This post has been sitting in my draft box for exactly one month. Even though Summer is coming to an end, I thought I’d share it anyway! Enjoy!
August, 18, 2010
Pinky has definitely experienced her first of the hottest days ahead of her. It finally feels like Summer here in San Diego. The weather is nice and HOT! The only thing that worries me is, “is it too hot for Pinky“? I mean it’s perfect weather to finally get her into the pool because it won’t be too cold, but now I have to think about her getting sunburned, getting a heat stroke and passing out. Oh my!
The best way for me to overcome my fears is to educate myself, especially since Pinky’s soft, smooth baby skin is so sensitive. We’re planning a trip to the beach and/or the pool in addition to the appearances we have to make to a few parties this weekend so it will serve me right to do my research, just to be safe!
Below are my Top 5 worries and ways to prevent them from harming Pinky via a quick Google Search.
- Heat Rash – Pinky broke out in heat rash when she was only 4 months, mostly under her neck and in between her little rolls. You’ll know your baby has this when you see an outbreak of tiny little bumps, sometimes red in color and sometimes not. To help prevent this outbreak from occurring, keep baby cool and dry as much as possible. Dress them in comfortable clothes preferably in plain cotton fabrics so their skin can breathe. Stay away from baby powder! My parent’s kept telling me to put some on her, but physicians do not encourage this as the talcum is not good for babies to breath in. If your baby does happen to develop a bad case of heat rash or if it doesn’t go away in a few days take them to the doctor ASAP.
- Sun Burn – I’m not a big fan of putting anything on Pinky’s skin, but I had to give in when she kept taking off her hat and when I realized how sensitive her skin was to the heat, the hard way. She turned a pink after being in the sun too long her Half Birthday, even after trying everything. She wore long sleeves, a hat, we sat in the shade and I even dabbed a little Water Babies Sunblock on her nose. Cover your baby as much as you can, without overheating them of course and learn your babies limit when it comes to playing out in the sun. Remember that even on a cloudy overcast day, the sun can be harsh on anyone’s skin.
- Heat Stroke – Heat Stroke occurs when too much water leaves baby’s body. Keep a close eye on baby when it’s hot. Monitor their body temperature, don’t bundle them up and make sure they stay well hydrated.
- Belt Burns – I always check the buck in the car seat just to make sure it’s not hot. It usually never is but I just need to make sure so I don’t burn those chubby, wubby thighs! Just be cautious of anything that is left in the car that baby can potentially burn themselves with.
- Dehydration – I don’t think this will be a problem for Pinky since she seems to be attached to my breast. Nonetheless, it still is a valid concern. Keep baby well hydrated and always offer them water or breast milk, whatever they’re having nowadays. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke. One way to check if baby is thirsty or needs to fill up is by checking the soft spot at the top of their heads. Usually if their soft spot is lower than usual, it is an indication that they may be dehydrated. I did not know this was a fact, until now…my dad is the one who told me about this and I thought it was a Filipino superstition, haha! Good looking out Papi!
Anyway, most of this is common sense. But remember every baby is different and each one will tolerate and react to the heat differently. Just know how to read your baby’s cues and keep a close eye on them as you always do.
Enjoy the few and final days of Summer!