Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather

RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By Malinda/Pa (Guest Post) (07/13/2006) Thirty six years ago, when my boys were babies, we only had fans. I would sponge bath them in cool water and powder under their little arms and back of their necks. Also, I put cotton undershirts on them when I would hold them so their skin would not be next to my skin. I, also, would put a diaper between me and the babies. Try not to hold them too much and make sure their skin is not touching your skin. RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By Nicole (Guest Post) (07/13/2006) Salt is crucial. Salt is the main electrolyte and without it, we get very dehydrated. Every drop of sweat is salty, so on hot, humid days, we need to replace it diligently. Offer the baby the tip of your finger dipped in a tiny bit of salt. If his body needs it he will ask for more. Don't worry if he sputters a bit at first taste, as it is intense! My boys cannot go to sleep at night if they have sweated during the day and not replaced their salt. They get very hyperactive and cranky. I myself need plenty in this heat, as we do not have AC either! RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post by dj_pinkey (40) | (07/13/2006) Contact Go with the fans and wearing just a diaper - if it's a cloth diaper it'll be much cooler than the plastic disposables. Leave off plastic pants when he's sleeping - just use a waterproof matress protector in case he wets. AC hasn't been around that long, and I'm sure that heat has been something for people to deal with for ages. Keep baby hydrated - he may not feel like eating much if he's used to being cooled all the time. If you're nursing, he'll probably feed more, but it's just what he needs - remember to keep yourself hydrated as well! RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By Nicole (Guest Post) (07/12/2006) Salt is crucial. Salt is the main electrolyte and without it, we get very dehydrated. Every drop of sweat is salty, so on hot, humid days, we need to replace it diligently. Offer the baby the tip of your finger dipped in a tiny bit of salt. If his body needs it he will ask for more. Don't worry if he sputters a bit at first taste, as it is intense! My boys cannot go to sleep at night if they have sweated during the day and not replaced their salt. They get very hyperactive and cranky. I myself need plenty in this heat, as we do not have AC either! RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By Tanu (Guest Post) (07/12/2006) My daughter is the same age and she also gets overheated now that it is summertime. You get Pedialyte in plastic freeze-pops at the CVS pharmacy - we get CVS brand itself as it is cheaper. Each freeze pop is 2 oz. of Pedialyte. I keep a few of these in her diaper bag at all times (unfrozen of course), and when it is hot and she is thirsty I mix one of these with 2 oz. water, which I also carry with us. It helps keep her hydrated and cools her down instantly. Her pediatrician is very happy with us using this method. You can freeze them for him when he is a little older, but this is perfect for traveling anyplace. Also, keep a spray bottle of water in the diaper bag. Have a safe trip and stay cool. RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By trisha (Guest Post) (07/12/2006) I agree, fan and lots of liquids. My babe, like me is super sensitive to the heat, so she sleeps and naps with a fan in her room, block the sun with a thick drap/blanket...whatever it takes. I am sure sleeping is the worst time, its hard to fall asleep for some when it is warm. I disagree however with the advice that says babies have been ok in the heat. Some people are more sensitive to heat that others...and your babe could be one. RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By KLS8800 (Guest Post) (07/12/2006) If he must wear a shirt, get it wet with cool NOT COLD water, wring it out well. Also, put his baby blanket in a large plastic (Wal Mart type) bag and put it in the freezer. Spread it out where you are going to put this little angel about ten minutes before he is to be there, and he can crawl around on a cool blanket. The fan will help, too. Yes, not AT him, but OVER him. Wipe down his little head with a wash cloth (again cool not cold water) RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post by camo_angels (683) | (07/12/2006) Profile | Contact Yes, wear only a diaper and comfy shorts or plastic overpants (my youngest always pulls his off!) Keep a portable oscillating fan near where he will be sleeping and playing. The new fans at WM and such will shut off if tipped over (found this out when my oldest fell on one two years ago!) Supplement with water....avoid juice and sports drinks! Babies don't sweat like we do, and certainly will not be running a lot to justify non-nutritional stuff like that. The best food to eat are bananas, and perfect for that age. They are portable, easy to cut and provide a lot of K (potassium) that the body needs to avoid dehydration. Also, keep a white or light colored blanket over his seat in the car to keep THAT cool too! BTW if you have a Safeway store there, they have a special if you buy 4 certain products you get a free case of bottled water, goes until july eighteenth! RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post by Mr. Thrifty (126) | (07/12/2006) Profile | Blog! | Contact Put shades on your windows to keep the room dark. You also can just shade the sunny side windows and open the otherside , There will be a difference in Temperature. Get yourself a cheap ceiling fan , Some are only a little over 30 dollars Install it and run it so there is a constant air movement. Run cold water into the bathtub and get in with your child.Just wash him with a washcloth and keep rinsing him .do that for a half hour Oh babies have been standing the heat forever. if your baby is healthy he or she will only become uncomfortable. Remember He or She doesn''t even know about Air Conditioning. Just make sure your baby gets liquids to replace what he or she loses. I wish You Cool Breezes Mr. Thrifty RE: Caring for a Baby in Hot Weather Post By jean (Guest Post) (07/09/2006) Try sponging him down with a wet washcloth frequently. Also a fan aimed over (not directly at) him might help. I hope he is wearing only a diaper most of the time.