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The Germs of Summer
Tips for Keeping Baby Happy and Healthy During the Warm Months
By Renee Roberson
Parents of infants often fear the winter months, which are rampant with cold and flu viruses, and pay extra special attention to keeping the items their babies come in contact with protected from potential germs. But just because the warmer months have arrived doesn't mean you should relax about keeping illness at bay. Harmful bacteria and germs can lurk in places you may not normally worry about, such as playground equipment, sandboxes, swimming pools, hotel rooms and airplane seats.
Experts well versed in infectious diseases and keeping children safe share their tips on how to keep your baby happy and healthy while enjoying the summer sun.
More than 60 percent of Americans take one or more vacations during the summer, says Dr. Kelly Reynolds, a microbiologist and associate professor in the College of Public Health at the University of Arizona specializing in water quality, food safety and disease transmission.
If your family plans to do any airplane travel this summer, keep in mind that any viruses that land on surfaces on the plan can survive up to two days, and an average airplane seat has up to 60,000 bacteria per square inch, says Dr. Reynolds, also a mother of three. Arming yourself with disinfectant wipes can help you wipe down the tray tables and arm rests before you or your baby settle in for the ride.
If you have to change a diaper while you're on the plane, it's best to wipe down the provided changing table with a disinfectant wipe and make sure you wash your hands following the change, says Dr. Jim Sears, a board-certified pediatrician and author of The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood (Little, Brown and Co., 2006). He also recommends packing your own changing pad or a thick, plastic sheet for peace of mind during diaper changes.
It's also a good idea to pack a few goodies in your carry-on bag to keep your baby occupied so she won't be tempted to put her hands and mouth on the airplane seats and surfaces. "Go out before the trip and buy some new toys and gift wrap them," Dr. Sears says. "It will give an extra distraction and keep Baby from chewing on things she shouldn't."
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