What temperature is safe to take baby outside

Keeping Your Baby Safe and Cool in Summer – Children's Health

Summertime brings warm weather and lots of sunshine. But parents of infants, in particular, should keep a few essential heat and sun safety tips in mind while enjoying the season.

"Outside time is so important for babies' growth and development. So we want to make sure we are giving babies the opportunity to go outside, but of course, keeping them safe while doing so," says Sushmita Yallapragada, M.D., Neonatologist and Associate Medical Director of the Level IV NICU at Children's Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Yallapragada, also a mother of two young children, answers common questions about how to keep newborns and infants safe during the hot summer months.

What outside temperature is too hot for a baby?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time if the heat index is greater than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged outdoor exposure on extremely hot days can cause babies to overheat quickly.

"Babies are not as effective at cooling their bodies as adults because they do not sweat normally," explains Dr. Yallapragada. "In addition, babies are not able to tell you if they are overheating and not feeling well. Take breaks every 15-30 minutes or sooner based on your child's response to the heat."

Before making outdoor plans with your baby during summer, check the local heat index. When you do enjoy outside time, you can take simple precautions to keep your baby safe.

How can I keep my baby cool in summer?

If the heat index is above 75- or 80-degrees Fahrenheit, take these five steps to keep your baby cool while spending time outside.

1. Seek shade.

Park your baby's stroller or blanket under a tree or in another shady spot to avoid direct sun exposure.

2. Dress baby coolly.

During hot days, dress your baby in a single layer of lightly colored, moisture-absorbent but breathable material, such as a lightweight cotton onesie or romper. Opt for fabrics like cotton and linen and avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.

"Infants should be dressed appropriately for the environment, with no more than one additional layer than an adult would wear comfortably at that temperature – for daytime or sleeping," Dr. Yallapragada says.

3. Drink liquids.

Offer breastmilk or formula to keep infants hydrated. It's generally recommended to wait until babies are at least 6 months of age to offer water. Older babies and toddlers should drink water while playing outdoors to help stay cool and hydrated.

4. Schedule extra rest time.

Time in the heat can cause infants to feel extra tired. "Planning time for babies to rest or nap following outside playtime can be helpful," says Dr. Yallapragada.

5. Avoid the hottest parts of the day.

Plan to take your baby out in the early morning or late evening hours so you can spend the hottest parts of the day inside. When outside, consider using a portable stroller fan to help baby stay cool.

How can I protect my baby's skin from the sun?

It's important to be mindful about how much sun exposure your baby is getting – especially since infant skin can sunburn easily.

Summer skin care for babies under 6 months

Sunscreen should not be applied to babies under 6 months of age. "Sunscreens can cause skin irritation in a young baby's developing skin," Dr. Yallapragada explains.

Instead, take steps to keep newborns and young infants out of direct sunlight:

Seek trees or other sources of shade.
Dress babies in a wide-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses to block the sun from their face and eyes.
Use a stroller shade or umbrella to block the sun from babies' arms and legs.
Apply a car window shade to block direct sunlight from reaching your baby during car rides.

Summer skin care for babies 6 months and older

Babies 6-12 months of age should use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen since these varieties are less likely to sting babies' eyes or potentially irritate their skin.

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer both UVA and UVB protection with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours – or sooner, if your baby has been swimming or sweating.

What should I do if my baby gets a heat rash?

Heat rash, a skin irritation that looks like red pimples or blisters, can occur if babies' skin gets overly sweaty. You may notice a heat rash breakout on your baby's neck, chest, groin, armpits or elbow creases. "It can happen at any age, but it's quite common in young babies and children," says Dr. Yallapragada.

If your baby gets heat rash, bring them inside to cooler, air-conditioned air. Give them a bath or use a washcloth to wipe away the sweat. Replace their sweaty clothes with a cool, dry outfit. There is no need to apply any powders or skin ointments to heat rash; it should clear up on its own once the baby's skin cools down.

What's the ideal temperature for a baby's room in summer?

According to the AAP, the ideal temperature for a baby's room is between 68 and 72 degrees. Keeping a baby's room cool is especially important when they sleep, as overheating can put an infant at risk for SIDS.

If you set your thermostat higher during the summer months or your air conditioning has a tough time cooling your home, keep window blinds or curtains shut to block direct sunlight. You can also use fans to circulate air.

If you lose access to air conditioning at home – either through a power outage or mechanical issue – consider spending the day at a library, shopping mall or community "cooling center" where COVID-19 safety protocols are in place and indoor temperatures remain comfortable.

How can I tell if my baby is too hot?

You can tell that your baby is getting too hot by watching for the following signs:

Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
Disinterest in feeding/drinking
Flushed face
Sweatiness (may be more apparent in older children)

If your baby shows signs of overheating, take them indoors into a cool space. Apply cool washcloths or offer a cool bath. Replace sweaty clothes with a clean, cool outfit. Offer milk or formula to help them rehydrate.

If your baby still seems overly hot after these steps, call your pediatrician – particularly if you notice it's been several hours since your baby had a wet diaper and/or your baby is vomiting, having muscle spasms or breathing quickly. These could be signs of dehydration or heat illness, and you may need to get your baby in to see a doctor right away.

What other steps should I take to keep my baby safe this summer?

As temperatures rise, it's important to never leave a baby alone in a hot car, even for a moment. Temperatures inside a closed car can rise to dangerous levels quickly, so always take steps to ensure you don't leave a child alone in the back seat. See five tips to prevent hot car tragedies.

Similarly, maintain careful adult supervision whenever your babies and older kids are around a pool this summer. Follow these essential pool safety tips to avoid the risk of injury or drowning.

More summer safety tips

Children's Health is here to help keep your family healthy and safe this summer. See more summer safety tips.

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heat stroke, hydration, infant, rash, safety, skin, summer, sun safety, toddler, water safety

How Cold Is Too Cold for a Baby to Go Outside?

As the days get shorter, in addition to facing freezing temperatures, parents have the extra challenge of coming up with winter activities for their kids—and themselves—during these long, dark, cold months.

Heading outside is such an amazing activity for everyone from newborns through adults—but what about when it’s absolutely freezing? How cold is too cold for a baby? Can you still take your sweet little bundle outdoors?

The answer is: Maybe.

Children, especially babies, are more sensitive to temperature changes than adults. “Because they are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults, children can quickly develop a dangerously low body temperature [i.e., become hypothermic]. Newborn infants are prone to hypothermia [defined as a body temperature of below 95º F], because of their large body surface area, small amount of subcutaneous fat, and decreased ability to shiver,” says The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

You’re not overreacting by being nervous about taking your infant outside in freezing temps. The good news? There are ways to do it safely.

How to dress your baby for cold weather

To keep warm in the winter, layers are the key—for both babies and adults. But it’s very important not to overheat your baby by putting on too many layers—since overheating is dangerous for babies, too.

The general rule of thumb is that your baby should be dressed in one more layer than you feel comfortable in. If you are happy with one long-sleeve shirt, your baby should probably have a long-sleeve onesie, plus another shirt or light jacket on top.

If you’re going for a stroller walk, dress baby warmly, then add a blanket or stroller cozy to keep them all snuggled up.

Related: The best winter gear for kids: 9 must-haves from our editor who lives in Alaska

When playing outside, in addition to a winter coat and warm pants or snow pants, don’t forget a hat and mittens. The most vulnerable parts of a little body are their chin, nose, ears, fingers and toes.

Remember, car seat safety is of utmost importance, even as you try to keep baby warm. Babies should not wear a winter coat, very thick clothing or blankets under the straps of their car seats—the straps will not cinch tightly enough around the baby if they do, which is unsafe in a crash.

Is 30 degrees too cold for baby? What outside temperature is too cold for baby:

Above freezing: Extreme cold starts to become a factor when the temperature drops below freezing (32º F). You can still go outside, but it should not be for very long.

Well-below freezing: Once temperatures start to drop below 20º F, it’s best to stay inside if you can. Be sure to factor in wind chill when you’re checking the weather—the wind can feel much, much colder, especially on sensitive baby skin.

Indoors: When you’re inside, the ideal temperature for your thermostat to be set at is 68º to 72º. Remember that baby blankets, although super cute for snuggling baby in our arms, are not safe for the crib as they pose a risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you’re concerned about baby being cold at night, we recommend sleep sacks.

What to watch out for

Keep a close eye on your baby (we know you always do) when you’re playing outside. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you see any of these symptoms develop, give your pediatrician a call right away (or just call 911):

Symptoms of h

ypothermia in infants and children

Shivering (note, young babies don’t shiver!)
Slurred speech
Slow, shallow breathing
Weak pulse
Clumsiness
Sleepy or very low energy
Confusion or memory loss
Loss of consciousness
Bright red, cold skin (in babies)

Symptoms of

frostbite in infants and children

Cold skin
Prickly, pins-and-needle feeling
Numbness
Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
Hard or waxy skin
Clumsiness and stiffness
Blistering

A few other safety tips for taking care of babies in the winter

Have an emergency kit in your car in case you break down. Edmunds has a great emergency kit list of things like blankets, flashlights, granola bars and bottled water. You’ll also want to make sure your gas tank is near full and the car’s maintenance is up to date to avoid issues.
Consider pre-warming your car, but NEVER in a garage—even an open one.
Protect everyone’s skin with baby-safe lotion or balms.
Consider using a cool-mist humidifier to keep baby’s air moist at night.

Related: 8 must-have products to help mamas & babies survive the winter

A note from Motherly

You can certainly still take baby outside, it’s just safest to stay aware of the temperature. Dress babies in layers, follow safe carseat guidelines, and watch closely for any signs that baby is too cold. Don’t stay out for too long, and if it’s less than 20º F, avoid going outside at all (a quick walk to a preheated car is okay).

Hang in there, mama. You’re not doing it wrong—this season can be hard. Go into hibernation mode, focus on some real self-care and snuggles, and before you know it, the flowers will be in bloom and you’ll be spending every waking second outside.

Wondering how to dress your baby for cold weather? Here's what you need.

7 A.M. Enfant

• $200

Not only does 7am’s Blanket 212 Evolution Extendable Footmuff guarantee a cozy baby in even freezing temperatures, it’s also designed with mom in mind. A water-repellant outside makes the muff wind, water, and stain-resistant, while the extendable design means it works for infants through four years old—oh yeah, and it’s machine washable (easy cleaning for the win!).

Pro tip: The clever construction not only allows it to unzip into a blanket, it also keeps the five-point harness easily accessible with a removable anti-slip back panel that eliminates extra fabric between baby’s back and the harness.

Skip Hop

• $33.75

Keep the winter winds out and the coziness in with Skip Hop’s budget-friendly Stroll & Go Car Seat Cover. The universal fit accommodates any car seat, and allows you to cart your babe through ice, wind and snow without them ever even knowing it. (Babies really have it made, don’t they?) A snap front allows for instant temperature control while the roll-away front makes it easy to put them in and take them out.

Patagonia

• $169

When it comes to infant snowsuits, you really can’t do better than Patagonia. Yes, they’re pricey but if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, they’re totally worth it. (They also last forever which means you can use for multiple kids or even find used. ) The down fill, which extends into the hood traps heat without adding bulk and making it impossible to wrangle them into the stroller. And that double zipper? Completely clutch when it comes to getting a squirmy baby bundled up.

Little Planet by Carter's

• $51.95

Made from 100% recycled material, the simple Recycled Quilted Puffer One-Piece from Little Planet by Carter’s will keep them toasty in chilly temps. And the fold-over mittens mean one less accessory to lose this winter.

Hocosa of Switzerland

• $38.90

No fabric is better for warmth without overheating than wool. These simple wool bodysuits make a great first layer for the most blustery of days.

Nui Organics

• $32

Keeping a hat on a baby’s head can seem like a fruitless endeavor. Either they’re snatching it off, or it slips off the back of their head as they rub against the carseat. The answer? A balaclava. Made from Merino wool that’s soft and breathable, the baby-sized balaclava’s from Nui Organics are just the thing to layer under their hood or even wear solo. Their little ears stay covered no matter what!

Primary

• $34.50

Made from 100% recycled polyester that is windproof, water-repellent, and machine washable, this suit is also lightweight and allows for lots of outdoor play while keeping your little one toasty and warm.

Stonz

• $35.99

These mittens are made especially for tiny hands! They slip right on (no thumb hole to worry about), they go over the sleeve (no need to tuck them in!) and they won’t slip off. Keep your baby’s tiny fingers warm and dry with these waterproof, wind-resistant mittens all winter long.

7AM

• $69.99

The Nido Winter Infant Wrap provides the ultimate warmth and protection from the cold in these long winter months. Its convenient 3-direction baby wrap design features a contoured hood and premium poly insulation plus micro-fleece lining to keep your baby cozy as you go out and about.

Zutano

• $22

For an extra layer to keep those tiny toes toasty, try Zutano’s 2-snap fleece-lined booties. They’re a favorite of parents everywhere because they STAY ON. Yep, you heard us right! If you want tiny shoes on your baby’s tiny feet this winter, these are the ones.

North Face

• $25

This fleece winter hat from North Face has a chin strap that will keep it in place while offering maximum cuteness courtesy of the extra “bear ears” detail. This way you can keep your baby’s head warm and be picture-ready all at the same time.

A version of this article was originally published November 12, 2019. It has been updated.

Let's go for a walk! - articles from the specialists of the clinic "Mother and Child"

WHY SHOULD YOU WALK?

Purely theoretically, all parents understand that walking is fresh air and health, but let's look at what gives us the exit from a warm apartment or house. By and large, any walk is a contact with nature (unless, of course, walking not along busy streets, but at least in a park) and an attempt to get away from the harmful factors of civilization. What does it mean? Each city apartment (and a country house too) accumulates a huge amount of harmful substances. First of all, it is dust and a variety of allergens (particles of household chemicals, varnishes, paints), which are always found in furniture, books, carpets and, in general, in any items of our house. Plus all that street rubbish that flies through the windows if it's a city apartment. But there is no or very little fresh air in our homes, because in winter it is difficult to keep the windows open and constantly ventilate the room. There is no sunlight in our homes - useful UV radiation, which is necessary for the growth of all living things. And finally, sitting at home, we sharply limit our motor activity. Therefore, it is clear that everyone, including children, needs to go out into the fresh air and walk. Of course, walking in summer is more pleasant than in winter: it's warm, the birds are singing, the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, it somehow becomes immediately clear that walking is both pleasant and useful. What about in winter? Cold, snow, monotonous landscape - all this is uncomfortable, so what is the use of winter walks? nine0005

WHAT A WINTER WALK WILL GIVE A CHILD:

1. Health. In cold weather, the air becomes cleaner and more oxygenated, and all the dust is trapped in the snow. Fresh air will cleanse the lungs of everything that the baby inhales in the apartment, the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract will begin to work better, and the blood and, accordingly, all organs will be enriched with oxygen. Walking, the child will grow better and physically develop.

2. Hardening. The air temperature during a walk in winter is significantly different from the air temperature in the room - all this will harden the baby's body. nine0005

3. Vitamin D. In winter there is very little sun and a walk is the only opportunity for a child to get a "portion" of ultraviolet radiation. Namely, under its influence, our body produces vitamin D, which is necessary for the prevention of rickets. Of course, in order to prevent rickets, it will be necessary not only to walk, but still it is worth taking advantage of this simple and natural “medicine”.

4. Physical activity. Walking in winter, when we are wearing a lot of clothes, especially if we move actively, we spend more effort and energy. The baby also spends it, even if he just moves his legs along the road, digs snow, rolls over a snowdrift or rolls down a hill with his parents. So a winter walk willy-nilly gives us physical activity, and it in turn stimulates the work of the cardiovascular and immune systems. It turns out that again there are health benefits. nine0005

5. Development and socialization. On the street, the world is completely different than in an apartment or house familiar to a child. It is full of all sorts of amazing things for children: it is snowing or the sun is shining, a dog is running, a crow is croaking, a car is passing by. Moreover, all this changes very quickly: the baby sees a new picture all the time and receives new information, studies the properties of different objects. While walking, children learn to establish different connections: the dog barks, the bird flies, and the snow is white and beautiful. Plus communication with other children and new contacts. Well, yes, in the warm season there are more street entertainments, but do not sit in the apartment until the snow melts! nine0005

Of course, not all of these factors will work on every walk: the sun does not always shine, and as for infants, they often sleep outside and they do not have any movement and special acquaintance with the outside world. But winter walks give health and hardening for sure, unless, of course, walking in the fresh air, and not along gassed streets or shops full of people.

WHY THEY DO NOT WALK

True, no matter how much they talk about the benefits of winter walks, anyway, at this time of the year, many mothers and fathers with their children do not go for walks or walk rarely or for a short time. Adults understand that this is wrong, but the reasons for staying at home seem convincing to them. What Parents Assure Themselves:

The child will get sick in the cold. This is a typical horror story, which is especially loved by mothers and grandmothers: they say that the child will inhale the air in the cold and he will start coughing, runny nose or sore throat . But cold air does not cause illness - this is a myth.

Actually. A person gets sick from bacteria or viruses, not from cold. On the contrary, many viruses die in the cold, so walking in sub-zero temperatures is safer than in positive ones. Another thing is that hypothermia (frozen feet, for example) can contribute to the fact that a virus or microbe that has entered the body begins to develop. Well, it (hypothermia) simply should not be allowed. nine0005

Only infections in the street . Now, when a flood of various negative information has hit us, in particular about all sorts of viruses and diseases, many anxious mothers are generally afraid to go outside with a small child once again. Especially in the first weeks and even months after childbirth if the child was born in autumn and winter. It is believed that a baby can be sneezed on the street, or a virus will remain in the entrance after a sick person, and the child will pick it up. The endless media horror stories about new and horrific strains of the flu, the daily news about severe complications from illness, and other horror stories only add fuel to the fire. So mothers with a child sit at home all winter and walk only on the balcony. nine0005

Actually. An apartment will not protect against illnesses - dad, grandmother, mother herself can bring a virus into the house: a family does not live in complete isolation from the world. But a walk in the fresh air, on the contrary, will strengthen health and immunity.

Walking in winter is so difficult and boring. In winter, you have to dress for a long time: first by yourself, and then dress the child in several layers of clothing. And you need to dress according to the weather, otherwise you will quickly freeze and have to return. The question is: why did they leave at all? And you also have to not forget anything (the same mittens), otherwise, again, you have to return home, and this is always inconvenient with a small child. In addition, many babies do not tolerate the dressing process well: they scream so much that it is easier to spit on a walk and stay at home. It’s cold in winter, you can’t sit on a bench with a stroller, you can’t read a book, you have to walk all the time. Plus, many parents are generally bored with walking with a stroller or by the hand with a child, even if the weather is good and the baby is calm. nine0005

Actually. These are all excuses and banal laziness. Today, there are so many high-tech and comfortable clothes (for both adults and children) that you can dress for a walk easily and comfortably. Children very quickly get used to the process of dressing or simply put up with it. If you try a little, then even in a walk with a stroller you can find something interesting (listen to audio books, music, communicate in the company of the same mothers).

The child will freeze or overheat . In winter, you need to put a lot of clothes on the baby, and it’s difficult to understand exactly whether the legs are cold or, on the contrary, whether the baby has mated. nine0005

Actually . Usually, parents dress the child so warmly that he definitely does not freeze. Even if the baby is in the stroller, you can always feel his arms and legs and determine if they are cold. Much more often, a child is hot on a walk, and you can find out about this by his appearance and behavior. The baby's face turns red, he begins to worry (naughty or crying), asks for water. Then you need to put your hand behind the baby's collar and feel his back (whether she was sweating).

The child will want to eat, but in winter you will not breastfeed . Therefore, it is better not to go out for a walk, especially since if you go out, you still won’t leave for a long time.

Actually . The child can be fed before the walk. Then you are guaranteed to have 1–1.5 hours to go outside and get some fresh air. And this is quite enough for a winter walk. In general, on the street in winter, children quickly fall asleep and then sleep for a very long time. So there is usually enough time to walk between feedings.

Bad weather in winter - if not a blizzard, then ice, if not frost, then slush.

Actually. Bad weather in winter, if a person does not really live in difficult climatic conditions, still happens infrequently. Blizzards do not sweep all winter, and severe colds are replaced by a light and pleasant frost, so most often the same parental laziness is hidden under the words “bad weather”. Or the lack of habits of a healthy lifestyle and walks in particular. Plus, at home we are anchored by the usual benefits: a soft sofa, TV, computer. nine0005

It turns out that there are no particularly serious reasons not to walk in the winter with a child. But here, too, it is necessary to observe the measure. You don’t have to perform feats and walk for the sake of the baby’s health if you don’t have the strength, the food for yourself or your husband is not ready, the weather is bad outside, or something just went wrong today. Nothing bad will happen if the child stays at home for one or even a couple of days. But as soon as the weather improves and strength appears, we must go outside. But what about the balcony? To be honest, everyone understands that a walk on a balcony is not the same as a walk in a park or forest. This is a way out for those who live in a house without an elevator, who don’t even have a public garden nearby, if it’s very cold and bad weather outside, their mother feels unwell or is very busy with household chores or work. nine0005

GOING OUTSIDE

When to start. If a child was born in winter or cold spring or autumn, then in the first days after birth, he does not need to walk. And not only because it's cold outside, it's just that the baby needs to first adapt to the outside world, and he and his mother need to enter a new rhythm of life. In general, the opinions of pediatricians about when to start walking with a newborn differ. Some doctors believe that a healthy child can be taken outside in winter already a week after birth, others recommend walking from the 10-14th day of life, and others generally advise waiting up to three to four weeks. Here it will be necessary to look at everything: the weight of the child (underweight children are advised to start walking later in winter), his condition, the weather, the possibilities of the family (mother may not have the strength, dad works, and there are no grandmothers nearby). nine0005

At what temperature and how long to walk. Here, too, you need to focus on the weather. Doctors recommend taking a newborn out for the first walk if the temperature outside the window is not lower than minus 5 ºС. At first, you can not even go outside, but “walk” with a dressed baby in a room with a wide open window or sit on the balcony. Then go out with the baby from the house holding him in his arms, and then walk in the stroller.

Every day the walk is increased by about 5–10 minutes, and it turns out that after going outside for an average of 10 days, by a month a child can already walk for an hour, and then 1.5–2 hours. But here again it is necessary to look at the climate. It can be 0 ºС or even plus on the street, but a strong north wind will blow - walking in such weather is unpleasant and not necessary. Or maybe the frost is below minus 15 ºС, and the day will be sunny, the weather will be mild - then the numbers on the thermometer will not interfere with taking a walk in the fresh air. nine0005

How to dress a child . As mentioned earlier, with clothes now everything is simple. Woolen leggings that still need to be pulled on, numerous handkerchiefs under a hat, heavy children's fur coats, one socks, and on top of the second socks, scarves so as not to blow, and other grandmother's tricks for warmth are a thing of the past. It's simple: a child walks in a stroller - cotton overalls (slip) to the body, fleece on top, and then overalls or an envelope with insulation. A cotton helmet is put on the head, on top of it - a woolen or the same fleece (or you can put on a “2 in 1” helmet). On the feet - socks, on the hands - mittens. Who is very scared - take a blanket (just in case). If the child is already walking, everything is the same, but instead of an envelope there will already be overalls and plus winter children's shoes. And no extra buttons, ties and everything that irritates both mother and child. Sleepsuits with comfortable buttons, jumpsuits (envelopes) with zippers, instead of a stuffy scarf, a hat-helmet will cover your neck, prickly wool is replaced by soft and pleasant fleece - you can get ready for a walk in such comfortable clothes, like in the army, in a few minutes! Before you go for a walk, you must first collect all the necessary things (napkins, nipples, toys), then get dressed yourself, and last but not least, dress the child (otherwise he will quickly become hot). nine0005

As you can see, walking in winter is easy and even very useful. So dress properly and go – towards nature and health!

Is it possible to walk with a child at a temperature

Few parents dare to take a child for a walk when he is unwell. And absolutely in vain! According to experts, in most cases this will be beneficial.

According to paediatricians, fresh air aids recovery. Especially in diseases of the respiratory tract: pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis. When cool or cold air is inhaled, the blood supply to the bronchial mucosa improves, the work of the secretory glands is activated, and the sputum becomes moist. On a walk, it is not so much movement that is important, but the opportunity to breathe clean air. nine0005

How to take a walk with a child if he is sick

Of course, many points must be taken into account here, for example, the characteristics of the disease, the general well-being of the child and his age, the presence of therapeutic procedures, how high the body temperature is, weather conditions. Before you go for a walk:

Take your temperature. “Before the walk, be sure to measure the child’s temperature,” says Alexander Ushakov , pediatrician of the MEDSI Children's Clinic on Pirogovskaya. - If it is above 38 degrees, a walk in any weather can adversely affect the well-being of the baby. Often, fever may not be a symptom of any disease, but a consequence of a recent vaccination. In this case, the child is not allowed to walk.
Assess the child's general condition. If the baby is alert enough, plays, eats normally, then his condition, even at elevated temperatures, is quite satisfactory and a walk will not hurt. Ask what the child himself wants - to take a walk, or to stay at home. If the child is lethargic, naughty, has a poor appetite, then it is better not to go outside. nine0136
Check the weather outside. It is necessary to pay attention to the weather conditions, of course. If there is no heavy rain outside the window, severe frost, cold wind, it is quite possible to take a walk with a child. “For a walk, you should choose weather without precipitation and severe frost (up to -5), says our expert. - As for the warm months, the air temperature in the heat is very high and therefore it is not necessary to walk with the child even if the temperature is slightly elevated. It can rise even more and provoke headaches as well. Morning and evening hours are most suitable for the promenade, with constant monitoring of the child's condition and plenty of drinking. So the body can not overheat. On the head of the child should be a Panama hat or a scarf. nine0136
Dress your child correctly. The main danger of walking with children is hypothermia or overheating. Toddlers are more prone to this than adults due to the imperfection of thermoregulation systems. When going out, dress your baby according to the weather. Do not wrap him up for fear that he may get even sicker. It will only hurt. When a child is dressed too warmly, any draft can cause hypothermia and interfere with recovery. Recall that you should dress your child on the street in the same way as yourself, plus one more layer. nine0136

Read also :

Why a child often gets sick

The age of the child also matters. “In children under one year old, drowsiness often increases at a temperature, so in the warm season, sleeping in a stroller in the fresh air will not hurt,” says Alexander Ushakov. In young children, fever most often occurs at the time of teething. In this case, walking is a good way to switch the attention of the baby and ease his feelings. Children under 5 years of age may be so active that they do not notice an increase in temperature. Therefore, if your child is set to walk, you should not forbid him. Going outside will allow you to distract yourself from feeling unwell and cheer you up, which is very important in the process of recovery. ” nine0005

Walking with a child when he is unwell should not be too long - no longer than 40-50 minutes. Excessive activity, according to our specialist, during an illness will not do any good either. Do not allow the baby to run, jump, play outdoor games. “Choose a quiet leisure time - it is better to replace active activities and outdoor games with a measured walk,” says Alexander Ushakov. “Walk along the playground or sidewalk, or sit on a bench.”