Summertime brings warm weather and lots of sunshine. And if you have an infant or baby, it's important to keep a few essential heat and sun safety tips in mind.
"Outside time is so important for babies' growth and development. So we want to make sure we are giving babies the opportunity to go outside and keep them safe while doing so," says Sushmita Yallapragada, M.D., Neonatologist and Associate Medical Director of the Level IV NICU at Children's Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.
Dr. Yallapragada, also a mother of two children, answers common questions about how to keep newborns and infants safe during the hot summer months.
What outside temperature is too hot for a baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index (the temperature combined with the relative humidity) is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Staying outside for too long on hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.
"Babies are not as good at cooling their bodies as adults because they do not sweat normally," explains Dr. Yallapragada. "Babies are also not able to tell you if they're overheating and not feeling well."
She recommends two ways to help prevent your baby from overheating:
- Take a break from the heat at least every 15-20 minutes – based on your child's response to being in the heat.
- Check the local heat index before you make outdoor plans with your baby during summer.
How can I keep my baby cool in summer?
When the heat index is above 75- or 80-degrees Fahrenheit, take these five steps to keep your baby cool.
1. Find shade.
Park your baby's stroller or blanket under a tree or in another shady spot.
2. Dress baby coolly.
On hot days, dress your baby in a single layer of lightly colored, breathable material, like a lightweight cotton onesie or loose-fitting outfit.
Did you know? Cotton will help your baby stay cooler than synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
3. Offer liquids.
Offer young infants breastmilk or formula to keep them hydrated. It's generally recommended to wait until babies are at least 6 months of age to give them water. If your baby is older, it's OK to give them water to help stay cool and hydrated.
4. Schedule extra rest time.
Time in the heat can cause infants to feel tired. "Planning time for babies to rest or nap following outside playtime can be helpful," says Dr. Yallapragada.
5. Avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Plan to take your baby out in the early morning or late evening hours so you can spend the hottest parts of the day inside.
Tip: Try a portable stroller fan to help your baby stay cool.
How can I protect my baby's skin from the sun?
Infants' skin can sunburn easily. So it's important to limit how much sun they get.
Summer skin care for babies under 6 months
Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age. "Sunscreens can cause skin irritation in a young baby's developing skin," Dr. Yallapragada explains.
Instead of using sunscreen on a young infant, you can:
- Find shade under a tree or other covered area.
- Dress them in a wide-brimmed sun hat.
- Use sunglasses to protect their face and eyes.
- Use a stroller shade or umbrella to protect their arms and legs. Do not cover a stroller with a blanket, which can make the stroller dangerously hot.
- Use a car window shade to block direct sunlight during car rides.
Summer skin care for babies 6 months and older
Babies 6-12 months of age should use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen. These types of sunscreens are less likely to sting your baby's eyes or irritate their skin.
Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that have both UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of 30. Put it on at least 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours – or sooner, if your baby has been swimming or sweating.
Learn more about choosing the best sunscreen for kids.
What should I do if my baby gets a heat rash?
Heat rash is a skin irritation that looks like red pimples or blisters. It can happen if babies' skin gets overly sweaty. You may notice a rash on your baby's neck, chest, groin, armpits or elbow creases. "Heat rash can happen at any age, but it's quite common in young babies and children," says Dr. Yallapragada.
If your baby gets heat rash, bring them inside to cooler, air-conditioned air. Give them a bath or use a cool washcloth to wipe away the sweat. Replace their sweaty clothes with dry ones.
Did you know? There is no need to apply any powders or skin ointments to heat rash. Heat rash generally goes away after a baby's skin cools down.
What's the ideal temperature for a baby's room in summer?
According to the AAP, the ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping a baby's room cool is especially important when they sleep because overheating can put an infant at risk for SIDS.
If you set your thermostat higher during the summer months or your air conditioning has a tough time cooling your home, use blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight. You can also use fans to help cool down your home.
Tip: If your baby sleeps in a crib, use a fitted cotton sheet on their mattress. Cotton is cooler than any other fabric.
If you lose access to air conditioning at home – either through a power outage or mechanical issue – consider spending time at a library, shopping mall or community "cooling center."
How can I tell if my baby is too hot?
You can tell that your baby is getting too hot if they are:
- More tired or drowsy than normal
- Not interested in feeding or drinking
- Red or flushed in the face, neck or chest
- Very sweaty
If your baby shows any of these signs, take them indoors to a cool space. Put cool washcloths on their body or give them a cool bath. Replace sweaty clothes with clean, cool ones. And offer milk or formula to help them rehydrate.
If your baby still seems overly hot after these steps, call your pediatrician. It's especially important to call your pediatrician if it's been several hours since your baby had a wet diaper and/or your baby is vomiting, having muscle spasms or breathing quickly. These could be signs of dehydration or heat illness and your baby may need to see a doctor right away.
What other steps should I take to keep my baby safe this summer?
It's important to never leave a baby alone in a hot car, even for a moment. Temperatures inside a closed car can rise to dangerous levels quickly. See five tips to prevent hot car tragedies.
And if your kids are around a pool, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times. Follow these essential pool safety tips to avoid the risk of injury or drowning and learn more about safety tips for kids learning to swim.
More summer safety tips
Children's Health is here to help keep your family healthy and safe this summer. Check out more articles designed to help you have a fun, safe summer with your kids.
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heat stroke, hydration, infant, rash, safety, skin, summer, sun safety, toddler, water safety
