Here’s a few ideas to help during the heatwave…
ventilation and shade
- try to keep your baby out of the sun
- close the curtains during the day to keep the heat out
- don’t cover your baby’s pram with a blanket – use a parasol or sunshade instead so the air can still circulate
- use a fan – you can also fan over ice cubes to circulate some cold air
water
- cool baths, especially in the evening
- paddling pool in the shade during the day
- use a water spray and wet flannel if your baby is hot and uncomfortable
- offer water to drink to bottle-fed and older babies
clothing
- reduce the bedding – this could mean changing to a thin sleeping bag or just using a sheet
- change their clothing to something light and loose or strip them down to a nappy if that makes them more comfortable
other practical measures
- cuddles – some babies can be clingy because they feel uncomfortable
- older babies may want to be popped down on a cool mat
- breastfeed your baby more frequently
- bottlefeed your baby little and often
- skin-to-skin cuddles can help to cool your baby down
- lightweight baby carrier
- use factor 50 sun cream on babies/child aged over the age of 6 months – if your baby is younger than 6 months, they need to be in the shade
- older babies and children can also cool down with ice lollies and fruit lollies.
Quick signs of dehydration
Your baby or child might become dehydrated on a hot day, if you think they might be in need of fluids, try to feed more often and to offer more water to an older baby.
- being thirsty
- being sleepy
- wee is dark yellow and strong-smelling
- mouth and lips are dry
- weeing little and less than four times a day
- the soft spot on their head is sunken
- few or no tears when they cry
If they are still showing signs of being dehydrated, get some medical advice for reassurance.
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