Tips for managing babies during hot summer months

Tips for managing babies during hot summer months

All babies may be extra fussy and unsettled during hot weather spells with previous feeding patterns going out the window, says senior lactation consultant at the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, Karen Palmer.

More advice from Karen is that frequent bathing or putting cool flannels on the baby’s head will soothe a hot, fractious infant. And she says to watch for undue sleepiness in a newborn as they have poor temperature control and may become too drowsy to feed.

“We advise you cool a sleepy newborn down and offer an extra feeding. Be mindful of temperature changes over the 24 hour period and adjust clothing and blankets frequently.”

“Breastfed babies may want to breastfeed more frequently but for shorter periods of time, then catch up with longer feedings later at night or early morning. They may fuss and squirm at the breast if they’re too hot. Feeding lying down in a cool room may help both mother and baby be more comfortable.”

Karen says it’s very important that the baby’s cues for what he/she needs are followed.

Another tip for breast feeding mothers is that as breastmilk is a living fluid, it is ever-changing and will change its composition for the weather. Extra fluids in the form of water are unnecessary for the young breastfed baby, although older babies may enjoy cool fluids and refreshing fruits (like watermelon) to quench their thirst.

Karen said that mothers need to ensure they’re having adequate fluids as well. And she suggests that this fluid be water, as sweetened drinks can be dehydrating.

“Formula fed infants will undoubtedly require extra drinks of cooled, boiled water in between feeds, especially if an outdoor trip is undertaken. Be extra careful with formula preparation on hot days and nights as formula milk can “spoil” easily in hot weather and cause gastroenteritis.

“And please follow the instructions carefully when sterilising bottles.”

Karen says each feed should be freshly made and unused amounts thrown out within the hour of making. “As always, bottle fed infants should be held for feedings and not given a bottle to “help themselves”.

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