How Do I Keep My Baby Cool in Hot Weather?
If you’re reading this sitting down with your feet in an ice box and you've reversed yourself into the fridge, then you’re probably experiencing some of Australia’s finest hot weather. Whilst you’ve found yourself a unique way to find a little relief, it’s not quite so easy for your little newborn to cool down .
Here’s a few ideas to help keep your bundle of joy cool and safe this summer…
Babies Need Help Staying Cool
A baby cannot regulate its temperature like an adult can. In hot weather, babies sweat less and are unable to cool themselves. If you sense that you do need to cool them down, use a clean, damp cloth with lukewarm water and gently bathe them.
Keep Up the Fluids
Very young children are not able to tell you that they are thirsty, so be sure to keep them well hydrated. Babies over six months of age can be offered small amounts of cooled boiled water, after or between milk feeds. Don’t forget to keep yourself well hydrated too, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Don’t Overdo the Air-Conditioning
On a hot day we tend to have very little on and babies are usually just in their nappies or a singlet, so be careful not to blast the room too hard with the air conditioning without regularly checking their temperature. Keeping the room around 24°C is low enough.
If You Only Have a Fan
It is not a good idea to put the fan directly facing toward your baby. Instead, try using damp towels around the bassinet to help cool the air around it. Be sure to regularly check their temperature, as this can work very quickly.
Keep the Curtains/Blinds Closed
Keeping the sunlight out of the house can drastically help to keep your room cool and assist your fan/aircon to be more efficient. If you know a hot day is coming, keep them closed from the morning - it’s easier to keep a house cool than it is to cool down.
Use a Towel
Skin to skin contact can be a little uncomfortable in the sweltering heat - try using a thin towel between yourself and your baby during cuddles and feeding times. Be careful not to fall asleep with them wrapped up as they can overheat.
We’d love to hear some of your tips and hints in the comment section below. What do you do to cope in the heat? Let us know!
(Please note that we are not a medical website and these tips are to be intended as a guide for entertainment purposes only. We recommend that you check your own sources, if you are in any doubt).
