If you are raising a baby through an Indian summer, you already know the challenge. Temperatures above 35 degrees, high humidity, and a baby who cannot tell you they are uncomfortable. Baby skin is 30 percent thinner than adult skin, which makes it far more susceptible to heat damage, irritation, and moisture loss.
Prickly Heat (Ghamori) — The Most Common Summer Problem
Prickly heat appears as tiny red bumps or blisters, usually on the neck, chest, back, and in skin folds. It occurs when sweat ducts become blocked. It is extremely common in Indian babies during summer and is uncomfortable and itchy though not dangerous.
Treatment: Keep the affected areas cool and dry. Dress your baby in loose, lightweight cotton. Bathe with cool (not cold) water 2 to 3 times daily without soap on affected areas. A paste of sandalwood powder with rose water applied to the rash provides cooling relief and is a traditional remedy that works. Avoid oil or heavy creams on affected areas as they block pores further.
Dressing Your Baby in Summer
Pure cotton is the only fabric for Indian summers. Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture against skin. Loose-fitting cotton jhabla or onesies allow air circulation. Light colours reflect heat. Change wet or sweaty clothes promptly — sitting in damp clothing causes both prickly heat and fungal infections.
Sun Protection for Babies
Babies under 6 months should not be in direct sunlight at all. Their skin has very little melanin and burns extremely quickly. Keep them fully shaded, in thin full-coverage cotton clothing, and out of direct sun entirely.
For babies over 6 months, use a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) on exposed skin. Chemical sunscreens are not recommended for babies. Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours. The safest approach remains physical shade and protective clothing over sunscreen reliance.
Hydration in Summer
Babies under 6 months get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula — do not give water. Breastfed babies may want to feed more frequently in summer heat, which is normal. After 6 months, small amounts of cooled boiled water (30 to 60ml between feeds) can be given in very hot weather. Signs of dehydration to watch: fewer wet nappies than usual (under 6 a day), dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken fontanelle (soft spot). Dehydration in babies is a medical emergency.
Keeping the Baby's Room Cool
Air conditioning set to 24 to 26 degrees is comfortable for babies. Use a ceiling fan on low. Ensure the AC vent does not blow directly on the baby. Do not overdress a baby in an air-conditioned room — they do not need socks or a hat indoors. When power cuts happen, remove outer layers, use a hand fan, and give extra breast milk or water if above 6 months.