Six ways to keep baby cool in hot weather

six tips on keeping baby cool in hot weather

If it’s hot out, your baby may not be comfortable and that means a miserable time for them  – and for you. Find out how babies can keep their cool.

By Sally J. Hall

Keep Shady

Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Move their cot or baby bouncer out of the sun and attach a parasol or sunshade to the pushchair. Never drape a blanket over the pram, as this can make push the temperature inside the pram up to dangerous levels. Older toddlers should wear a sun hat and light clothes that cover most of their skin to avoid sunburn.

Keep It Light

In hot weather, keep clothing to a minimum. If it’s really hot, just a nappy and a vest is fine and you don’t need bedding at night either if it’s really warm. As a rule of thumb, babies need about the same amount of clothing you are comfortable in, plus one light layer. Feel the back of your baby’s neck to check her temperature, not hands or feet as those are usually cooler than the rest of their body.

Measure It

Keep a thermometer in your baby’s room to make sure it doesn’t get too hot – many baby monitors have them included now. The room should be between 160C and 200C. A fan can help cool the air but make sure the fan and its wires are well out of baby’s reach. Keep the room cool during the day with blackout blinds or shades.

Water Water Everywhere

Babies and young children should be kept well hydrated, so that means extra feeds if you’re breastfeeding (and make sure you drink plenty of water too) and cooled boiled water for older kids – have some on hand when you go out, too. Avoid sweet drinks that can cause tooth decay.

Splish Splash

Get out the paddling pool or hose and have a game in the garden to help you and your baby cool down. Even a bucket can be used. If you have a pond or pool, make sure your child is never left unattended near it, not even for a moment. Don’t forget the sun screen, even if there is cloud cover!

Bed time

At the end of a long, hot day, give your baby a cool bath – tepid water is fine – and leave them slightly damp afterwards. The moisture will evaporate from their skin, cooling them in the process.

 

See ten top tips for keeping tots cool

 

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