Giving birth to a new life is a miracle, and life itself must be nurtured. At birth, human babies are sweet and helpless, and they depend entirely on their mothers or caregiver for everything. Human babies are different from the offspring of other mammals because their brains are still underdeveloped at birth. Unlike the babies of some animals that take their first steps and perform other activities at birth, human babies are still reliant on their caregivers to take care of them. According to research, human babies are born with less than 30% of an adult brain size, but brain development continues outsides the womb. The brain becomes fully developed at the age of 5 years; By then, the brain has the body’s full command.
After birth, babies are handled with great care because they are in more danger than seven-year-old children. Many factors contribute to this: they have an underdeveloped immune system and are less capable of regulating their body system. They can’t talk or tell you what is wrong, which is why babies should be handled with care. Nowadays, information about how to care for your baby is available everywhere, from your doctor to the internet.
What Temperature is Safe to Take the Babies Outside?
Children, especially newborns, are more sensitive to temperature, but they can play outside as long as the temperature is safe. Unlike adults, children are less capable of regulating their body temperatures, which can pose a severe health risk. If the weather is normal, it shouldn’t pose a significant threat to your baby. Children, as well as newborns, need fresh air and sunlight. This is good for them and you, the parent, as long as the temperature is normal. Sunlight provides vitamin D and boosts your baby’s mood.
You don’t have to wait for weeks or months before taking your infant outside to the public; however, certain precautions should be in place to keep your baby healthy and bouncing. But what is the definition of normal temperature? The adult’s definition of normal temperature is quite different from that of a baby. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the temperature considered safe for children should be below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anything above this temperature or a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 70 percent humidity is deemed to be dangerous for your baby. If you are dealing with newborns, you should maintain a temperature of about 72 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can introduce them gradually to outdoor weather, and as long as they are dress for the weather, you should be alright.
During cold weather, when the temperature is about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it is unsafe to take your baby outside, and even if you do, it shouldn’t be for a long. When the temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then it is better to stay indoors.
How to Protect the Baby From Extreme Heat and Cold?
Taking your baby out is beneficial and relaxing to the baby and the parent. However, there are specific safety measures to follow to protect your child from health issues.
● Using a Stroller
Strollers allow you to protect your baby from direct sunlight and heat. But when getting a stroller, it is advisable to go for one with a large canopy to protect the baby’s delicate skin from direct sunlight. Also, go for strollers with canopy extenders as they keep your baby shaded from the heat. Now, an ample warning to mothers, avoid draping blankets or even breathable clothes over your baby’s stroller as they pose a suffocation threat to your baby. Besides, they can cause your baby to overheat.
● Dress Your Baby for the Occasion
Whether it is during summer or winter, dressing for any temperature is vital. The key to less clothing’s during hot days and more during cold ones. When taking the baby out during summer, avoiding overdressing the baby as this causes them to heat-up. It is preferable to go for light-colored onesies as long as their skin is protected from direct sunlight. You can go the extra mile of covering their head with a brimmed hat if they don’t have hair yet.
Babies should be dressed in more than one layer of clothing during cold weather. You can dress them in long-sleeve onesies and add another layer of clothing, preferably a sweatshirt. Also, wrap them in a blanket or footmuffs to keep them warm. When putting them in the car seat, avoid thick clothing or a blanket as this would prevent the straps from cinching tightly enough, which may be dangerous in case of a crash.
● Emergency Kits
Have emergency kits readily available in your car in case of any unforeseen circumstance. It is better always to be prepared.
● Use Baby Lotion or Sunscreen During Extreme Heat.
During the cold season, protect your baby’s skin and face with baby lotion. During hot weather, apply sunscreen. Sunscreen can be dangerous if you do not use the right product more suited to your baby’s skin. When going for sunscreens, go for the chemical-free ones and apply a small amount on the face or the hand on rare occasions. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before taking your baby outside. Take special care when using and avoid the eyes.
● Always Carry Water with You
In the case of hot weather, always carry water to keep your baby hydrated. Watch out for signs of dehydration in your infant.
● Be Alert
Regularly check your baby for signs of illness during cold or hot temperatures. During cold weather, watch out for shivering, red feet, hand, face, and blue lips. If your baby is showing any of these signs, take him/her inside immediately. In case of pale skin, reheat with a warm washcloth and if the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately. Other signs to watch out for include lethargy or unresponsiveness. Watch out for extreme thirst and sweat during hot weather; it might be an indication that your baby is overheating. Also, tiredness and lack of energy is a symptom.
Now you know what temperature to take your baby outside, both in hot or cold weather, as long as you follow the safety measures. You and your baby can enjoy the weather.
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