Looking after your baby in the heat of summer is not so different than in other seasons, but there are some things to keep in mind that will help your baby stay healthy and comfortable.
Bathing
Your baby is likely to sweat a lot in the heat. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to bathe her more often. But giving her more frequent baths, if he/she enjoys them, can be a good way to cool her down.
Don’t use cold water, use water that feels warm but not hot to your skin when you dip your elbow or the inside of your wrist in it. If you have a bath thermometer, the ideal bath temperature is believed to be 38 degrees C, which is almost the same as body temperature.
When bathing your baby, take special care to wash her neck, underarms and other visible folds in her skin and to dry them well afterwards. When your baby sweats a lot, the sweat glands can become trapped beneath the skin. This means that the skin can get irritated and develop a rash.
Harsh cleansing products can strip your baby’s skin of natural oils, especially when bathing more frequently. Be sure to use a completely natural product, preferably certified organic, such as the Pure Beginnings Soothing Baby Wash & Shampoo with organic baobab or for very small babies and those with Sensitive Skin, the PROBIOTIC BABY Sensitive Cream Wash, fragrance free. These products contain ultra-mild surfactants and are pH balanced. Be sure to avoid chemicals such as SLS in particular.
Baby Massage & Skin Hydration
It is ok to use oil for my baby’s massage in summer?
Yes, and No. There is no harm in using oil to massage your baby in summer as long as you choose one that is completely natural and suitable for your baby’s delicate skin such as Soothing Baby Massage & Bath Oil with Kalahari Melon
Masssage oils which contain petrochemicals should not be used as they can clog the pores and prevent the skin from “breathing” which can lead to rashes and skin irritation. It’s important to still moisturise the skin in summer, because although often more humid, the heat will still leave the skin dehydrated. The Soothing Baby Lotion with organic baobab is an excellent light moisturiser.
Heat Rash
Heat rash (or prickly heat) occurs when sweat glands become clogged due to excess sweating. The result is a raised red rash than can feel itchy or prickly. Dress baby in loose clothing and avoid heavy creams which chemicals that can further clog sweat glands. If heat rash does appear, find somewhere for baby to cool off with air circulating freely and apply our Pure Beginnings Baby Bum Cream with organic baobab which has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
For the whole family
The heat of summer and holidays can bring a range of skin concerns for the whole family. These include Sunburn, Chafe, Dry cracked heals and shaving rash. Our fantastic multi-tasker, the Pure Beginnings Baby Bum Cream with organic baobab, is excellent at treating any of these, so make sure the Bum Cream is packed for your holiday!