Summer is Almost Here!

To Breastfeed or Not To Breastfeed?

In Australia, hot weather in not uncommon, especially during the summer months. Extreme heat conditions affect everyone, but mothers and babies need to be even more vigilant when it comes to hot weather to avoid dehydration.

Should I breast feed my child during the hot weather?

A common question among mothers becomes whether to breastfeed or not during these times of the year. In hot conditions babies tend to be less willing to breastfeed, most likely related to skin contact between you and your child, which may be uncomfortable for both. So don’t be alarmed if your baby is unwilling to feed for a short time, because when babies do become thirsty they will want to feed more frequently but for shorter periods of time.  If you are concerned that your baby is getting dehydrated provide them with more frequent feeds. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids yourself to maintain breast milk production. Bottle-fed babies may need extra formula or small drinks of cool boiled water if they seem thirsty.

Does my baby require extra water in the summer?

Breast milk contains the perfect balance of food and water for your baby.  Breastfed babies do not need extra water, even in hot weather. Studies carried out in hot climates, have shown that babies allowed to breastfeed whenever they want, do not become dehydrated. Breast milk is itself mostly water and in hot weather, babies tend to go to the breast more often, for short feeds.  Thus, healthy exclusively breast-fed infants do not require additional water.

However, certain conditions increase the risk of dehydration in babies, especially in hot weather.  Vomiting and diarrhea increase water loss and leads to dehydration. This indicates extra fluids are required to maintain hydration status and doctor’s help may be required.  Air conditioning can slightly increase loss of water through the skin in babies and your baby may require more fluids.

How will I know if my baby is dehydrated? 

There are some things to watch out for in your baby to know if they are getting enough fluids. Decreased urine output is something you can monitor and is a good indicator of hydration status. Less than 6 wet clear colored diapers a day for infants and more than 8 hours without urination in older kids may indicate dehydration. Other things to look for in babies include: dry mouth ad hot skin, sunken fontanelles (the soft spots on the babies head), irritability, unusual lethargy, rapid heartbeat or fever. If you have any concerns and you think your child may be severely dehydrated, seek guidance from your family doctor.

What else can I do in a hot climate to make sure to keep my baby cool?

• If your baby’s skin feels hot to touch, a sponge with lukewarm water at frequent intervals or bathe them more frequently
• Dress them in light loose clothing
• Find the coolest place in the house for them to sleep
• Avoid pointing the fan or air conditioner straight at them
• Make sure the temperature of the air conditioner is about 24-26 degrees and the room doesn’t get too cold  
• Avoid taking your baby or young child out during periods of extreme heat

References:

Almroth S and Bidinger P. No need for water supplementation for exclusively breast-fed infants under hot and arid conditions. Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.  1990. 84(4) 602-604.

Caring for babies and young children in extreme heat. Government of South Australia. www.health.sa.gov.au. February 2010.

Dehydration Signs and Symptoms. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561/DSECTION=symptoms. Accessed September 30, 2010

Summer sanity, keeping your baby cool. Australian Breast Feeding Association. http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/index.html. Accessed Sep 30, 2010.