Spending Summer with Your Newborn
Author: Angela Heidt
If you just had your baby at the beginning of summer, then you are likely wondering what you are going to do with your baby during these months where the temperature is hot and humid. Although your previous summers may have been spent sunning by the pool, with a newborn in hand you have to be much more careful about your time spent outdoors and in the sun. Here are some tips on navigating hot weather with a newborn:
Mornings Are Best
In the morning you and your baby are likely at your best, assuming that you each got at least a little bit of sleep. This is a perfect time to get out as you both have some energy, and the weather is cooler than later on in the day. Put baby in a stroller and go for a walk, or even kill two birds with one stone by hitting the grocery store on your way back. Perhaps even find another mom that you can walk with and talk to. You will likely find that baby enjoys the fresh air just as much as you do.
Afternoon Naps
Raising a newborn is tiring, and combined with hot days can be overwhelming. Take advantage of baby's afternoon naps by taking one yourself. You will both awake rested and refreshed, and the hottest part of the day will be over.
Evening Activities
Anything that needs to get done or activities that you want to participate in with your baby should ideally be done in the early morning or late evening, unless they are indoors. By avoiding the hottest part of the day you will be preventing overexposure to the sun as well as heat exhaustion for both of you.
Stay Cool
At all times it is important that you and baby stay cool. Newborns can easily overheat if they are dressed to warmly or exposed to hot weather, as their bodies are not as good at regulating temperature. Help baby stay cool on really hot days by keeping indoors, and giving a lukewarm bath to help bring down the temperature of a hot baby. Be careful not to overdress your newborn, in general they need the same amount of layers as we do.
Get Out
You may be tempted to protect baby from everything - especially when they are so young. However, everything in moderation is perfectly safe. The last thing you want is to be shut up in doors, where you and baby will probably drive each other crazy. Take things one step at a time and you will find that both you and baby thoroughly enjoy your time outdoors. As long as it is not extremely hot and baby is protected from the sun you should both be fine.
Find Alternatives
When it's just too hot to go out, but you can't bear the thought of staying home, it is time to find some hot summer day alternatives. If you live near a mall then you know that there is at least one place that is fully air conditioned, and won't mind if you walk around for an hour or two without buying anything. Public pools are also great, as long as baby doesn't mind the water. Check out your library, community center, or anywhere else you can think of that will give you a break from being in the house, without being in the sun.
