Part 3 in a series of articles for new parents
“What do I do with my baby in this heat?” is a common question you see on the on-line mom groups this time of year, especially here in the Coachella Valley where the average summer temperature is around 105 degrees. Adults can feel trapped in their homes by the suffocating heat outside even without a baby to worry about. The health and safety of your infant can compound that trapped feeling and exasperate the feelings of isolation that so often pop up with the first year of parenthood. Given that isolation is a common factor in postpartum depression, your baby will be absolutely fine if you stay home and in the AC as much as you need to in order to protect them from the outdoor elements, but you may not be. Keep your baby and yourself busy this summer with some of these ideas.
Get outside!
If your baby is an early riser, take the opportunity to walk, sit by the pool, or get in the pool before the sun is high in the sky and temps are triple-digit. We all need fresh air, so make the most of your baby’s early wakeup times to do this. If your resources allow, get completely out of the desert heat at least for the day as often as you can. There are many places at least 20 degrees cooler only an hour away. Idylwild and Oak Glen are two family favorites. We are also very fortunate to have beaches within 2 hours of us. Take advantage as often as you can to get you and your baby into the fresh air.
Pro tip – Pack a cooler. Carpool with another family. A day trip doesn’t have to be pricey and can really make the summer months more tolerable.
Get moving!
By the time your baby is 6 months old they are usually enjoying more floor time and will most likely start crawling in the next few months, and most babies will walk right around a year. Put them down to explore in a safe supervised place. Avoid bouncers, bumbo seats, swings and other equipment that holds your baby in one position. Let your baby use their body. Developmentally they need to roll, scoot, sit up and crawl. You can also inhibit your baby’s early walking by using props during this time.
Pro tip – get out of the house and out of the heat with your more mobile baby. Library storytimes or mommy and me classes. Check out the recreation centers, My Gym and Jadabugs (classes coming soon) where your baby gets to explore new surroundings.
Get swimming!
Your baby can get in the pool now. This is an excellent time to introduce your little one to the water if you haven’t already. Babies who are more comfortable in the water will likely learn to swim sooner than one who is not familiar with the pool. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children starting as early as a year old. Swimming lessons for younger babies are not a bad idea but a baby will not learn any life saving techniques at this age, so if you do sign up for classes, do it to get your baby more comfortable in the water and to give you BOTH opportunities for fun and socialization.
Pro tip – SAFETY FIRST! Drowning is the leading cause of death in toddlers! Every single summer we lose at least one toddler age child to drowning! If you or a family member has a pool please plan now for how you are going to keep your baby safe as they get more mobile. Pool fences and gates are very important. Just as important is to not have a false sense of security and always watch your baby closely.
Enjoy this summer with your baby. As you look back, you may find this summer will actually be one of the easier ones since your little one will not be as mobile or need to be as entertained as a toddler or preschool-age child. So consider this a great summer to start exploring the different organizations, opportunities and locations the Coachella Valley has to offer.
