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Nutrition, hydration keep babies healthy, happy

Dangers of heat are more serious for infants

With summer temperatures and the sun's intense rays just around the corner, parents of newborns should take extra precautions when bringing their new addition out and about.

The brand new skin of an infant is particularly delicate and can burn when exposed to direct sunlight in just a few minutes, says Dr. Gary Mallis, owner of Scottsdale-based Grayhawk Pediatrics. When headed to the pool, he suggests using a sun block like Coppertone Waterbabies for babies six months and older, although keeping him or her out of direct sunlight and avoiding peak hours is truly the best protection.

"Put long sleeves on them. You can use clothing with SPF, or keep them in the shade and avoid direct sun," Mallis says.

Mallis says parents often ask what temperature is best for their child during summer months. He says babies do well in a home that is kept in the mid-70 degrees range, as long as their crib is not placed directly under an air vent, or a spot that is in the clear path of the air conditioner. Also, as long as your baby is urinating four to six times a day, additional liquids or fluids are usually not needed.

But nutrition remains the best way to start your baby off on the right foot, regardless of the weather. According to the National Council on Folic Acid, Latinas are as much as twice as likely to deliver a baby born with neural tube defects, serious birth defects of the brain and spine. The council suggests that a balanced diet, particularly containing folic acid before and during early pregnancy can lower the rate of these defects by up to 70 percent. Broccoli, nuts, bananas, cereal and bread are among foods containing the B vitamin.

Immunizations are an essential part of preventive pediatric medicine. From birth to 18 months old, Mallis says infants receive a range of immunization and booster shots. It starts with an immunization against hepatitis B at birth, which continues throughout the first few years, and continues other shots like DTP, polio, HIB vaccine, Prevner and Rota Virus vaccine.

Mallis recommends new mothers breastfeed, as breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients that protect her baby against a variety of different diseases, strengthening the immune system. While weight gain is monitored closely in the first few weeks and at well visits every few months, Mallis says heavy babies normally lose fat once they start moving around and becoming more independently active.

Genetics also play a part in an infant's health. While conditions such as diabetes and obesity tend to be high in the Hispanic population, they can be attributed to diet and nutrition, both of which are controllable.

"In all lifestyles nutrition is very important. A lot of problems come from being overweight. It all starts with nutrition and solid foods, what parents buy at the grocery store," Mallis says. "Parents need to take more control over what kids are getting. Rarely is it genetically related."