Whether you spend it inside or in the great outdoors, summer is a tricky season for keeping an infant safe and comfortable. Overdress a baby and he could develop an angry heat rash; expose his fragile body to hot conditions and he could be vulnerable to a painful, damaging sunburn or to heatstroke, a serious affliction characterized by a high fever and rapid breathing. Overheating has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a fatal sleeping disorder. Babies sleep deeply when they're hot, making them difficult to arouse, which may increase the risk of SIDS.
Since a baby doesn't perspire effectively, he can become overheated far more quickly than an adult. That's why you should never leave an infant in a hot room or a parked car. Even a few minutes could cause his temperature to spike and, in extreme cases, may prove life-threatening.
Make sure you can keep your home comfortable for you new baby as well as the rest of the family. Putting you baby down for a nap is best done in a well ventilated room that is at a comfortable temperature range.
Even if you don't see beads of sweat dripping from your infant's forehead, he can be losing precious fluids to perspiration in hot weather. A flushed face, skin that's warm to the touch, rapid breathing, and restlessness may be warning signs of dehydration. Since infants under 6 months shouldn't drink water (babies over 6 months can take in modest amounts), replace the lost liquids by giving him extra formula or by nursing more frequently. Babies should drink at least 50 percent more than usual in the summer (normal fluid intake is at least two ounces per pound per day), so a ten-pound baby who usually takes in 20 ounces should be offered a minimum of 30 ounces.
If an infant sweats profusely during hot, humid weather, tiny red bumps may start to cluster on her neck or groin, in the folds of her skin at the back of her knees, or in the crease of her elbows. To relieve heat rash, remove her sticky outfit and dress her in loose cotton clothes (or simply a diaper), and apply cornstarch baby powder to the affected areas. Keeping her in a cool, well-ventilated room will help relieve symptoms.
Learn to be Heat Smart with your new born in our challenging Arizona summers.
Looking for a safe place to work with for your Air Conditioning repair or replacement needs? Give Aaron’s Mechanical Services a call and let us help you get cooled off! Call 623-388-4436
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