You waited and waited for your bundle of joy to arrive and the baby is here. You are getting adjusted to life with a new little one. Between sleep and feeding schedules, it is enough to make you a little crazy. Each day is a new day to figure out your little one and how to meet his or her needs. Their needs change on a day by day basis as they grow. Time marches on and seasons change as your baby grows and changes, so what is a mom or dad to do with a baby in this Texas heat?
There are many factors to consider when taking a baby out in this summer heat. So let's start with transporting baby, as always he or she should ride in car seat rear facing. Also important to consider is baby's clothing. Baby shouldn't be over bundled or over dressed when going outside in the summer heat. Think of your level of comfort when you are dressing baby. If you are going to be in a cold air conditioned place, bring a blanket or sweater for baby while indoors but be sure to take it off before going back out into the Texas heat. Along the lines of dressing and baby and the heat, never leave your baby unattended in a vehicle even if the car air conditioning is on. Cars and Texas heat are a dangerous combination. It only takes a few minutes for a baby to overheat in a hot car. Always remember to check your backseat before getting out of car to make sure baby has been dropped off at childcare or has been taken out of car. It is always a good reminder to think of these things so accidents don't happen.
What about sunscreen and sun protection for baby? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sunscreen for babies aged 6 months and up. For babies younger than 6 months of age, it is recommended for them to be kept in the shade if possible. But if complete shade protection isn't possible, it is okay to use sunscreen on small exposed areas of baby's body using caution to avoid baby's eyes. After 6 months of age, it is fine to apply sunscreen to baby. Always remember to reapply if outdoors for a prolonged time period. It is also a good idea to use sun hats and clothing that has UV protection. It is best to avoid sun exposure during peak sun hours between 10am and 4pm.
What about bugs and avoiding the dreaded bug bites? The AAP recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months. For babies under 2 months of age, it is best to avoid being outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. If it is necessary to be outdoors with a young baby, use of a mosquito net over stroller or car seat is recommended. If insect repellent is applied to baby over 2 months of age, it is recommended that you wash the repellant off child's skin when returning indoors. Only reapply insect repellant if necessary Hopefully these tips and hints for baby will help you and baby survive the Texas summers! Remember our office is always available to answer any other newborn or baby questions that may arise in relation to summer, outdoors, and travel with baby.
Happy Summer!
