your tiny treasures don’t get burnt, literally or figuratively, by mr. sunshine.

Keep the Babes Safe From Sun

Slather that little toosh in high factor sunscreen! Chicagoland Doulas supports some great, clean brands of ray defenders made specifically for babies:

Acure Organics Baby Sunscreen (Photo: Thrive Market)

Acure Organics Baby Sunscreen (Photo: Thrive Market)

Apply lotion more liberally if your baby is in and out of the water! When not in the water, make sure your baby is completely covered. Talking about body, arms, and legs with clothing, sun hat on head. We like these adorable sun hats:

Keep 'Em Comfy & Cool

Playing in a kiddie pool is a good way of keeping babies cool during a summer day. Keep the pool in the shade during hot weather and, of course, watched the little ones carefully at all times.

A cool bath before bed is great for keeping babies cool through the night. Keep blinds or curtains closed in the nursery during the day. Use a fan to circulate the air in the room. Be careful not to point the fan directly at the baby!

Swimways Float Activity Center (Photo: Swimways)

Swimways Float Activity Center (Photo: Swimways)

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Like adults, babies need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. For babies, hydration means to eight pale wet diapers a day. Plan for extra dipeys on super hot days (waterproof for pool days)!

If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t need to double up with water, they just may want to breastfeed more often. If you’re bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you should give your baby cooled boiled water throughout the day.

Babyganics Swim pants (Photo: Target)

Babyganics Swim pants (Photo: Target)

Say "No!" to Heatstroke

Babies are tiny and the sun is h-o-t HOT. Keep the little ones in cool, shady spot on hot days. If they have to be outside, cover their strollers with a damp towel and cover them with cool clothing. As you know, babies are not able to tell you that they are thirsty. Give them lots to drink in this summer weather! If babies begin to become more agitated, this could be a warning sign that they are becoming uncomfortably warm.

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