When the summer months come, many questions arise in the minds of families with babies:<\/p>
\u201cCan I wear sunscreen?\u201d,<\/p>
\u201cIs it safe to take my baby into the sea or pool?\u201d,<\/p>
\u201cHow should I dress in hot weather?\u201d,<\/p>
\u201cShould I give water?\u201d<\/p>
In this article, we explain the things to consider in summer care, especially for babies between 0-24 months, based on scientific sources, and answer frequently asked questions.<\/p>
The use of sunscreen is not recommended for babies aged 0-6 months. Because during this period, baby skin is very sensitive and permeable; should not be exposed to chemicals. The most effective protection in this age group:<\/p>
\u2022 Staying under the shade<\/p>
\u2022 Avoiding hours when sunlight is direct (not going out between 10.00 and 16.00)<\/p>
\u2022 It is to use physical protection such as hats and long-sleeved thin cotton clothes.<\/p>
For babies older than 6 months, sunscreens with mineral (physical) filters can be used if they are going to stay outside.<\/p>
\ud83d\udd39 Products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide should be preferred.<\/p>
\ud83d\udd39 Does not contain chemical filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate etc.),<\/p>
\ud83d\udd39 Perfume-free, dye-free, alcohol-free and hypoallergenic products are safe.<\/p>
\ud83d\udd39 The product label should include the words \"for babies\", \"physically filtered\" or \"hypoallergenic\".<\/p>
\ud83d\udd39 SPF 30-50 protection is sufficient.<\/p>
\u23f1\ufe0f Application: It should be applied 15-20 minutes before going out, and should be renewed after entering water or excessive sweating and every 2 hours.<\/p>
\ud83d\udcda Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)<\/p>
Babies love water from birth, but care should be taken in open areas such as the sea and pools.<\/p>
\u2022 After the 3rd month, short-term sea baths (not exceeding 5-10 minutes) can be taken.<\/p>
\u2022 Sea water should be clean and warm (around 30\u00b0C).<\/p>
\u2022 Hours when sunlight is not direct (before 9 in the morning, after 17 in the evening) should be preferred.<\/p>
\u2022 After swimming, the baby should be washed immediately, his skin should be dried and he should be dressed in clean cotton clothes.<\/p>
\u2022 Pool is not recommended for the first year of age. Public pools are especially risky in terms of microbial contamination.<\/p>
\u2022 If it is a hygienic pool specially prepared for babies, whose water is frequently disinfected, short-term trials can be made after the 6th month.<\/p>
\u2022 After the pool, the baby's skin should be rinsed with clean water and a moisturizer should be applied.<\/p>
\u2022 The use of baby swim diapers is a must.<\/p>
It is important to keep your baby cool but also protected from the sun. It is not right to overdress or leave bare.<\/p>
\u2022 100% cotton, thin, light-coloured clothes should be preferred.<\/p>
\u2022 If going out in the sunlight, a hat must be worn.<\/p>
\u2022 UV protected sunglasses can also be preferred for babies after the 6th month.<\/p>
\u2022 If your baby's neck is sweaty and hot, he may be overdressed.<\/p>
\ud83d\udfe1 Tip: If the baby's hands and feet are cool but not cold, the temperature balance is generally appropriate.<\/p>
\u2022 Water is not given to babies who are exclusively breastfed.<\/p>
\u2022 Breast milk meets both fluid and nutritional needs in hot weather.<\/p>
\u2022 Breastfeeding frequency may increase during this period.<\/p>
6 Months and Above:<\/p>
\u2022 Babies who start complementary feeding can additionally be given a small amount of water several times a day.<\/p>
\u2022 If your baby shows diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating, his fluid needs may have increased. In this case, consult your doctor.<\/p>
\u2022 Daily bathing is not necessary.<\/p>
\u2022 On days when you sweat excessively, it is good to take a short shower with warm water.<\/p>
\u2022 To prevent skin dryness after frequent bathing, special, perfume-free moisturizers for babies should be used.<\/p>
\u26a0\ufe0f 6. Other Points to Consider in Summer<\/p>
\u2022 Never leave the baby alone in the car. Even if there is shade, the temperature inside the vehicle increases rapidly.<\/p>
\u2022 If air conditioning is used, make sure it does not blow directly on the baby and that the room temperature is between 23\u201325\u00b0C.<\/p>
\u2022 To protect yourself from mosquitoes, choose chemical-free fly repellents or mosquito nets.<\/p>
\u2022 Urine amount, stool color and general condition should be monitored in hot weather. If there is long-lasting restlessness or loss of appetite, a doctor should be consulted.<\/p>
\ud83e\ude7a Conclusion: It is Possible to Spend the Summer Safely!<\/p>
Summer months can be enjoyable for both babies and families \u2014 as long as we take the right precautions. Your baby can spend the summer comfortably and healthily with protection from the sun, choosing the right time for contact with water, appropriate clothing and fluid support.<\/p>
\ud83d\udccd You can make an appointment at our office for your baby health and routine check-up during the summer months in Izmir.<\/p>\n\n