Summer lovin’

Summer brings sunny strolls, splashy afternoons, and precious family bonding, but little ones need extra care in the heat. With a few smart precautions, you can keep baby safe while soaking up the season.

Watch for overheating and dehydration

Babies overheat faster than adults, so keep a close eye on their temperature and mood. “Signs of overheating may include clammy skin, excessive sweating, fussiness, flushed skin and heat rash,” says Dr Letlhogonolo Sepeng, a paediatric neonatologist at Netcare Park Lane Hospital. “If you check the baby’s temperature and it’s 37.5°C or higher, it’s a sign that they’re overheating.” Rapid breathing and lethargy are also red flags.

As for dehydration: “Signs include a sunken soft spot on the head, sunken eyes, dry lips and fewer wet nappies,” says Dr Sepeng. “Babies may become drowsy or irritable and their skin could appear blotchy or cool.”

How hot is too hot?

Avoid taking your baby outdoors when temperatures hit 32°C or higher. “Prolonged exposure to extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly,” warns Dr Sepeng. “Babies have limited ability to regulate their body temperature and they cannot communicate discomfort in the way older children can.”

Cooling techniques

Fans and cooling mats help, but use them with care. “Fans can cool the room, but they should not be aimed directly at the baby,” says Dr Sepeng. “It’s better to keep the air circulating around them.” 

Cooling mats work best under a sheet or as a play mat, but just make sure they’re not overly cold.

Sunscreen: When is it safe?

For babies under six months, skip the sunscreen unless absolutely necessary. “Their skin is still developing, and the ingredients in many sunscreens can be harsh,” says Dr Sepeng.

After six months, mineral-based sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are safe. Just choose SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if baby’s been swimming or sweating.

Dress for sun defence

Keep outfits light, breathable and sun smart. “Dress your baby in cotton or linen,” says Dr Sepeng. “Light colours reflect sunlight and a wide-brimmed hat protects the face, ears, and neck.” 

Avoid draping blankets over prams as it traps heat. And always keep babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight.

Bug off!

Babies older than two months can use insect repellents with up to 30% DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). “This concentration can protect for up to five hours,” Dr Sepeng explains.

Picaridin is another safe choice and can be applied to clothing. It’s non-greasy, fragrance-free, odourless, dries quickly and won’t damage plastics or synthetic coatings. For younger infants, stick to mosquito nets over carriers and prams.

Natural repellents? Use with caution. “Citronella and eucalyptus can be used for babies older than six months,” says Dr Sepeng. “But avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and watch out for allergies or ingestion.”

Minimise exposure to buggy zones; that means staying away from standing or stagnant water and avoiding outings at dusk and dawn.

Treating bites and rashes

Despite all the prevention, bites and rashes can happen. Dr Sepeng recommends, “Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and lukewarm water to wash the affected area. Keep it dry and consider using a topical anti-itch cream or lotion.”

Watch for signs of infection like swelling or pus and reach out to your paediatrician if anything seems off.

Baby’s comfort is key in the warmer months. With a bit of planning and lots of love, you can enjoy the season safely – one sunny giggle at a time.