Summer is here and fall is on the way, what a lovely time
of year to hit the hiking trails and go camping as well; but what about the new
baby. Should you get a sitter and leave baby at home? No! Take little Freddy on
an experience filled with sights, smells, sounds, and sensations that will
begin to instill within him a passion for nature!
Hazards of outdoors:
Dirt – there is a big one – but every
baby has to get dirty sometime and just bring extra wet wipes to keep the hands
clean. Babies are notorious about putting fingers in their mouths, or even
rubbing their eyes and getting dirt in them.
Bugs – Mosquitoes, bees and ants are just
waiting to come take a nibble out of your baby.
- Use a childsafe mosquito dope.
- Spray the
clothing with child safe bug spray.
- Use long sleeves and leggings to cover baby as much as possible.
- Do not apply on the hands since your baby will put them into his mouth for sure! (Some people love Avon’s Skin So Soft, as a mosquito repellent)
There are
even some bug nets for outdoor hiking to keep away those annoying mosquitoes.
Bright clothing
has been said to attract bugs so keep to the neutral colors.
Hot weather:
(Babies have an
immature sweat system and can’t fully handle heat the way adults can so you
must be on guard of heat exhaustion, this is a serious problem that if the
baby’s temperature elevates to 103 they must immediately be attended by
medical personnel. If above 103 degrees it will become heat stroke and may turn
deadly. So don’t decide to take your first hike or outdoor camping trip during
a hot spell.)
Things
to Do
- Drink extra
fluids – if breast feeding be sure you drink extra and that the baby nurses
more.
- Use a hat with
a wide rim to cover the face and top of the head.
- Dress Freddy in
long sleeves and pants of breathable and loose fitting cotton.
- If you notice
Freddy getting a red face and he is hot to touch you can take a moist cloth and
dab it gently over his face, tummy and back; as the moisture evaporates Freddy
will cool.
- Use sunglasses
- Be sure to
apply sunscreen. (Even babies under six months are now approved to have a minimal
amount on face and hands.)
- Find shady
spots where a cool breeze flows, like near a stream, or under a leafy tree. (Be
sure to never leave your baby unattended by a stream)
- Beware that the
times between ten in the morning and two in the afternoon are the most
dangerous for skin so take more precautions during that time or stay out of the
sun completely.
- Layering
clothes is a great idea. Take enough clothes on your hike or trip that when the
cool evening comes you can change from the sweaty ones and replace with dry
clothes for him to sleep through the night in.
Treatment for bug bits.
- Bentonite
clay: This is a natural clay that when mixed with water absorbs toxins and
works to absorb the venom from a bite.
- Ice –
decreases swelling and itching
- Make sure
baby has short, smooth fingernails so if they scratch a bite it won’t get
inflamed as much.
- Have a bee
sting kit handy – it contains over the counter medicine that will decrease
swelling and discomfort. Be alert for any reaction especially difficulty
breathing and get immediate emergency help.
- Calamine
lotion or cortisone cream to decrease the itching, be careful it is not where
they can scratch it off and have it end up in their mouths.
Stay Away From:
- Garbage cans
or trash
- Swampy
places or empty cans with standing water that will draw the bugs.
- Be more on guard at dusk.
Resources
- http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/childhood-injuries/mosquito-bites-in-children.aspx
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joan-liebmannsmith-phd-and-jacqueline-nardi-egan/keep-your-baby-safe-in-th_b_640028.html
- http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Bentonite-Clay-Powder
- http://www.mountaingear.com/webstore//Gear/Packs--Duffels/Poco-Sun-Shade/_/R-237711.htm?voucherCode=979100&gclid=CjwKEAjwyYCgBRCMmbWl5beV_RQSJABESqHAue2OrIPUd9sbVfofof9BC9
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