5 Top Tips for Keeping Your Baby Cool in Summer
With changeable summer weather motivating you to get out for fresh air one minute and running for cover from rain the next, making sure your child is comfortable can be a challenge. With warm temperatures even under a light drizzle, the usual solutions of layers and waterproofs can get sweaty and uncomfortable very quickly! Though finding the perfect solution might seem taxing, if you follow these tips you’ll feel ready to prepare for the day ahead with ease!
1. Think About Timing
With the weather changing at the drop of a hat, it can be tricky to work out timing for a day’s activities. Where possible, avoid taking your child out in the hottest hours of the day, between 11am and 4pm. If you do need to go out at these times, make sure you’ve got a parasol or shade and plenty of water handy! Check the weather forecast for an idea of what you’re likely to face throughout the day, and plan flexibly around it!
2. Seek Out Shade
If you can’t find shade under a tree or awning, you can also pop up a parasol and make your own! Extra points if you can find shade under something waterproof, like a concrete ledge, so that if you are hit by a sudden spell of rain you can stay safely beneath it! A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses shade and protect your baby’s delicate skin and are also a must for sunny days. Once your child is 6 months old you can start to use sunscreen to help protect them from the sun’s rays.
3. Functional Fashion and Fabrics
When temperatures soar, the first thing to do is to ensure that your baby is appropriately dressed. Cool, breathable fabrics like cotton are preferable over synthetic or insulating textiles. Choose clothing items with buttons and be sure to keep a couple of warmer layers to hand in case of sudden changes in temperature!
4. Hydrate Through the Heat
As important for babies as it is for adults, proper hydration is a must! Formula or breastmilk does the trick for infants younger than 6 months, after which you can start to offer them water. If your child is teething, try storing their favourite teether in the fridge for some extra cooling relief. Our Matchstick Monkey teethers love the fridge!
5. Splashy Fun
A cooling bath in the paddling pool is not only great fun but also helps to control babies temperature. Our bathtime range include fun toys such as boats and wobblers and are also great for outdoors! Don't have a paddling pool? A bucket filled with water can also be a source of great splashy entertainment! Just make sure you always supervise the little ones around water
Finally: Keep Your Eye Out
Despite doing all you can to avoid it, there’s still a chance your baby might overheat! Look out for the classic signs of overheating, such as drowsiness, disinterest in eating and drinking, and a flushed face. If your baby shows these signs, bring them back indoors to a cooler environment, remove a layer and give appropriate fluids and monitor to see if you need to contact a doctor.