Summer can be pleasant, but if the temperature rises beyond a limit, it could turn out to be a curse especially for an infant. You have to be extra careful in case you have a newly born child as protecting a child from soaring temperature and the side effects of the heat is very important

As kids are newly born and have weak immune so they are very prone to illness and infections during the summer. There are a few common problems mentioned below among babies which can be caused due to soaring temperatures and scorching heat.

• Diarrhea
• Sunburn
• Prickly heat
• Skin Allergy or rashes
• Insect bites
• Dehydration
• Heat Stroke
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Gastroenteritis
• Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya (mosquito borne disease)

The following precautions can be taken to overcome the problems caused by summer.

Stay indoor to beat the temperature

You should preferably sit inside during the day. Let the doors be closed to avoid sunlight slanting in. If you have to take your baby out for stroll chooses a time during early morning and late evening. Strictly no, no during the sun.

Baby should be well hydrated

Babies do not get dehydrated if they are getting regular breast feed whenever they wish to. When the baby is on breast feed completely there is no need to give him water as he has enough of the liquid through breast milk. If he is on formula fed feed then you can offer him boiled, cooled water during peak summer.

Let their skin breathe

To let your baby skin breathe and relax, make him wear lose fitting cotton clothes. While choosing nappies, prefer cotton nappies than the disposable nappy to avoid warmth and heat rashes. In case you have to use disposable nappies then stay at a cool and comfortable place. When stepping out use a hat for their head. Baby’s arms and legs should be covered with clothes (muslin or breathable) to avoid mosquito bites during summer nights.

Maintain Cleanliness

The best option is to give frequent bath to your baby. To avoid perspiration, skin infections and rashes, give bath to your baby and a good wash or sponge bath on the neck, underarms and the visible folds in a baby’s body. This will keep your baby cool and clean during the summer. To disinfect baby’s body in a natural way add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or the neem oil during his bath. Wash the laundry in hot water with a mild detergent to get rid of germs. Keep yourself clean while taking care of your baby. Don’t use excess of talcum powder around the nappy area or underarm as the sweat soaks it up and dried up in layers which can cause irritation and itching.

Other small precautions and check you can follow

• On prickly heat and rashes, one can apply buttermilk or curd mixed with cool boiled water. These areas include back, neck, nappy area, skin folds, underarm and nape of the neck.
• You can use fuller earth and rose water paste as it has cooling and healing properties.
• Calamine lotion is also good, but need to be consulted with your doctor.
• Don't experiment with new home remedies with newborn as it may not suit their skin.
• Keep watching your baby’s urination output to check dehydration.
• If you are keeping your baby in air conditioner maintain a comfortable temperature throughout.