How to take care for health of babies in hot weather over 40 oC Summer is the time of prolonged heat waves causing chrome, water loss, sunstroke, poor appetite, difficulty sleeping … in children. Parents should pay attention…
Water makes up about 60 percent of human bodies. We constantly lose water through urine, sweat and breathing. So how do we replace all the water we lose and stay well-hydrated? Most people know that adults need to drink about eight glasses of water per day, but keeping babies hydrated has some special considerations.
Does my baby need water?
Healthy newborns get all the water they need from breast milk and/or formula, even when it’s hot outside. They do not need extra water. Giving a young baby water can decrease his/her appetite and prevent the baby from getting the nutrients needed from breast milk or formula. Also, babies under 6 months of age who get too much water can develop a rare but serious condition called “water intoxication.” This condition can cause seizures. The safest thing to do is to give your baby only breast milk/formula. Please check with your child’s primary care provider before giving your baby any water, and remember, always mix formula according to the package instructions! Making formula “last longer” by adding more water than recommended can lead to water intoxication or poor weight gain.
So, when can I give my baby water?
After 6 months of age, it is safe to give babies water. Introducing sippy cups with water at this age is a great idea. It will get them used to cups and drinking water at the same time.
How much water does my baby need?
A 6-12 month old baby needs two to eight ounces of water per day on top of the water they get from breast milk/formula. Taking sips from their cups throughout the day will usually get them the water they need. In general, babies 6 months and older can drink as much water as they want and will slowly increase their water intake as they rely more on solid foods for their caloric needs. Remember to make sure they are still drinking breast milk/formula and eating a varied, nutritious diet. Once babies turn 1 year old, they need about four cups of water per day (32 oz.). At this age, they rely on more solid foods than breast milk/formula for nutrition.
What kind of water can I give my baby?
Tap water generally works well for mixing formula or for drinking from a sippy cup. Be sure that your local health department says the water supply is safe for drinking. Water does not need to be boiled unless there’s a concern for unsafe water. It is ok to use bottled water, but babies do need some tap water when they start getting teeth. Fluoride, a mineral that helps build strong enamel and keeps cavities from forming, is added to the public water supply, and filtering tap water does not remove fluoride . . . so turn on the tap!
Water makes up about 60 percent of human bodies. We constantly lose water through urine, sweat and breathing. So how do we replace all the water we lose and stay well-hydrated? Most people know that adults need to drink about eight glasses of water per day, but keeping babies hydrated has some special considerations.
Does my baby need water?
Healthy newborns get all the water they need from breast milk and/or formula, even when it’s hot outside. They do not need extra water. Giving a young baby water can decrease his/her appetite and prevent the baby from getting the nutrients needed from breast milk or formula. Also, babies under 6 months of age who get too much water can develop a rare but serious condition called “water intoxication.” This condition can cause seizures. The safest thing to do is to give your baby only breast milk/formula. Please check with your child’s primary care provider before giving your baby any water, and remember, always mix formula according to the package instructions! Making formula “last longer” by adding more water than recommended can lead to water intoxication or poor weight gain.
So, when can I give my baby water?
After 6 months of age, it is safe to give babies water. Introducing sippy cups with water at this age is a great idea. It will get them used to cups and drinking water at the same time.
How much water does my baby need?
A 6-12 month old baby needs two to eight ounces of water per day on top of the water they get from breast milk/formula. Taking sips from their cups throughout the day will usually get them the water they need. In general, babies 6 months and older can drink as much water as they want and will slowly increase their water intake as they rely more on solid foods for their caloric needs. Remember to make sure they are still drinking breast milk/formula and eating a varied, nutritious diet. Once babies turn 1 year old, they need about four cups of water per day (32 oz.). At this age, they rely on more solid foods than breast milk/formula for nutrition.
What kind of water can I give my baby?
Tap water generally works well for mixing formula or for drinking from a sippy cup. Be sure that your local health department says the water supply is safe for drinking. Water does not need to be boiled unless there’s a concern for unsafe water. It is ok to use bottled water, but babies do need some tap water when they start getting teeth. Fluoride, a mineral that helps build strong enamel and keeps cavities from forming, is added to the public water supply, and filtering tap water does not remove fluoride . . . so turn on the tap!
During extreme heat it is easy to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat. If this happens, you may develop heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency which can result in permanent damage to your vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately. Extreme heat can also make existing medical conditions worse.
The best way to survive the heat is to plan ahead for hot days and know what to do when the heat hits. Hot weather can affect anyone, including the young and healthy. However, some people are more at risk than others.
People most at risk:
- are aged over 65 years, especially those living alone
- have a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness
- are taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat such as:
- allergy medicines (antihistamines)
- blood pressure and heart medicines (beta-blockers)
- seizure medicines (anticonvulsants)
- water pills (diuretics)
- antidepressants or antipsychotics
- have problematic alcohol or drug use
- have a disability
- have trouble moving around such as those who are bed bound or in wheelchairs
- pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
- babies and young children
- are overweight or obese
- work or exercise outdoors
- have recently arrived from cooler climates.
Coping with the heat
During extreme heat, whether it’s one hot day or a heatwave, remember:
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty (if your doctor normally limits your fluids, check how much to drink during hot weather).
- Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water and taking cool (not cold) showers.
- Spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings (shopping centres, libraries, cinemas or community centres).
- Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
- Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you do have to go outside, wear a hat and sunscreen, and seek shade.
- Cancel or postpone outings. If you absolutely must go out, stay in the shade and take plenty of water with you.
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton and linen.
- Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads.
- Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored.
- Avoid heavy activity like sport, renovating and gardening.
- Watch or listen to news reports to find out more information during extreme heat.