Summer’s Here – But is your baby too hot to handle?

Summer’s Here – But is your baby too hot to handle?

When the sun’s shining, we all want to get outside and enjoy it – but babies, hot weather can be more harmful than fun. Little bodies heat up quickly, and they can’t cool down as easily as adults. Whether you’re out for a sunny stroll or trying to survive a sleepless summer night, keeping your baby cool, safe and comfortable is key.  Here’s everything you need to know to breeze through the heatwave without meltdown (from you or your baby)

Sun Cream and Sun Safety

For babies over six months, you can choose a baby-friendly sun cream with a high SPF of at least 30 and always check the sun cream is in date.

Sun cream is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age because they can sometimes cause allergic reactions and babies are more likely to be sensitive to these reactions. The best advice is to try and keep baby from direct sun light, keeping them in the shade as much as possible.

Keeping Cool During the Day

There are lots of ways to help keep baby comfortable when the temperature rises.

You can make sure your child is comfortable and not overheating from the sun and there are a few ways you can make them feel cool such as… 

- Cold Compresses

- Cool (not Cold) Baths

- Shaded, cool play surfaces

- Minimal, light weight clothing

- Lightweight layers at night

- Cotton Sheets – Like those from Baby Mattresses Online manufactured to fit your baby mattress perfectly

- Keep the bedroom well ventilated

- Try to keep babies room between 16-20C

- reduce the sunlight into the room with blackout blinds/curtains

- Use an Easy breathe mattress covering for baby mattress as this helps to circulate the cool air around baby.  Easy breathe mattresses are also available in all sizes from Baby Mattresses Online. .

Spotting Signs of Overheating

Babies can’t always tell us they’re too warm, so it’s important to watch for signs. Some of the signs may be the forehead and back of the neck may be sweaty.  Other signs may be:  

- Flushed Cheeks

- Hot Tummy

- Rapid breathing

- Unusual fussiness or lethargy

If you baby is showing any signs of over heating remove clothing layers, move to a cooler space and offer extra fluids if they’re old enough.   

What Not to Do

. Don’t leave your baby in a hot car – even for a minute.

. Don’t reply on crying as a signal of overheating as baby can be lethargic and less responsive.

. Don’t point fans directly at baby as it can cause dehydration or chills

Clothing Matters

Dress your baby in a lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable materials like cotton or linen.

- Short Sleeve Bodysuits: These are ideal for hot weather and allow the baby’s skin to breathe.

- Sleepwear: A short-sleeved sleep suit or pyjamas can be suitable for cooler nights, or just a onesie and a lightweight sleeping bag.

- Outside: Use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the baby eyes from the sun. Sun protective clothing rather than sun crem for babies under 6 months old.

HOW TO STAY COOL AT NIGHT

When it comes to temperature, heat is the one we need to be especially aware of as coolness actually helps induce melatonin, which helps sleep. In toddlers, overheating can cause nightmares or disorientation so a short-sleeved body suit or even just a nappy might be sufficient. Make sure the room is cool and comfortable for the baby. Your child can get hotter depending on what position they are so make sure that they are on their back and nothing is covering their face so they do not overheat at night.