Babies need to be taken complete care of during the hot season as they more prone to falling ill as compared to adults. Their body finds it difficult to adjust to the changing temperatures and they become more susceptible to illness. Babies sweat less due to which their bodies are at a risk of overheating. For summer illness, the best cure is prevention. Read further to know more about the common illness during summer and protection.
Sunstroke – Babies and kids are at the greatest risk of sunstroke. Sudden heat exposure can lead to high fever as well. In order to prevent sunstroke in babies, dress them up in loose and light-colored clothes. Also, remember to never leave them in a parked car. At the same time, it should be ensured that your baby gets enough fluids.
Allergy – Apart from heat allergy, your baby’s body can also develop a prickly heat rash. As the sweat glands are still in the developing stage, a baby is more prone to a heat rash. To ensure protection against rashes, do not overdress your baby.
Dehydration – Babies can get dehydrated very fast, mainly if you take them out in the heat. Breastfeeding babies do not need extra water to stay hydrated. Feeding them more often will keep them hydrated.
Loss of appetite – Hot and sultry summers can make your baby cranky and irritated. Appetite loss is common during this time. In order to combat the loss of appetite, ensure that your baby is in comfortable clothing. Remove all the layers of extra clothes and keep your baby in a cool area.
Diarrhea– It is very common in young babies in summers. It is better to cure it in the very beginning as after sometime it may become life-threatening for babies. It may occur because of a viral or bacterial infection. Babies can pick up these germs through contact with unclean surfaces as well. Take proper care of your baby and keep cleaning the hands if the baby keeps touching her face.
Mosquito-borne diseases – With the onset of summer, mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue etc are at the peak. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or neem oil to your baby’s bathing water. It acts as a disinfectant and keeps germs away. Pest control or use of a good quality disinfectant can also protect your baby from insects, flies, cockroaches etc.
Viral infections – Viral infections are most common in small babies. Most viral infections in babies involve a runny nose, cough and noisy breathing. Upper respiratory tract infection is most prevalent among young babies. Breastfeeding is the best way to keep a baby’s immune system healthy. But you should see a doctor if the infection continues for long.
The main reason for the outbreak in diseases in summer is that bacteria and virus find the temperatures favorable to thrive. In spite of your numerous efforts, if you still do not see any improvement, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
