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Climate Control for your Baby- What are the Best Temperatures
Whilst it may seem a relatively insignificant issue for us as adults, climate control is very important for your baby, as they do not have the capacity to adjust as well for differences in temperature as we do. However, with a few tips as mentioned below, it is relatively easy to look after baby, and keeping them feeling well, and comfortable, not to mention being able to better prevent illness! It doesn’t matter where you are, wheather the climate is hot, cool, humid, wet, or anything in between, it is natural you want to look after your baby, and there are some simple checks we can do to make sure they are comfortable.
Comfort during the day time
Generally, a good rule to follow is to dress your baby in a similar way to yourself- with a couple of provisos- namely that you can generally add an extra single layer over this. Naturally, if the weather is hot outside, it is important to wear a hat, and suitable baby skin rated sunscreen, and if it is cold, ensure they have a pair of booties, or other suitable covering for the feet, as well as making sure that the hands and head are covered. Babies do not hold the temperature as well as adults, and can lose body heat very quickly in cold weather.
When in warm or hot weather, it is important to use clothing that can breath naturally, as this reduces the likelihood of your baby sweating. Excessive sweating can cause a red like, blotchy rash, which can heal in a few days, with suitable baby skin creams. The most likely areas for this to occur are around the groin area, the arm pits, and around the neck. Also make sure they have plenty of fluid, but if your baby does not drink, it usually means they do not want to at the time. A good general rule of thumb is that you get to know your baby’s general traits, and if at any time, your baby’s temperament changes significantly, or you are worried, I always recommend consulting your general practitioner, or community health clinic. Never feel that you are being over reactive, if you are in doubt about anything- you are the parent, and know your child better than anyone else, and can therefore judge better than anyone else if your child seems a little off colour, or is in any way, behaving differently. I always encourage being more careful, than sorry! If you are concerned about your baby’s temperature on a hot day, always feel the chest or stomach, as the arms and legs are not a very reliable indicator. Naturally, try to keep your baby out of direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest times of the day from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Comfort During the Night Time
Generally, the best room temperature for the night time for babies is around 20 degrees C to 22 Degrees C. It is advisable to use a fan if the temperature is hot outside, but make sure the fan does not point directly at the baby. The reason for this is that you do not want the baby to start getting cold after a while. Equally, if you use a portable heater, it is best to not point it directly at baby, if it is of the bar type. The best types of heaters are probably the oil heaters that can heat a room well, but not be too hot to the touch, nor have a specific point of heat, rather than a general over all heat. If you can afford it, a central heating system offers a more central heat, that does not have a specific point that is often too hot to the touch, Naturally, I should mention that care and common sense should be applied when ever heating appliances are used in any room, and great care needs to be taken around babies. Further, it is very advisable to take great care with the clothing that your baby wears- check the labels, to ensure they are safe in terms of their fire rating. It is important to limit clothes that may be very flammable, as horrendous accidents have occurred in the past. Regarding the temperature of baby, if it is a hot night, ensure there is a light layer of clothing, as well as a sheet for cover, and add blankets as the night gets more cold.
I have included a link below for more information on the subject of baby temperatures and ideas for the bedroom.
Click here for information on baby's nightime clothes, sleep, and the sleeping environment.
I have also included a link on SIDS as I feel it is vital that parents are informed about this, so that preventative measures can be taken, wherever reasonably possible.
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