Top 12 Tips for Caring for Newborns in Summer

Experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby's life. Breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition, rich in antibodies that help babies fight off summer illnesses. Additionally, breast milk provides all the hydration your baby needs. Make sure to offer your baby frequent, shorter feedings and ensure they receive both the foremilk and hindmilk to keep them hydrated and nourished during hot weather.

In fact, dehydration can lead to circulatory issues and even death (in severe cases, like with acute diarrhea). Dehydration is also a common cause of constipation in children. A baby suffering from severe diarrhea can lose up to 100ml of fluid per hour. The earliest sign of dehydration is thirst, which indicates a loss of 1-2% of the body's water content.

Newborns have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature. When the surrounding temperature rises too high, it can cause your baby's body temperature to increase as well. The normal skin temperature for a newborn is between 36-37℃. At this temperature, oxygen consumption is at its lowest, ensuring proper metabolic function for your baby. Therefore, it's essential to check your baby's temperature frequently to ensure it remains stable. If the surrounding temperature changes beyond the baby's ability to regulate, it can cause your baby to become too hot or too cold.

Parents can use a thermometer to assess if their baby's body temperature is within normal range. It's also important not to bundle your baby too tightly, as this can raise their body temperature, potentially causing a fever and affecting their health. To maintain a normal temperature, the environment around the baby should be warm, with room temperatures in winter kept between 20-22℃. During summer, the room should be well-ventilated, but avoid direct drafts on the baby. You can also sprinkle water on the floor or place a bowl of cool water in the room to help absorb heat.

During the summer, mothers should regularly expose their babies to morning sunlight (ideally between 6:30 and 7:30 AM) to provide vitamin D and prevent rickets. However, during the rest of the day, it's best not to take your baby outside, as newborn skin is very sensitive and lacks the ability to protect itself from the harsh summer sun. A newborn's skin is more sensitive to sunlight because it is smoother than an adult's and hasn't produced enough melanin yet, which typically begins to function after two years.

In fact, did you know that just 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure is enough to burn a baby or child's skin? Clearly, sun protection should be maintained year-round, as babies can get sunburned even on cloudy or cold days, because UV rays remain present even when sunlight is not visible, and we don’t feel the heat. If you plan to take your baby outside, be sure to shield them well and go to areas with plenty of trees and shade, as these provide a safer environment for your baby's health.

Sleep is crucial for babies. They grow while they sleep. A baby who sleeps well will develop better. Babies often kick off blankets, exposing their legs or stomach, which can cause them to get cold and lead to stomachaches or digestive issues. However, no parent can stay up all night to adjust their baby's clothes and cover their belly. Therefore, before putting your baby to bed, dress them in a onesie or a sleeping bag and put socks on their feet to prevent cold.

Additionally, when putting your baby to sleep, pay attention to their sleeping position. Sleeping on their back is the best position for a baby. Starting from around 6 months, your baby may turn to one side or raise their head. Don’t be concerned if your baby turns over while sleeping—this is a sign that they are strong enough to choose their own comfortable sleep position. Newborns typically sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day. Make sure to prioritize your baby’s sleep, as it plays a vital role in their growth and development.

Babies have weak immune systems, and even a small change in the weather can make them prone to ear, nose, and throat infections. Additionally, improper cleaning of the ears and nose can lead to related illnesses. Parents should never underestimate their child's health. Along with taking your child for regular check-ups at trusted medical facilities, it's essential to closely monitor their overall health. If ear, nose, or throat issues are detected early, treatment becomes much easier.

When cleaning your baby's ears and nose, avoid inserting cotton swabs inside. Instead, use a cotton ball soaked in water to clean the outer ear, as earwax is a natural secretion that protects the eardrum from dirt and dust. Also, remember to trim your baby's nails regularly. If the nails are too long, your baby may scratch their skin. It's best to cut their nails after a bath when they are softer.

Parents should make sure the room is always clean and regularly tidied up. Summer is a time when insects like cockroaches, ants, and flies thrive. It's advisable to open the room windows early in the morning and late in the evening to let in fresh air and cool breezes. The ideal temperature for newborns during summer is between 27-28°C.

Many urban families rely on air conditioning, but doctors recommend that a newborn's room should not be cooled below 26°C. If your baby is in an air-conditioned room, remember to dress them in long sleeves, wear a hat, mittens, socks, and cover them with a light blanket. Also, change your baby's diaper promptly after urination to avoid catching a cold.

As the weather turns to summer, diarrhea and hand-foot-mouth disease outbreaks also increase. For mothers who breastfeed, it's essential to wash your breasts before feeding your baby. For those using formula, remember to thoroughly clean and sterilize bottles, nipples, and other feeding utensils as the high temperature and humidity of summer create a perfect environment for bacterial growth.

A balanced, safe, and nutritious diet for children may seem simple, but if we don't study and balance it properly, it can be dangerous for a child's development. A child's digestive system is sensitive and easily reacts to unfamiliar foods or imbalanced nutrition, which may lead to diarrhea or constipation.

Cleaning your baby's mouth and tongue will create the best conditions for future tooth growth. It also prevents bacteria from entering the mouth and helps avoid bad breath in newborns. While adults routinely clean their mouths after meals to keep their breath fresh and prevent tooth decay, for newborns, cleaning their mouths and tongues daily is equally important, even if they haven't yet developed teeth and are exclusively breastfeeding.

You can mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with one and a half cups of warm water, dip a clean cloth into the solution, and gently wipe the inside of your baby's cheeks. If you don’t have baking soda, water alone will suffice, though baking soda helps keep the baby's mouth fresher longer. Try to clean your baby's mouth after every feeding. This will help prevent issues like thrush and cavities, and over time, your baby will get used to it, making the process easier for both of you.

Newborns have very soft skin, and the tissue connections are still loose, making it easy for bacteria to penetrate. With the hot and humid summer weather, babies are more prone to skin conditions like chickenpox, measles, rashes, and pimples. Taking care of your newborn’s skin in the summer is essential. It requires mothers to be meticulous, paying close attention to every action, gesture, and any signs on their baby’s body to catch potential issues early.

In the summer, newborns tend to sweat more frequently, which can clog their pores and cause them to catch a cold or develop itchy rashes. Therefore, mothers should regularly wipe off sweat and thoroughly clean their babies’ skin every day, especially in areas like the neck, back, groin, buttocks, and elbows. If your baby gets heat rash, bathing them in diluted potassium permanganate or bitter melon water can be very effective in soothing the skin.

The umbilical cord will naturally dry and fall off within 7 to 10 days after birth, though some babies may shed it in as little as 4 to 5 days. Summer is a time when skin diseases increase, so mothers need to clean the umbilical cord properly and keep it dry and hygienic. If you notice any red swelling or discharge around the umbilical area, it is important to take your baby to the hospital as soon as possible.

Before cleaning the umbilical cord, mothers must wash their hands thoroughly to kill any germs. Use a cotton ball soaked in 70% alcohol to clean around the umbilical area. After cleaning once, switch to a new cotton ball and wipe again. Finally, place a sterile gauze pad over the area and secure it with a bandage.

Bathing is one of the essential tasks in taking care of and raising your baby. When done properly, it will help your baby feel comfortable, relaxed, and ensure a good night's sleep. It is best to bathe your baby every day during the summer. Make sure to prepare everything within reach before starting, such as a towel, diapers, and clean clothes. Remember, the water should be warm, but not hot, and you can check it with your wrist or elbow. While bathing, support your baby's head. After bathing, gently lift your baby and pat their skin dry, especially in the folds of their skin.

If your baby still has their umbilical cord, you can bathe them with a towel by soaking the towel in clean water and wiping the baby's body. For babies who have already lost their umbilical cord, you can bathe them in a basin. There is no need to wash your baby's hair every day, unless the weather is too hot. In colder weather, you should only wash their hair 2 to 3 times a week. When bathing your baby, make sure to do it quickly and use gentle soaps and shampoos that won’t irritate their eyes. Avoid bathing your baby too many times a day to prevent them from catching a cold.

The intense summer heat causes babies to sweat a lot, and their delicate skin can be affected by harmful sun rays. Therefore, parents need to take measures to protect their babies' sensitive skin. It is important to choose lightweight, sweat-absorbing clothes for your baby. Newborns need to be kept warm, but not overheated. When your baby sweats, you should use a warm towel to wipe their body. Dress your baby in breathable clothes or wrap them with an additional layer of cloth to prevent them from being startled. If your baby sweats a lot on their head, avoid hats and instead wrap their head with a light towel.

Clothing material is very important in summer. Opt for natural fibers like cotton, which are good at absorbing sweat and keeping your baby dry and comfortable. The fabric should be easy to clean, free from chemicals, durable, quick-drying, and soft. It is best to choose lightweight cotton clothing to match the tropical humid and rainy weather. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and artificial silk, as they don’t absorb sweat well and can cause overheating. When choosing colors, go for lighter shades like light pink, pale yellow, or white, as they absorb less heat. For style, layering is a good option for flexibility and keeping your baby cool. A simple set like a t-shirt with shorts or a skirt is enough, but layering multiple pieces will provide better protection from the heat.