Katherine Whitby | Registered Paediatric Nurse | Health Visitor | Baby Massage Instructor | Mummy of Two | Founder of Baby Steps
Whilst in the UK the Summer of 2024 has had only a few hot days so far, often summertime and holidays in hot destinations can be challenging for parents and babies alike. Soaring temperatures can make it difficult to keep everyone comfortable. Babies, in particular, are more susceptible to heat-related issues because their bodies aren’t as efficient at regulating temperature.
Here are some practical tips to help you keep your baby cool during hot summer temperatures.
Keeping Your Cool
As a parent, staying as calm and cool as you can is the first step in managing the heat. When you’re cool, you will feel calmer to manage your baby’s needs. Plan your day carefully so you aren’t rushing around in the heat. Use air con in the car, consider going to shops and restaurants that have air con too. If it’s particularly hot and you haven’t slept well, consider reducing the amount of activities you have in your day.
Keep Drinking Yourself!
It’s easy to forget about your own hydration when you’re focused on your baby. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day!
Paddling Pool/Bucket/Washing Up Bowl:
Put Your Feet In!!!
A small paddling pool, bucket, or even a washing-up bowl filled with cool/ lukewarm water can provide instant relief. While your baby enjoys splashing around, you can dip your feet in the water to cool down as well. Always supervise water play to ensure your baby’s safety.
Daytime Bath: Isabella’s Story
Consider having a bath during the day with your baby. It can feel a real treat and be very soothing. When my daughter, Isabella, was about 2 weeks old we were both making each other hot as I was trying to comfort and feed her, during hot weather. We had a bath together and she instantly fell asleep on me as we both relaxed and felt cooler in the water. It was a lifesaver.
You Might Sleep Later When It’s Cooler
Babies might find it hard to sleep during the hottest parts of the day or at their usual bedtime. So you might find you all go to bed a bit later when it’s cooler and easier to settle down more comfortably. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine with a cool bath (lukewarm water)
Muslin Cloth in the Fridge
One handy trick to help your baby stay cool is to place a muslin cloth in the fridge for a while. Once chilled, use the muslin to gently wipe your baby’s skin. The cool fabric can provide immediate relief and help lower their body temperature. Muslin cloths are lightweight, breathable, and gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin, making them perfect.
Iced Water in Front of a Fan
Creating a makeshift air conditioner can be surprisingly effective. Place a bottle of iced water in front of a fan and let the fan blow over the ice. This simple setup can help cool the air in the room significantly.
Fan: White Noise
A fan can serve a dual purpose: cooling the room and providing white noise to help your baby sleep. The gentle hum of the fan can be soothing and mask other noises that might disturb your baby’s sleep. Just ensure the fan is positioned safely away from your baby’s reach.
No Cover on Prams
Avoid using covers on prams or strollers as they can trap heat and significantly increase the temperature inside. Instead, use a parasol or an umbrella designed for prams to provide shade without restricting airflow. Ensuring good ventilation in the pram is essential to keep your baby from overheating.
Cool is King: Foods
Feeding your baby cooling foods will be refreshing and soothing and also a winner for soothing teething gums. Summer cooling food winners are watermelon, hummus & veg sticks, yoghurt - you can mix with anything sweet or savoury, cucumber batons, melon wedges, chilled bread, smoothies.
Breastmilk and Formula: Higher Water Content
For breastfeeding mothers, it’s important to know that breastmilk naturally adjusts to your baby’s needs, providing higher water content during hot weather to keep them hydrated. If you’re formula feeding, consider offering slightly cooler formula (not cold, but room temperature) to help refresh your baby.
Water:
If you would like to offer it, fully formula fed babies can have 1-2oz and 30-60ml of water, in the day to help keep them hydrated. Babies aged six months and over can have tap water. Weaning babies over 6 months offer tap water in a cup throughout the day. Remember it takes time for them to master drinking from a cup. They will still be having milk and water in their food so try not to worry how much they are having.
Keep Curtains Closed
Keeping curtains or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day can prevent the sun from heating up your home. This simple step can make a significant difference in maintaining a cooler indoor environment. Blackout curtains are especially effective in blocking out the heat.
Nappy and/ or vest
Your baby may well just be wearing a nappy or vest in the hot weather. This is fine! Check the chest or the back of the neck and they will usually feel warm. Their hands and feet will often feel cooler as they are the outer extremities of the body.
Sleeping Bag: 1 Tog, Muslin, or Sheet
Opt for a lightweight sleeping bag with a 1 tog rating, or use a muslin or a light sheet. These materials are breathable and will help prevent your baby from feeling too hot while keeping a comforting layer on them. You may well find the room temperature is above recommended temperatures. So consider the measures already mentioned in this blog.
I hope these tips help you to be able to enjoy the sunshine…..before we are thinking about Autumn and Winter layers again! Do let me know if you have any others to share.
Ways to work with Katherine
In the Studio
Nestled in the woods of Bramshott Chase, near Hindhead on the Surrey/ Hampshire, border you will find the Baby Steps Studio. Calming & welcoming, surrounded by beautiful woodlands and garden, set in private grounds, it is the perfect retreat for you and your baby.
Home Courses
Looking for a more exclusive or private experience? Why not book me just for you or a group of friends one summer evening where I'll run one of my courses, especially for you.
Online Courses
I have a suit of online courses designed for you to complete in your own time and refer back to again and again.
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