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Dressing Babies for Summer

11 June 2024

In the summer, the air conditioner is on, and it cools the room. However, how do we know the ideal temperature for babies? And how should we dress them in the hot season? The following guidelines can help:

  • Check the signs: touch the baby’s back or chest to see if his or her body is cold or warm. Watch the tone of the face. If it is flushed and sweaty, the baby is hot.
  • Dress the baby in layers according to the age: up to the age of two months, dress your baby in one more layer than the adults.
  • Going out of the house: it is recommended to go outside during the cooler periods of the day, before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.
  • A hat: when going outside with your baby, put a hat on the baby's head to protect him or her from the sun, but take it off when the baby is asleep to avoid a hazard.
  • Air conditioner or ventilator: it is important to ensure that the appliance is not turned directly at the face so that the baby does not catch a cold. It is important to be alert when the air conditioner is on and check if the baby's lips or fingers are bluish, which indicates that the baby is cold.

While summer can be hot, an air conditioner can make it bearable and even enjoyable. By following a few basic principles, we can ensure that what is comfortable for us is also safe and comfortable for our baby during the hot season.

Read the signs

First, touch your baby to see if he or she is hot. Is the face flushed? Are there signs of sweat on the face or body? If so, it may be too hot. Reduce the air-conditioning intensity or remove one layer of clothing.

If the air conditioner spreads cold air very intensely and your baby's fingers or lips have a bluish tone, the baby is probably cold. Adjust the air-conditioning temperature.

Useful tip: you can feel the body heat by touching the baby's chest or back. This is preferable to checking the hands and feet, as these are remote body areas that may not accurately reflect the baby's general feeling.

The number of layers of clothing depends on the age: up to the age of two months, babies are unable to regulate their body temperature. Therefore, they should be dressed in one layer more than us. It is preferable to select footed leggings or add a pair of socks. In any case, it is recommended to check whether an additional layer is required, according to the signs we mentioned.

Especially in the summer, make sure that at least the first layer of clothing that touches your baby's skin is made of 100% cotton. Cotton helps prevent skin irritation and absorbs sweat better than other fabrics. To ensure the baby is comfortable, it is best to choose stretchy, soft clothing where the neck opening is wide enough for your baby's head to pass through without any difficulty. The clothes should also not be too tight, as this can restrict your baby's free movement. If a baby's garment gets wet, it is important to replace it immediately with dry clothes so the baby will not get cold.

It is preferable not to put on a hat that is tied under the chin so that the strings do not get tangled or pose a hazard.

Wearing a hat at home: a hat is not necessary for babies at home if the room temperature is warm (22–23 degrees Celsius). In any case, it is important to always remove the hat when the baby is asleep so it will not fall off and pose a hazard.

Wearing a hat outside: it is recommended to put a hat on your baby to protect from the sun and keep the body warm. If it is not too warm, you can use a blanket that is not too thick or a fleece blanket that will make the baby warm and comfortable. It is generally advised not to go outside between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., to avoid the peak of the heat.

When you are in a room where an air conditioner or a ventilator is on, it is important to ensure that the appliance is not turned directly at the face so that the baby does not catch a cold. Check what you are comfortable wearing, and dress babies under 2 months in one more layer.

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