Baby’s first summer
The warmer months are all about sunshine, swimming and the sea. But this season also has its challenges – especially if it’s your baby’s first, writes Colette du Plessis
IN SUMMER, appropriate clothes are just as important as putting on sunscreen. Choose outfits with a thick weave for your little one – look out for this promise on labels of T-shirts, playsuits and hats. A spokesperson for the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) says babies younger than a year should not be exposed to direct sunlight whatsoever. So, can Baby come along to the beach then? Yes, says Dr Dagmar Whitaker, a dermatologist from Cape Town. “But put on sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing, put on a hat and keep her under the umbrella.”
EXTRA TIPS
✓ Invest in a special sunroof for the pram – it should offer protection against ultraviolet A-rays.
✓ Sunscreen: buy a dermatologically approved brand that was specially developed for children and has a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 50. Also ensure it’s a broad-spectrum cream, in other words that it will protect against both UVB and UVA rays. Zinc cream is also an excellent antidote to the sun. Layer it on top. It helps to choose a sunscreen that’s visibly white, so that you can see when it’s time for the next application. Remember to already apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you leave, and don’t forget Baby’s feet that peek out in the pram!
✓ Put a hat on her. First prize is one with a broad rim – such as those the cricket players wear – preferably also made from densely woven fabric, advise the experts at Cansa.
ZZZZZERO MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are everywhere in summer. Unfortunately. And they can badly disrupt your little one’s sleep. The bites can also cause discomfort. This is how to keep them away:
✓ Mossie nets: special nets made for cots and small beds can be found at most baby stores. You can even treat the net with insect repellent to make extra sure the nasty bugs stay away. Just choose a repellent that’s safe for your baby.
✓ Keep your baby in the house between dusk and dawn. If it’s impossible, dress her in clothes that cover her legs and arms – so long sleeves and long pants. And bring on the socks and shoes.
✓ Insect repellent: use a cream or spray, but make sure it’s safe to use with children. There are various kinds available.
✓ A fan in the nursery can also keep the mosquitoes away, but don’t let it blow straight onto your child.
✓ Also ensure there’s no stagnant water
in or around your home, because it’s the ideal breeding ground for mossies.
So, empty those buckets, pots and outdoor toys.
What about mosquito repellents such as coils and appliances that get plugged in? The experts warn it’s not healthy to be exposed to the gases from coils on a daily basis.
There’s also little information available about the safety of electric appliances that keep bugs at bay. So, it’s better not to use these in the nursery.
Despite all the precautions, a mossie will still squeeze through and bite your baby. How do you treat bites?
Experts recommend washing bites, which are most often red and slightly puffy, with soap and water.
Ice – or anything cold really – can also relieve the pain.
Tea-tree oil (always to be diluted with water) is another antidote to painful mossie bites. A cup of vinegar in the bathwater is another natural treatment.
Calamine lotion can also relieve the itch. Also ask your doctor to recommend a safe anti-itch cream.
It’s rare, but some children can be allergic to mosquito bites. Take your baby to the doctor.
Also consult your doctor if it looks like a bite has become infected.
THE BIG THIRST
It’s not only diarrhoea and fever that can dehydrate your baby. Extreme heat is also a culprit.
Being in the sun all the time can make your baby sweat and lose moisture.
Too many clothes may pose the same danger. Babies can also overheat in 10 minutes in a stationary vehicle with all the windows closed. Never leave your baby like this, even if you think you may be away for only a moment.
These are the symptoms of dehydration: fewer than six wet nappies
in a 24-hour cycle, dark-yellow urine, blood in the stool, fever, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on top of Baby’s head), cold hands and feet, extreme fatigue and crying without tears.
Treat dehydration with an electrolytereplacement solution, but first ask your doctor which one is suitable for your baby. You can also make your own: mix 1 litre cooled-down boiled water, 2 tablespoons (30ml) sugar and ½ teaspoon (2,5ml) salt.
Also be warned: babies who’re used to breastfeeding sometimes battle to drink anything but breastmilk. You’ll have to give them the replacement solution with a teaspoon.
Prevent dehydration by giving your baby fluids often on hot days. If your baby only drinks breastmilk, it’s not necessary to give her extra water.
Just feed her more often – the watery foremilk is enough to quench her thirst. Babies who drink formula milk should, however, be given some extra water on hot days. Remember that water for Baby should be boiled first and then cooled, even if it has been filtered.
You can also prevent dehydration by taking care that your baby always wears a hat outside the house. Try and stay indoors between 11am and 3pm.
SQUEAKY CLEAN SUMMER
Because the warmer weather makes your baby sweat more than usual in summer, she’s more vulnerable to skin infections or rashes.
Best to be quite thorough when washing her neck, armpits and other visible folds on her body.
It’s not recommended to skip bath times in summer. At best you at least need a sponge-down on lazy nights.
HEAT RASH
It’s a common summer affliction, especially on babies’ necks, shoulders, backs and the groin around the nappy area. Usually, you’ll notice small round raised marks that disappear once the skin is cool and dry again.
Inappropriate clothing is usually to blame. Avoid unnatural fabrics that can trap the heat, as it were, and choose cool, loose-fitting clothing, of pure cotton if you can.
TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
Don’t take your baby straight from the bath to an air-conditioned room. Rather switch off the aircon until your baby’s dressed and her hair is dry. If your baby is in an air-conditioned room all day, dress her in something slightly warmer made of cotton, or in a vest. Also try and avoid the cold air blowing directly onto your baby.
COOL CAR SEATS AND PRAMS
If you or Baby’s nanny enjoy taking her for a walk, limit it to early morning or late afternoon. Remove all unnecessary cushions from the pram – ditto for her car seat. In summer, you can also line the pram (and seat) with a cotton sheet. It’s much cooler than the synthetic material with which seats and prams are usually lined.
HOW ABOUT CHLORINE POOLS?
Some studies show that babies younger than six months who’re exposed to chlorinated pool water have a higher risk of developing asthma and lower respiratory tract infections. More research is needed, but it might be wise to keep your young baby away, especially from indoor chlorine pools.
If Baby’s already taking swimming lessons, choose a pool where the airflow is good, and give your baby a good rinse with clean water once you’re done swimming for the day.
On a hot day, playing in the water can really help to cool Baby down. Your bath or a small inflatable pool are both ideal for this. But never leave your baby unattended in the water, even if it’s only a couple of centimetres deep.