How to keep your baby cool in summer

Summer poses many challenges when it comes to keeping babies safe in the sun and comfortable. Overdressing can result in a fiery unpleasant heat rash, while under dressing makes a baby vulnerable to damaging sunburns and heatstroke. Extreme heat can be dangerous for all children, especially infants, and over exposure to heat can lead to long-term health problems.

Take extra precaution with your baby in extreme heat

Health Canada says that the first step in keeping babies and children cool in the summer is to be prepared for extreme heat. Stay informed via local weather forecasts and heat alerts and know when to take extra care. If you have an air-conditioned home, ensure it works properly before the warm weather season kicks in, and if not, be familiar with the air conditioned locations where you and your baby can go to cool off for a few hours during extreme weather.

Keep your baby hydrated

Dehydration can be dangerous to everyone, especially babies. Extra fluids are essential in the summer, and your breastfed baby may nurse more frequently, but for shorter periods of time when he is hot (mamas take note, you will need extra fluids during these warm spells as well). Formula fed babies can sip on cooled boiled water throughout the day, while older babies and toddlers who are no longer exclusively breastfeeding can be encouraged to drink cool water between meals.

Dress your baby for the heat

Babies' temperature-regulating systems aren’t fully developed and they have fewer sweat glands than adults. One way to help them stay cool is so dress them in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton.

Keeping your baby cool while on the go

When babies get hot so do their strollers and car seats. When outdoors, be sure to keep your baby hydrated, walk in the shade whenever possible, and use a stroller with a canopy that covers the child. Seat liners for strollers and bucket seats are available for purchase at most baby stores and many online retailers, and are an excellent option for keeping baby cool. Made with soft, breathable fabrics, the absorbent cushion prevents overheating and perspiring and aids in keeping your baby comfortable. Stroller fans are another way to create a breeze on hot and sunny days. These portable and easy to use fans are completely safe, battery operated and work with a car seat as well. Clip them in a place that’s far from your baby’s reach, but close enough that he’ll feel the breeze. Use them whenever you’re on the go in high heat or humidity.

Keep your baby cool at home

One way to guarantee your baby stays cool is to keep your home cool. Air conditioners set to between 22°C and 26°C degrees will keep energy costs in check while keeping your home comfortable. Other ways to slow down the heating of your home include:

• Prepare meals that don’t require an oven (a slow-cooker, BBQ or toaster oven comes in very hand in the summer months).
• Keep curtain and blinds closed on sunny days.
• Open windows at night to allow a cool breeze to come in.
• Use fans (but keep them a safe distance from babies).