Coming into the world in summer has many advantages. Once the first 24 hours of the baby have passed, parents will have several points in favor when compared to the coldest seasons of the year. On the one hand, babies will receive more vitamin D thanks to more daylight hours, something very beneficial for them, especially to avoid certain diseases or disorders, such as jaundice. In addition, the moment of bathing or changing the newborn’s clothes will be more relaxed, because there is no such fear of many parents that the little one will get cold during the process.
Of course, during the summer it is also important to take into account some aspects with which you have to be more careful. The most obvious has to do with dehydration, the baby must remain at an adequate temperature and always stay hydrated, a task that the heat makes more difficult. Although it has already been mentioned how positive the sun is for increasing vitamin D, we must not forget to provide it with responsible exposure. Always well protected with sunscreen and physical barriers, such as hats. Even so, during their first months of life it is recommended that they remain in the shade, not in direct sun.
When the body loses too much body water due to high temperatures, the so-called dehydration occurs. This can be seen in babies with sunken eyes and dry lips, a situation that newborns should avoid. If symptoms of dehydration are observed, it is best to go with the baby to a medical center.
So that newborns do not suffer from dehydration, it is important to avoid very hot places and go outside in the hottest hours, such as midday, better to take advantage of the early morning or late afternoon. It will also be key to ensure that you are getting enough fluid, whether you are breastfed or formula-fed. In case of high heat, you can offer him water in a bottle.
One of the main problems in summer are mosquitoes, something that can become a headache for parents with their babies. To prevent newborns from being bitten by these insects, it is best to install mosquito nets on the windows of the house and cover the stroller with a specific mesh. Another option when going out of the house is to apply a mosquito repellent formulated for babies, but never on their hands, to prevent them from putting it in their mouths.
