Summer can be a challenging time for parents of young babies. Protecting your child from the sun's rays is important, yet keeping him cool at the same time is a must. Above all, dress your baby in comfortable clothing. This will minimize both of your stress levels, because a baby who is not comfortable is often cranky.
Step 1
Dress your baby in cotton clothing in the summer months. Cotton allows your child's skin to breathe and provides ventilation to dry up sweat before a heat rash can happen. Cotton is overall more gentle on a baby's delicate skin than synthetic materials that can scratch and itch.
Step 2
Show a little skin in the hot weather to prevent your baby from becoming overheated. Dress your baby in a onesie--a short-sleeved bodysuit without pant legs--to keep him cool. If you take your baby outside in minimal clothing, protect him from the sun by placing him in the shade or under an umbrella.
Put a wide-brimmed hat on his head. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin, urges the American Academy of Pediatrics, to avoid sunburn.
Step 3
Add light layers of clothing--a long-sleeved cotton shirt and pants, for example. If necessary, use a blanket when your baby is in an air-conditioned environment. The Government of South Australia's Children, Youth and Women's Health Service advises parents to keep air conditioning between 75 and 78 degrees F to prevent babies from becoming too cold.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Umbrella
