How to Have a Cool Baby in the Summer Heat

As temperatures rise we can finally cast off the winter woolies and think about picnics in the park and days on the beach.  But while it’s easy to slip, slop and slap if you’re a grown up, keeping a baby safe from the heat is a little more complicated.

Here are three ways to survive summer with your little one:

Heading out on a hot day means the lightest possible clothing.  Often a nappy and a muslin blanket, or onesie, is all you will need.  Try to stick to breathable natural fabrics like cotton, that wick moisture away from the skin.  You might also need to have a light blanket in your nappy bag in case you walk into a shop or cinema that has the air conditioning turned up too high.  Babies are not fans of abrupt changes in temperature.

If there’s any chance of exposure to the sun, baby must be covered.  Infants are very susceptible to burns and this increases their risk of skin cancer later in life.  You shouldn’t use sunblock on babies under six months of age, so they need to be kept out of direct sunlight when the UV is high (which is usually between 10am and 2pm). Always have a hat and sunglasses in your nappy bag, and make use of umbrellas, shade trees, and stroller shades.

Babies can be quick to dehydrate.  If you’re breastfeeding, your body knows just what to do and changes the milk for your infant’s needs (how cool is that)! If your baby is under 6 months of age there’s no need to offer water, just your boobs!  Just remember to offer milk more often when you’re out on a hot day. After 6 months you can offer small amounts of water from a sippy cup, but it should not replace milk. If you’re formula feeding, you can offer some cooled boiled water depending on the age of your baby, but check with your doctor about when, and how much.  For more info, check out these links: 

When Can You Safely Give Your Baby Water to Drink?
Guidelines for offering water to babies