Your baby’s summer survival guide

1. Time outings right

The sun is at its most intense from 10am to 3pm, and for a baby’s sensitive skin, this is especially dangerous. “Global warming has really had an impact and clouds do not fully block UV rays,’ says West Coast paediatrician Dr Susan Annandale. Exposure to too much ultraviolet radiation can cause severe sunburn and eye damage, and raise their risk of skin cancer later in life. “Don’t venture out in the ‘burning hours’, and if you must, take special care to protect your little one,” she says. Fit a parasol to their pram – don’t cover the pram with a blanket or towel, it can cause baby to overheat – and fit shades to car windows.

2. Dress baby right

For outdoors, choose loose-fitting, densely-woven clothes, preferably with a UPF 50 (ultraviolet protection factor of 50). Go for long sleeves and pants that cover as much of baby’s skin as possible, a broad-brimmed hat with a strap or a legionnaire cap (to protect the neck), and UVA/UVB protective sunglasses, again with a soft elastic strap. Get baby used to wearing their hat and shades as early as possible. 

Indoors, dress baby for heat, guided by your own choice. If you are comfortable in shorts and a vest top, dress baby similarly. On very hot days, a nappy alone can work well. Babies don’t have fully developed sweat glands, so they’re unable to sweat to cool down. This makes them prone to heat rash – tiny red spots or blisters. Treat it by cooling them in a lukewarm bath, dressing them in loose, light clothing, and keeping them in a cool, well-ventilated place. You can also apply cornstarch baby powder to affected areas. “The rash usually resolves on its own,” says Durban specialist paediatrician Dr Ridwan Omar. 

3. Apply sunscreen daily

This is important even on shady days, if baby is over six months old. Select a sunscreen designed for babies and with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it to their face, hands and any part not covered by clothing. Do this about 15 minutes before going into the sun, then reapply every two hours. Just be sure to check first if your baby is allergic or sensitive to the sunscreen – dab a little inside their forearm and watch for signs of irritation. 

If baby is under six months, sunscreen should not be used, as the chemicals can irritate very young skin. “Rather keep them at home,” says Dr Annandale. Even there, take care to keep them out of direct sunlight. 

4. Watch for signs of sunburn

If despite your best intentions baby gets sunburned, with skin that’s red, warm and sore, treat it like any other burn if it’s minor: bathe the area in cool or lukewarm water (not cold),  and give them paracetamol or ibuprofen if there is pain or swelling, says Dr Omar. But if sunburn is severe, with blisters, swelling, signs of infection (pus), and severe pain, be sure to see your health provider.

5. Watch for signs of heatstroke

Babies are at greater risk than adults of overheating, and heatstroke is a medical emergency. Suspect it if your baby has a temperature over 40⁰C, their skin is red, hot and dry, their pulse and breathing are rapid, and they are lethargic, confused, or not responding (unconscious). Call an ambulance. While you wait, take them to a cool place, remove any unnecessary clothing and try to get them to drink. Cool them with a damp cloth or sponge. 

6. Watch for signs of dehydration

Dehydration happens when you don’t have enough fluids in your body for it to function properly, and babies are at high risk, especially in hot weather “The first sign of dehydration in a child is thirst,” says Dr Omar. You shouldn’t give water to a baby under six months old. If breast-feeding, encourage them to drink longer on hot days.

Signs of mild dehydration are fewer wet nappies (they should be producing 6-8 a day), dark yellow or brown urine (it should be pale), and dry lips and mouth, often accompanied by headaches and nausea. Encourage them to drink.

Signs of severe dehydration are lethargy, floppiness, rapid breathing or heart rate, restlessness, irritability, drowsiness, confusion, and a sunken fontanelle. If you spot these signs, get urgent medical attention. 

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