How to keep your baby safe, healthy and happy during the hottest season
Summer vacation with a baby (or even a trip to a Little League game for an afternoon) can be tricky for new parents. Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot.
#1 Keep your baby cool
Having a newborn during the summer can be a challenge on many fronts, but one of the most common is related to soaring temperatures. Babies, just like adults, are susceptible to dehydration and overheating, but those conditions are even more dangerous in infants whose symptoms may be less obvious. You can read more about the signs of an overheated infant here.
#2 Keep your baby healthy
If you’re outside, even for a short period of time, make sure to apply appropriate sunscreen to your baby and avoid direct sunlight and extremely high temperatures. It’s also a good idea to use a mosquito net to protect your baby from bug bites.
#3 Plan ahead for travel
Whether you’re taking your first big family vacation with your baby, or just getting away for a weekend, traveling with an infant requires a little extra planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- If you’re traveling on an airplane, know that TSA allows you to carry on breast milk, formula and baby food in “reasonable quantities” exceeding the usual 3.4 ounces. You can read the full policy
- If you’ll be staying in a hotel or with family/friends, be sure to make sleeping arrangements for your infant. Either bring a Pack-n-Play or reserve a crib at the hotel. Never share a bed with your infant or allow your infant to sleep in a carseat, even while traveling.
- If you have a newborn, speak with your pediatrician about when it’s safe to travel with your baby. Some providers recommend waiting until babies are over two months of age, but circumstances may vary.
- If your trip includes water, don’t forget swim diapers. You don’t want to see what happens to the regular kind in a pool. 🙂