Top 10 Tips for Excellent Care of Newborns in the Hot Summer

Many parents believe that the body of a newborn is fragile, less resilient, and less adaptable, so they try various ways to keep their baby warm, such as dressing them in thick clothes, wrapping them in diapers, or layering multiple blankets to prevent their body from getting cold. Therefore, they are hesitant to use air conditioning for newborns in the summer. However, this is a misconception because healthy newborns, full-term, and weighing 3.5 kg or more have enough fat layers to maintain body heat. The thermoregulatory mechanism of the baby is also active, allowing the baby to sleep soundly and safely at the same room temperature as adults. Conversely, if parents swaddle the baby too warmly or use too many blankets, it can be more dangerous for the baby. However, if the baby is born premature or weighs less than 3.5 kg, it is best for parents to wait until the baby is 1-2 months old, depending on the baby's development, before using air conditioning.

Use air conditioning in the room is better than using a fan, just follow and ensure the temperature and humidity values are suitable for the baby's health. Cold air from the air conditioner should not be directed directly at the baby, and especially, the fan should not be turned on in the air-conditioned room. In addition to providing comfort for the baby and preventing sudden infant death syndrome when the weather is hot, air conditioning can also dry the respiratory tract, leading to respiratory diseases such as respiratory inflammation, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. Especially, when using air conditioning, if the baby is not paid attention to and cared for properly, the baby can experience dangerous complications. To use air conditioning for a newborn correctly without affecting the baby's health, parents should pay attention to keeping the air conditioning temperature between 26 - 28 degrees.

When the room temperature is too low, parents should use a heating device, a heater, or a two-way air conditioner to adjust the temperature, so that the baby's body temperature is not lowered too much. When the room temperature is too high, you can turn on an electric fan in the baby's bedroom, but the fan should be placed away from the baby's crib. Do not direct the airflow directly at the baby, ensuring that the fan only cools the room. Check the temperature regularly, dress the baby for sleep, or just put on a diaper if it's too hot.

It's best to gradually lower the temperature. If the room is 86 degrees F (about 30 degrees C) and you want to lower it to 75 degrees F (about 24 degrees C), first set the temperature to 82 degrees F (about 28 degrees C). After half an hour, reduce it to 79 degrees F (about 26 degrees C) and finally reach 75 degrees F. Limit the number of items in the bedroom, avoid items falling on the baby's body, and limit places for bacteria to accumulate, preventing mold growth. Don't let too many people visit the baby's resting place, as it's easy to spread many dangerous viruses. Don't lower the room temperature based on the perception of adults because the baby's body doesn't have the ability to adjust, making them prone to catching colds quickly.

During the time in the mother's womb, the baby is always kept warm by a temperature ranging from 37.5 - 38 degrees Celsius from the mother's body heat. In the first months after birth, if the baby is not adequately kept warm, the risk of catching a cold is very high. Especially if the baby is not born full-term, the body temperature of the baby will be even more sensitive. The normal body temperature of a full-term newborn is stable at around 36.5 - 37.5 degrees Celsius. When just born, the baby always needs to be dressed in full clothes, wear socks, gloves, a hat, and be covered with a thin blanket.

The room temperature for newborns should ideally be maintained at 26-28 degrees Celsius. Avoid keeping the temperature below 26 degrees Celsius, limit exposure to outdoor air, fan breeze, or air conditioning near the baby's resting place. Ensure the baby's body stays dry, not soaked in sweat or urine, which can lead to high pneumonia risk. If the environmental temperature is high and your baby is hot, there is a risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is a syndrome commonly seen in infants from the second month onwards. Nearly 90% of SIDS cases occur in infants under 6 months old, and this risk decreases when the child is over 1 year old. For newborns, a safe and suitable room temperature is above 26 degrees Celsius. The necessary humidity is 40 - 60%.

In hot weather, the baby's body temperature is high, and they sweat a lot, so mothers need to maintain hygiene and bath the baby properly. The way to care for a newborn in hot weather is to let the baby's skin breathe but not be too exposed. Bathe the baby once a day. The bathwater temperature should be around 37 - 38 degrees Celsius. Mothers can use their elbow to check the water temperature for the baby. When bathing, be quick. Use gentle bath milk and shampoo to clean the baby. Avoid bathing too often or for too long, as the baby may catch a cold. The baby's skin will lose its natural protective layer. After bathing, quickly dry and clean the baby's bottom.

When the baby's body is ready for a normal bath, parents can use a plastic basin or a baby bathtub. Before using, wash the tub or basin and line it with a clean towel. Prepare all the necessary items for bathing a newborn, including towels, a cup/water scoop, and baby bath soap. Having these items ready at the bathing location will be convenient for parents to always have a hand free to hold the baby while bathing, avoiding leaving the baby alone in the water to fetch items. According to some studies, having the water level just above the baby's shoulders will help retain warmth and provide maximum comfort. However, safety should always be the top priority with any amount of water.

Newborns regulate body temperature when the surrounding environment is too cold by wearing enough warm clothes, socks, hats, breastfeeding, and staying close to the mother for warmth through her love and body heat. Change diapers immediately when wet. Daily baths help keep the baby's skin clean, allowing sweat glands to function easily in regulating body temperature.

When the newborn's bedroom is well-ventilated, the baby breathes more easily, rather than experiencing breathing difficulties as per old beliefs. The simple reason is that when a baby breathes, they release a lot of exhaled air (CO2), which will not disperse if the air in the room is not circulating. This accumulated exhaled air can lead to an excess of exhaled air, a lack of oxygen (O2), and, most seriously, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in newborns. When not using air conditioning, it is advisable to let fresh air gently flow into the room, as air conditioning and fans can dry out the air in the room, causing discomfort. Conversely, natural airflow is beneficial and makes the baby more comfortable.

Regularly pat dry sweat in areas like the neck, back, armpits, buttocks, and groin to prevent your baby from feeling cold or developing rashes. If your baby has rashes, you can bathe them with diluted purple medicine or bitter melon water. After changing the diaper, clean the anal and genital areas for the baby, wiping from front to back to avoid bacteria from the anus attacking the baby's private area. Dress your baby in breathable, sweat-absorbent clothing. Allow your baby to sunbathe for about 30 minutes in the morning. The best sunbathing time is from 6:30 to 7:30.

Many mothers believe that a baby's skin will always be naturally soft and smooth. However, if the weather is dry, the baby's skin may crack or peel. Moreover, compared to adults, a baby's skin is quite sensitive, delicate, and prone to damage. In addition, the amount of oil that a baby's body secretes is also relatively low. The skin of a newborn is very soft, delicate, and sensitive. Due to incomplete sweat gland development, newborns are prone to pH imbalance in the skin. Furthermore, their immune response is weak, making them less able to resist bacteria that cause diseases, leading to the baby's skin being susceptible to infection and damage. Therefore, caring for and maintaining proper hygiene for a newborn's skin is crucial.

According to pediatricians, if your baby is under 6 months old and exclusively breastfed, you shouldn't give them water, even on hot days. Because 88% of breast milk is water, providing enough hydration for the body. Giving additional water to your baby is not only unnecessary but can also be harmful. However, if your little one is formula-fed, occasionally giving them a little water is advisable. Formula milk often contains more salt, and giving a bit of water helps with easier excretion. Moreover, due to the slower metabolic process in formula-fed babies, they may have a higher need for supplemental water compared to breastfed babies.

If your newborn is constipated, has a fever, or if the weather is extremely hot, you can give them a few small sips of boiled and cooled water. However, avoid giving too much, and always consult with a doctor before doing so. Ensure your baby drinks plenty of water and consumes water-rich foods. For infants under 1 year old, mothers should explore water-rich food sources such as pumpkin, broccoli, avocado, oranges, etc. Note that your child can decide their water intake, so don't force it if the baby doesn't like it.

Infants with underdeveloped immune systems are highly susceptible to bacterial attacks, especially in summer, an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, mothers should pay special attention to daily observations of the baby to detect even the smallest abnormalities. Experts recommend breastfeeding for children under 6 months, providing essential nutrients and boosting the baby's immune system. For non-breastfed infants, attention should be given to supplementing adequate vitamins and minerals to enhance immunity. Antibodies transferred from mother to child through placenta in the last three months of pregnancy are crucial for protecting the baby during childbirth.

The mother's immune level determines the quantity and type of antibodies passed on to the baby. During childbirth, the baby can receive many bacteria from the mother's vagina, in the baby's gut after birth, contributing to the enhancement of the baby's immune system. Breastfeeding is the most critical factor in developing the immune system of newborns in the early months. Especially, the early milk in the first few days after birth contains a potent antibody source, providing the best immune system for the baby.

After about 5 to 7 days postpartum, the remaining part will begin to dry and fall off. Before it falls off, when the umbilical cord stump is not yet dry and scarred, mothers need to take extremely careful care to avoid infection. Especially during hot sunny days, bacteria have favorable conditions for development. Newborns with an immature immune system are at much higher risk of illness. Remember to wash hands with soap and water, then disinfect again with alcohol every time you change the diaper for your baby, Mom!

The umbilical cords usually separate on their own within one or two weeks. It's normal for Mom to see a dry, red patch at the base of the cord. Sometimes, a small amount of dark blood may ooze out - don't worry, it's normal. But if bleeding persists for more than two weeks, seek advice from a doctor immediately. Neglecting the umbilical stump can lead to infection. If you notice symptoms such as fever, a foul-smelling cord, red and soft skin around the cord, the baby cries when you touch the cord gently, the cord is swollen and bleeding, take the baby to the hospital immediately.

During hot and intense summer days, taking care of newborns when outdoors requires extra attention. The delicate skin of a newborn is often soft and lacks the ability to protect itself from the sun's rays. Therefore, when taking your baby outside, use a sunshade on the stroller, and you can also wrap a cloth or a thin blanket around the sunshade to keep the baby cooler. Infants and young children have very sensitive skin, meaning they are at a higher risk of sunburn and skin damage from UV rays. Additionally, in the first 15 years of life, exposure to UV rays increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, essential for strong and healthy bone development in children. Most children can absorb the necessary amount of vitamin D by engaging in outdoor activities during peak UV hours (10 AM - 2 PM). You don't need to actively sunbathe your baby for vitamin D synthesis. Even when dressed in full clothing, wearing a hat, and applying sunscreen, most infants and young children can absorb enough sunlight to thrive.