The
Sun and Your Baby
Keep your kids comfortable and protected in hot weather, buy lightweight
clothing, shade cool surroundings and remember to give your baby
lots of water to drink.
Babies
Cotton
clothes are cooler and more comfortable than those made of synthetics
which do not absorb perspiration. A loosely pinned nappy and vest
are the most suitable clothes for indoors on hot days. On very hot
days (especially in warmer climates) it may be best for the baby
to be dressed in nothing at all.
When
outdoors make sure as much of your babies skin is covered by closely
woven fabric even in the shade or cloudy days. This is the only
effective way to protect them from the sun.
Let
a bay who can't move lie in the coolest room, if possible in an
unlined cane bassinet or cot that lets the air circulate. If you
have a safe place, let your baby lie on a sheet on the floor.
A
tepid bath (no need for soap) is great after a hot car or pram ride.
Keep
your baby hydrated . Offer frequent drinks of cool.f unsweetened
boiled water or breastfeed more frequently.
Toddlers
Toddlers
need lots of unsweetened water as well as showers and baths.
Outdoors
in the summer toddlers should wear a wide brimmed or legionnaire
style hat, a cotton shirt with sleeves and sandals to protect their
feet from the hot ground.
During
summer you should only let your children play outside during 10am
and 3.00pm. This should only be for short periods of time.
In
the car:
Try
to avoid travel during the heat of the day
NEVER
leave your baby alone in a parked car, not even for a couple of
minutes.
Out
and About or At the Beach
Babies
and young children have skin that burns easily. They should never
be in the sun unprotected. Babies under 12 months should not be
placed in the sun at all..
Children
should wear a hat with a brim and cap with a flap to cover back
of neck and ear. And neck to knee bathers or a close weave T - shirt
with collar and sleeves. Make sure suncream is also applied.
