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We all love the summer, and during the dark winter months, we dream of long, lazy evenings, holidays in the sun, and trips to the beach. But if you have a baby or small children, the summer heat, at home or away, can bring with it challenges for you and the little ones.Don’t let it ruin your enjoyment. Here are some tips for keeping your baby cool, comfortable and safe this summer.
When it comes to being out in the sun, babies under 6 months old shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight in the summer months. You should also avoid exposure for your older infants especially during the hottest part of the day. This is generally between 11am and 3pm.
Of course, it’s difficult to avoid exposure entirely so protection is key to sun safety.
If your child is going to be out in the sunshine ensure that you apply sunscreen regularly. Pick a product that is specially formulated for childrens’ young delicate skin, with a minimum spf 15 and offers both UVA and UVB protection.
Here’s an ethically and environmentally responsible option from the Green People which will protect and take good care of your little one’s skin.
If you are spending a lot of time on the beach or by the pool you might also prefer a sun protection suit for you little one.
It is also important to protect your babies eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Try these sunglasses with detachable strap from Jojo Maman Bébé.
For more tips on sun safety here’s a useful article from the NHS website.
We all need to stay hydrated in the sun, but children, young babies and breastfeeding mothers need to take special care.
Breastfed babies don’t need extra water as your milk will be giving them exactly what they need to stay hydrated. They may, however, demand more milk, so it’s vital you stay hydrated.
If you’ve moved on from the breast, cooled boiled water can be used to supplement formula. And for older babies (6 months +) very diluted juice and homemade fruit lollies can help to keep up the fluid intake.
Another healthy option to keep your young ones hydrated in the summer is coconut water. Rich in nutrients and electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium, which are lost through sweat, this is a good alternative to fruit juice. Be sure to check the pack and buy only coconut milk that has no added sugar or artificial flavouring.
If you’re out and about or spending the day on the beach, keep liquids cool by putting bottles into a small insulated bag with an ice pack. Freezing liquids before you leave the house is also a nifty trick to keep your drinks cooler for longer.
We all know children and babies love the water, so what better way to keep them cool in the summer than getting out the paddling pool. This is always a great option whether you are in your back garden or on the beach. But do make sure that there is also shade and of course that your baby is supervised at all times near water.
In the hot summer months, it’s best to opt for clothing made from natural fibres. The same goes for nightwear and bedclothes. Check out Tilly and Jasper for a great range of organic kids and baby clothes.
Bamboo is now a very popular choice as it is soft, breathable and absorbent, helping to wick away moisture from the skin and keep baby cool and dry.
If you use a baby carrier, choose one made from a light coloured, lightweight and breathable fabric. The confined space in combination with the heat your body puts out may cause your baby to quickly get hot and bothered.
Wide-brimmed hats are a must for mother and baby andremember to carry an anti-UV umbrella to protect you and your baby when out and about in hot countries.
The hot weather can make it hard for your baby to settle for naps and bedtime.
A cool bath is always a good way to start the bedtime routine. Remember to keep the shades or blinds down during the day to keep the heat out, especially on holiday in hot countries.
You can use a fan to ventilate and circulate air but remember never to point it directly at the baby and make sure that it is well out of reach. Another tip is to hang wet towels in front of the fan in really hot temperatures as the evaporation cools the air. Placing frozen water bottles in front of the fan will do a similar job.
Babymoov offers low emission travel monitors so that you can keep an eye on the temperature of the room where your baby is sleeping at home and on holiday. The recommended temperature range for safe and comfortable sleep is between 16C (61F) and 20C (68F).
Bedclothes and nightwear should be made of breathable, natural fibres and are best kept to a minimum in the summer. Removing waterproof sheets will also help to keep your baby cool when sleeping.
Here are some gorgeous bamboo and organic cotton swaddle blankets which are ideal for very small babies
We at One Trick Pony hope that you find these tips useful for keeping your little ones safe and comfortable in the heat and we wish you a cool summer!
