Summer is wonderful. But babies really don't have it easy in hot temperatures. When the thermometer climbs towards the 30-degree mark, it can be quite exhausting for the little ones. After all, they can't just cool off in the pool, enjoy an ice-cold drink, or jump under a cold shower when it's hot. That's where parents have to help out. But how can you cool babies down in the heat? Our tips will tell you!
Cooling your baby down in the heat: These things help
As a general rule: babies have the same needs as adults on hot summer days. They just can't articulate them. If you are unsure in summer whether your baby is too hot or not, feel the back of your little one's neck. If the neck is warm but dry and not hot, everything is okay. If your child is sweating at the back of the neck, he or she is too warm. Then these tips will help to cool your baby down.
#1: Leave the diaper off
You are doing your baby a big favor if you leave the diaper off every now and then and let them crawl around naked. The fresh air on the bottom ensures a nice body feeling for your little one. Plus: you automatically prevent diaper rash and nasty rashes.
#2. Close the curtains and stay in the shade
It is best to ventilate at night and in the early morning so that the apartment cools down a bit. During the day, you should keep the sun out in hot temperatures by keeping the curtains closed. If you are outside, you should consistently stay in the shade. It is best to avoid the midday heat in particular. Even if you are out for a walk with your baby in the stroller, a sun sail or a parasol is highly recommended. One more note: don't be fooled by a cloudy sky and never put your baby outside naked and unprotected. UV radiation is too strong for your baby's delicate skin, and you should also think about sufficient UV protection in the shade.
#3: Drink plenty of fluids and breastfeed frequently
In the heat, you should drink a lot. This applies to children and adults alike. If your baby is breastfed, feel free to offer the breast more often. At the beginning of the breastfeeding session, the milk is thirst-quenching. Only when your baby drinks longer does the breast milk become thicker and more nutritious. So you will notice on a hot summer day: your baby wants to drink more often, but for shorter periods.
By the way: breast milk is perfectly sufficient even on hot days when it comes to fluid intake for infants. To satisfy your breastfed baby's thirst, you don't need to offer additional water or tea. In the first six months, this can be not only unusual but even harmful and, in the worst case, lead to water intoxication.
The same also applies to industrially produced pre-milk. This is designed to fully cover your baby's fluid requirements; even on hot days. Always have a prepared bottle at hand in case thirst strikes. When mixing the milk, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid water intoxication.
#4: Use evaporative cooling
Here are our tips for your hot attic apartment: To cool down the nursery – especially at bedtime – damp towels on the floor in front of the window or on a drying rack help. The moisture rises as it evaporates. This provides a gentle cooling effect. If your curtains can handle it, you can also moisten them extensively with a spray bottle. Watch out: this trick only makes sense if you ventilate at the same time, otherwise the air will only become more humid. So make use of evaporative cooling especially in the morning when ventilating the bedrooms.
#5: (Warm) splashing fun
Your baby also loves a refreshing bath in summer, especially when the sun's rays drive the thermometer up. Refreshment yes, but please not in cold water (the way we adults like it). Because little ones cool down much faster. Your baby's body is not yet able to regulate heat. That's why a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius is optimal for a longer bath. Let your sweetheart have a bath more often on hot days and treat him or her to some extensive splashing moments. That feels good and lifts the mood.
#6: Washcloth cooling
Don't have time for a little bath time fun? Then rub your baby down with a lukewarm washcloth the next time you change their diaper. The water evaporates on the skin, providing a quick cooling effect, and sweat is also rubbed off directly. Our tip: Add a few drops of almond oil to the water; this nourishes the skin and prevents rashes. However, it is important that your baby is not lying in a draft. Otherwise, they can quickly catch a cold. This is also why fans and air conditioning units are taboo in your child's bedroom!
Pro tips for hot summer days with teething babies: Instead of a teething ring & co., give your darling a lukewarm washcloth to play with. This also cools things down a bit – and is fun!
#7: Cool snacks for older babies and toddlers from 6 months
If your baby is already eating puree now and then or even eating family meals, you can rely on cooling types of fruit and vegetables. For example, watermelon or a slightly chilled cucumber, as well as tomatoes and peppers, provide refreshment. Pears, peaches, or apricots also contain a lot of liquid and are delicious and refreshing. You can also use a blender to prepare great smoothies for the whole family.
#8: Loose, airy clothing
Sleeveless bodysuits or loose dresses as well as rompers without feet are just the thing for your baby when temperatures rise. You can then put on and take off socks as needed. It is also important that you have a sun hat made of light fabric with UV protection and a wide neck brim with you. This protects the little head and face from UV radiation when you are outside in the park or garden. When you put your baby to sleep, a diaper and a muslin cloth are sufficient in extreme heat so that your darling does not overheat.
#9: Avoid hidden heat sources in the home
Electrical devices such as computers, game consoles, laptops, and tumble dryers not only consume electricity, they also generate waste heat and thus heat up the apartment unnecessarily in summer. The same applies to power supply units in standby mode. So unplug the devices completely more often; including the power plugs. This way you avoid unnecessary extra heat in the apartment. And nature will thank you too.
Summer heat and babies: Three important questions
1. What should be considered when driving?Please never leave your baby or child unattended in the car. Not even for a short moment. This can be life-threatening for your darling. The heat development in the car is rapid even at an outside temperature of 23 degrees. After 10 minutes, the temperature inside your car is already 30 degrees. This table impressively shows how quickly the temperature of a stationary car rises.
2. Can my baby eat ice cream yet?
If your child is at least 10 months old in summer and tolerates complementary food and milk well, then they can certainly have a lick of ice cream. However, to rule out the risk of salmonella, only packaged ice cream is recommended and not ice cream from an ice cream parlor. If you want to feed your baby sugar-free, you can also make child-friendly ice cream yourself. To do this, simply let frozen fruit thaw slightly, put it in the blender, and serve it to your little one to eat with a spoon. If you like, you can also add some yogurt.
3. Which sun protection is the right one for infants?
Are you wondering what the best protection for your baby's sensitive skin is? Textiles, or even better: UV protection clothing. You protect your little one best from UV rays with clothing – on all parts of the body. That's why you should definitely think of a sun hat too. However, if the heat is intense and you cannot avoid being outside, look for shade under a tree and try to avoid the blazing sun. For UV radiation, a mineral sunscreen with factor 50 is recommended. Apply cream to your baby carefully and regularly.
We love summer, even if the sun makes us sweat quite a bit. Provide regular cooling to make the heat more bearable for your baby. We hope that our tips make it easier for you and your child to enjoy the summer and the sun.
