Have fun safely in the summer sunshine! A guide to walking with your baby
Should I take my baby for a walk in summer?
Taking your baby for a walk outside and breathing in fresh air is very beneficial as it stimulates their respiratory system and helps them adapt to changes in temperature.
However, you should be careful when taking your baby for a walk in the summer. Especially during the hotter hours of the day, between 11am and 4pm, temperatures often exceed 30°C. Going outside during these times increases the risk of your baby suffering from heatstroke, so it is best to take your baby for a walk in the cooler hours of the morning or late evening.
Moms and dads should dress their babies appropriately to protect them from the harsh summer sun, choose shady areas for walks, and always make sure they are comfortable by keeping them well hydrated.
What should you be careful of when walking with your baby in the summer?
Stay hydrated
When taking your baby for a walk in the summer, it is important to make sure they drink plenty of water. Babies' kidneys are still immature and it is difficult for them to regulate the amount of urine they produce even when their body is low in water, so water is easily excreted and they are more susceptible to dehydration than adults.
Being outside on a hot summer day can lead to even more fluid loss through sweat, so make sure to offer your baby fluids at regular intervals during walks.
What is appropriate attire?
Wear a hat and clothes made of breathable, quick-drying materials. A hat for your baby will protect your head from direct sunlight and prevent sunburn around the face and neck. Breathable, quick-drying materials, such as cotton and fleece, will also absorb sweat efficiently and dry quickly. This will help your baby stay cool and comfortable, reducing the risk of heatstroke.
Don't forget UV protection
When taking your baby for a walk outside in the summer, don't forget to take precautions against UV rays. UV rays can cause many skin problems, including skin cancer, so it's important to take proper precautions from when your baby is still a child.
Babies' skin is much softer and thinner than that of adults, so it is more susceptible to sunburn and damage from ultraviolet rays. For this reason, when taking your baby outside into the strong sunlight, it is necessary to take the following precautions:
- 1. Wear a hat to protect your head, face, and neck from direct sunlight.
- 2. Wear thin, long-sleeved clothing.
- 3. Choose a shady spot to take a walk.
By taking these measures, you can protect your baby's skin from UV rays. UV protection is essential for safe, fun summer walks.
Prevent heatstroke! What time should you go for a walk in the summer?
Risk of heatstroke in babies and its signs
Babies are prone to heatstroke, so you need to be careful when you go out for a walk or go outside on a hot day. Babies cannot yet express the feeling of being thirsty in words, so it is important for parents to not miss any changes compared to their usual behavior.
Signs that your baby may have heatstroke include:
- 1. Your body feels hotter than usual when you touch it.
- 2. Dry lips and mouth
- 3. Nausea and vomiting
- 4. Feeling lethargic or dizzy
- 5. Can't pee
- 6. The baby cries softly and doesn't cry much.
If you experience these symptoms, take immediate first aid measures:
- ● Move your baby to a cooler place.
- ● To reduce body temperature, remove clothing and cool with a fan or cool cloths.
- ● If fluids can be given by mouth, give water or oral rehydration solution in small amounts.
- ● To cool the body, wipe it with a lightly damp towel.
If symptoms do not improve after taking these measures, it is important to take your baby to the hospital as soon as possible. During hot weather, be sure to keep your baby hydrated and in good health to ensure that your baby is healthy and comfortable.
How much time should you spend going out with your baby in the summer?
The recommended times to go outside are between 8:30 and 10:00 in the morning or after 17:00 in the evening. During these times, the temperature is relatively low, often dropping below 30 degrees.
Breathing fresh air stimulates the baby's respiratory system and helps it adapt to changes in temperature. However, it is important to avoid long periods of time outside under the hot summer sun and to limit your baby to short walks that are comfortable for him. Also, plan your walks within reasonable limits, choosing earlier or later times depending on the weather.
How long should you walk your baby for in the summer?
When walking with your baby, you should avoid being outside for long periods of time, as your baby's thermoregulatory function is not yet fully developed. We recommend starting with a 5-minute walk at first. This will allow your baby to get used to the outside environment and prevent excessive exhaustion and sudden changes in body temperature.
After three months of age, your baby's adjustments will improve little by little, and in many cases it will be possible to take them for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk. However, even at this time, it is important to pay close attention to the weather and temperature, and to limit the walk to a reasonable range. On particularly hot days, carefully observe your baby's physical condition and adjust the walk time as necessary, such as shortening the walk time.
When is the best time to take my baby outside for a walk?
At what age is it easiest for babies to go outside?
Babies start to get more comfortable going outside when they are around 3 months old. At this age, they can go for a 30-minute to 1-hour walk, which is a good opportunity for them to experience the outside world. However, it is not necessary and should not be exposed to direct sunlight on babies. Babies' skin is thin and sensitive. Too much exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage skin cells. Even if they are not exposed to direct sunlight, they can still get enough energy from the sun just by going outside.
Where should you go for a walk in summer?
Ideal places for walks are in your neighborhood or in the park. Long walks should be avoided in the summer, as your baby's body temperature regulation is not yet fully functioning.
Being in your neighborhood gives you the peace of mind that you can quickly return home if something happens. Parks also have many shady areas and allow you to enjoy fresh air in a large space. When in the park, choose a shady area so that your baby can avoid direct sunlight, and plan your walking route and time accordingly.
What are some useful items to take with your baby for a walk in the summer? 5 recommended items
Ice packs
Source: amazon.co.jp
You can put it in the gaps between the seats of the stroller or wrap it in a towel. It cools the neck, armpits, groin, and other areas to make the baby feel cool from the inside. If you put a spare ice pack in your cooler bag when you go out, you can keep it comfortable all day.
Cooling Sheet
Chill ice packs or gel pads in the freezer, place them in an ice pack sheet, and place them under your baby's back or the back of his or her head to effectively cool the baby.
Fan
For added cooling, place a damp towel or hat under the fan, making sure it's out of reach of your baby.
*Ice packs, cooling sheets, and fans may lower your baby's body temperature too much, so please keep a close eye on your baby when using them.
parasol
UV protection is essential for summer walks. Babies' skin is particularly sensitive and easily affected by UV rays, so it is important to take appropriate protection measures. For this purpose, a parasol is a very useful item.
airluv is recommended for babies' summer outings!
What is airluv? (Compatible with various strollers, also used in car seats)
airluv is a cooling seat with a fan that can be attached to baby strollers and car seats. It is a product that can be used in a variety of situations, from bouncers to baby strollers, to suit the development of your child.
The wind is delivered from the head to the back and bottom
The air generated by the fan installed on the bottom of the mattress is delivered to the baby's entire body through 23 air holes (for the airluv4). This unique design allows cool air to be evenly distributed to every part of the baby's body, from the head to the back and even the bottom.
airluv sheets are special sheets that suppress sweat secretion
AirLab seats are made of a specially engineered 4-layer 3D mesh fabric, an innovative material that distributes pressure, improves comfort and minimizes sweating.
airluv has an air purifying function, so you can provide clean air to your child.
airluv is equipped with a special all-season purification filter developed by poled's unique technology, which purifies the surrounding air and effectively removes harmful particles including PM2.5. (※Air purification is a function only available on Lollipop and Oreo.)
The wind is strong, but quiet. The quiet design protects your child's sleep.
The airluv motor operates at a low noise level of approximately 35db, which is comparable to the quietness of a library and won't disturb your baby's sound sleep.
Trending on social media
It quickly became a hot topic on social media as an essential item for dealing with the extreme heat, and its popularity was so great that at one point it was sold out everywhere.
"airluv is back in stock! This is the best item I've bought this summer."
"The winter version of airluv, which was a huge hit in the summer and sold out, is now out!!"
"Isn't this a must for all moms?"
We have received many happy comments on social media regarding the resale of the product in 2023!
summary
To enjoy a walk with your baby safely under the summer sun, you need to choose the right time and take appropriate protective measures. It is especially recommended to take a walk between 8:30 and 10:00, or after 17:00, during cooler times. Keeping your baby hydrated and wearing a hat and thin, long-sleeved clothing can reduce the risk of sunburn and heatstroke. It is also important to place ice packs and fans in the stroller to keep the environment cool and comfortable. Taking these precautions will make walks with your baby safer and more enjoyable.