How to keep little ones cool in the heat

Gosh it’s been hot lately!

Pre-baby I used to LOVE the summer, and the hotter the better. Saying this I used to live in Scotland, so hotter was never really that hot 🙂

This is our second summer in the stifling heat with a small person to keep cool. It can feel like a constant battle to keep them happy in the heat sometimes. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve heard of that have really helped keep my little one cool while the heat is stifling.

Open the loft hatch & let the hot air escape!

Keep blinds & curtains closed

Use a fan and place a frozen bottle of cold water in front of it to help circulate some cooler air.

Hang cold wet towels around.

Remove waterproof sheets from cots as these can get very hot and sticky.

Place muslin cloths between your little one and the car seat/pram, car seats and prams can get very hot and the muslin will feel much cooler and less sweaty.

Wipe them down with a cool damp towel

Give them a cool midday shower/bath

Water play in the bath – collect plastic cups, bottles, measuring spoons & toys and have fun playing together in a paddling pool or the bath.

Pop teddy in the freezer for a little while to cool off.

Spray cot sheets with water and put them in the freezer.

Take an afternoon trip to the supermarket – it’s always lovely and fresh down the chilled isles!

If there’s a breeze, a shaded part of the garden or park can be cooler and fresher than staying indoors.

Keep an eye on your baby if they fall asleep in a pram or car seat – they can quickly overheat.

Keep them well hydrated with plenty of milk feeds/water. For little ones on solids, watermelon and fruit are a great way to keep them hydrated and cool.

What to dress your baby in for bed – temperature guide

Any other top tips to share with other mums? Please leave them in the comments section below!

 

And here are some things to look out for if you’re worried that your little one is not coping well with the heat….

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• rising body temperature – a temperature of 40 degrees or above is often a major sign of heatstroke
• heavy sweating that suddenly stops – if the body is unable to produce any more sweat, it’s a major warning sign that it has become over-heated and dehydrated
• increased thirst (but later, as the baby gets weaker, they may drink less)
• pale, clammy skin
• a rapid heartbeat
• rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
• the fontanelle (soft spot on the baby’s heat) is sunken
• smaller amounts of urine passed than usual, and dark coloured urine
• dry mouth and eyes
• headache, muscle cramps
• being sleepy or ‘floppy’
• confusion, shortness of breath and vomiting
• coma (not rousing when touched or called).