Premature babies have a lot working against them. Hot weather can be a particularly difficult obstacle because preemies may have health issues as well as a difficult time regulating their body temperature in extreme conditions. Pediatric home care offers helpful assistance and advice while caring for premature babies.
Cool Down the Car Before Loading Everyone In
It’s usually a habit to warm up the car in the winter before loading everyone up to go somewhere, but you might not think about cooling the car down as often. With a preemie, it helps to have a cool environment for her to start out in after leaving the house. That’s why giving the car’s air conditioner a little bit of time to get the car cool and comfortable is a good idea.
Park in the Shade and Crack the Windows
Whenever possible, try to park in an area that is shaded so that you can try to keep the car out of direct sunlight. If the weather allows, it’s also a good idea to crack the windows a little bit to allow hot air to escape the confines of the car. When you get back to the car, parking in a shaded area gives everyone a cooler spot to wait in while the car’s air conditioner kicks in.
Use a Shade on Strollers and Carseats
Shades on strollers and car seats can also help keep your baby cooler. If your stroller or car seat doesn’t come with a shade, it’s really easy to make one using a baby blanket. A few clothespins or binder clips can help secure the blanket, and you can move or rearrange the blanket as the shade changes.
Keep an Eye on Metal Accessories
Metal accessories such as buckles or clips can get really hot, especially when they’re exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure that you know where metal accessories are and that you touch or test them yourself before they accidentally come into contact with your baby’s skin. Move them out of the way or cover them so that they don’t burn your baby.
Make Sure She’s Hydrated
Even though it’s difficult for your preemie to control her own body temperature well, hydrating her well can make that task easier. Talk with your baby’s doctor about how to help her stay as hydrated as possible when the weather gets really hot.
Enlisting the help of pediatric home care providers can help you spot gaps in your hot weather care plans for your preemie. Pediatric home care workers can also show you tips and tricks for keeping your baby comfortable and cool.
While caring for a baby can be rewarding and challenging, parents can seek help from family, books, and pediatric home care professionals.
If you or someone you know needs Pediatric Home Care in Blaine, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.