Summer Babies - Staying Cool with a Newborn

The heat in North Carolina has been brutal this past week so staying cool has probably been at the top of your to-do list. But if you’re the parent of a newborn, you may also be feeling a little trapped these days and want to get outside a bit. We totally support that - fresh air (even if it does feel like a sauna outside) is good. If you’re worried about taking your newborn outside in this heat, we’ve got some tips for you on how to keep your baby cool and enjoy summer.

One common question we get from new parents is whether it’s safe to even take their new baby outside? The answer to that question is YES!

If you are traveling with a newborn or planning to go to crowded indoor public places, you may want to check with your pediatrician on their recommendation, but it is perfectly safe to take your baby outside for a walk or some fresh air in the backyard. You can do this as soon as you feel ready to get outside. We think some sunshine and fresh air does wonders for both new parents and new babies.

But it is July in North Carolina so it is HOT HOT HOT out there. We’ve got a few tips to keep your baby cool and safe as you venture outside this summer.

Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Both the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against using sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months. These little ones have sensitve skin and it’s best to avoid these products at a very young age. This is why newborns should be kept out of direct sunlight and in the shade as much as possible when outdoors.

So if you want to hang in the backyard, find some shade under a tree or sit under an umbrella. If you’re out for a walk in the stroller, make sure the cover is up and that your baby is not exposed to too much direct sunlight. (However, avoid completely covering the stroller with an additional blanket - it can get hot fast under there!)

Cover Up

You can also protect your newborn’s skin from exposure to the sun by making sure they are well covered. Dress them in long pants and long sleeves (remember - newborn’s are typically comfortable in one extra layer than adults need) to keep their skin covered. A wide-brimmed hat and some baby sunglasses also can help keep your baby protected and come with a lot extra cuteness points.

Watch for Signs of Excessive Heat or Dehydration

Newborns can become overheated or dehydrated more quickly than adults can. So keep a close eye on your baby if you’re going to be out in the heat for longer periods of time. Redness, fussiness, and crying can be indicators that your newborn is getting too hot. You can keep them cool with products like portable, clip-on fans for the stroller and making sure you stay in the shade.

It’s also a good idea to offer some additional time at the breast or an extra bottle to make sure your newborn stays well-dehydrated. Being out in the heat makes us thirsty and it does the same for your baby. So feed them more frequently to slake that thirst.

There’s no reason to stay holed up inside every day with your new baby. It gets a little lonely in there! We encourage all of our clients to get some fresh air and sunshine and it’s totally fine to bring your new baby along for that. Just keep these tips in mind and your newborn will stay cool all summer long.