Splashing around in the outdoor pool for the first time, playing outside, enjoying the warm temperatures: The first summer with their little one is just around the corner. Parents naturally want to enjoy this time of year. However, some feel unsure and wonder what to keep in mind on a sunny day outdoors. What clothes and toys should I pack for my child? What's the best diet? And how do I ensure a restful sleep even on hot summer days? Bübchen has compiled the best tips and tricks for a wonderful first summer with a baby.
A SHADY SPOT
As warm as the sun's rays may tickle their noses, it is important, especially in the first six months of life, never to expose babies to direct sunlight and to spend most of their time in the shade. But even after that, little ones should always be well protected when they go outside. The strong midday sun shines between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so it's time to go inside or stay well protected in the shade. Parents can use a trick or two to ensure their child stays in the shade. Little ones naturally don't yet understand that they shouldn't crawl into the sun. So you could, for example, fill a paddling pool with water and set it up under the parasol - this will keep the child occupied in the shade. Bathtub squirters also provide cooling and fun. For babies who aren't yet crawling, mobiles with sparkling beads or ribbons that flutter in the wind can be hung under the parasol or in the beach tent.
If you're out and about with a stroller, simply equip it with a sunshade to block the sun's rays. For additional sun protection, place a light cotton blanket over your baby's body, advises the midwife. It's especially important not to leave the stroller in direct sunlight. If it overheats, it can quickly cause heatstroke in your baby.
WELL PACKAGED OR NAKED FACTS?
No matter how hot it gets, little ones shouldn't crawl around naked. They're ideally protected with loose-fitting cotton clothing or clothing with integrated UV protection that covers the arms and legs. Peaked caps with neck protection ensure that the head is also protected – and sunglasses with a "UV 400" rating are suitable for the eyes. But it's okay to treat baby's bottom to a little "diaper freedom" now and then: On hot days, it's still really warm in the late afternoon, but the sun isn't as strong. This is perfect if you want to let your baby kick around without a diaper. It's great for their body to feel airy and warm – and it's also good for the skin in the diaper area.
FEEL, MASH, TRY
The warm temperatures are perfect for developing motor skills and gaining new sensory impressions. For little ones who are already crawling or walking, it's a wonderful feeling to play barefoot and feel the grass or sand on their feet. A good activity in the shade is splashing in cool water: simply use a watering can to spread water on a towel until small puddles form. Add a few shells or sticks, and your baby can feel new shapes with their hands. While the sun and wind tickle their skin, they can also observe colorful butterflies and beetles. All of this provides new sensory impressions and promotes their development.
THE PERFECT SNACKS
With so many experiences, small refreshments are a must. As long as the baby is still breastfed, no additional fluids are necessary. For older toddlers who sweat in the heat, still water is suitable. For a light snack, small pieces of seedless watermelon or fruit puree quickly restore the little ones' water levels. And of course, there is the important question: Can my child eat ice cream? The rule of thumb here is: A child who is at least ten months old, has had solid food and tolerates milk well, can certainly have a lick of ice cream. Important: To avoid the risk of salmonella, choose packaged ice cream rather than one from an ice cream parlor. If you want, you can even make your own child-friendly ice cream: Blend cold or frozen, but already thawed, fruit with yogurt in a blender and serve it as a refreshing snack.
CREAM IS MANDATORY!
Even in the shade, we are still exposed to a good 50 percent of UV radiation. Therefore, even with protective clothing, applying sunscreen is absolutely essential. The face, ears, neck, hands, and feet in particular should be generously covered with a sunscreen product specifically designed for sensitive baby skin, such as Bübchen Sensitive Face Cream with SPF 50+ or Bübchen Sensitive Sun Lotion with SPF 50+ . To maintain protection, it is advisable to reapply the sunscreen every two hours. It is very important that enough sunscreen is applied to the skin to achieve full sun protection. When choosing suitable products, you should also ensure that they are fragrance-free and waterproof.
If, despite the best precautions, slight redness appears on your baby's skin, you should act immediately and bring your child back inside. To soothe the sensitive skin, apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected areas. This soothes your baby's skin and provides additional moisture.
INDOOR SWIMMING POOL AND “PACIFIER CINEMA”
Some days it's just too hot to play outside. How about a trip to the indoor pool instead? While everyone is at the outdoor pool or by the lake, parents and baby can relax in the pleasantly empty pool, splash around, play, have a picnic, and take a nap. Many cities now also have "pacifier cinemas": The screenings are designed especially for parents with babies. The auditorium is not completely darkened, and the film is played at a lower volume than usual. The little ones can crawl around or snooze in peace, and mom and dad can enjoy a film – and a pleasantly cool auditorium.
HOT NIGHTS: GOOD SLEEP DESPITE THE HEAT
Hot nights are just as stressful for babies as they are for adults. That's why it's a good idea to keep the windows in your child's room closed during the day and draw the blinds if possible. Air the room out in the cooler morning and evening hours. If the air is stuffy, parents can also set up a fan. However, it should be turned off before putting the child to bed - they shouldn't sleep in a draft. You can also remove any unnecessary blankets or bumpers from the bed to allow better air circulation. A diaper and a light bodysuit as well as a summer sleeping bag are sufficient for sleeping. Before parents go to bed themselves, it's a good idea to check again to see if the baby is not too cold or too warm.
