There’s nothing worse than being hot and uncomfortable in peak summer season, apart from when your children are suffering too. Here are some reminders on how to prevent your children over heating, whilst keeping them safe and cool this summer!
Sun safety It is important to keep your baby cool and protected from the sun. Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight, as their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour, and provides some protection from the sun. Older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, particularly in the summer and between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. If you go out when it’s hot, attach a parasol or sunshade to your baby’s pushchair to keep them out of direct sunlight.
Apply plenty of sunscreen Make sure you are regularly applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to your child’s skin. It’s also important to ensure the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Many brands produce sunscreen specifically for babies and young children, as these products are less likely to contain additives that might irritate the skin.
Cool clothing Wearing cool cotton clothing and making sure your baby is wearing a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back will help to protect their head and neck. This will not only help keep your child cool but will also protect them from the sun.
Playing in the paddling pool If you’re finding the heat inescapable, and your children are restless, then this is the perfect opportunity to bring out a paddling pool! Or alternatively, break out the hoses and sprinklers and let them run through the water. Just make sure to keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and supervise the children carefully at all times.
Avoid dehydration Like us adults, babies and young children also need to make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially during the summer to avoid dehydration.
Prepare for the night-time Keep your child’s bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room. Try also running a cool bath before their bedtime, and keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. If your baby kicks or pushes off the covers during the night, consider putting them in just a nappy with a single well-secured sheet that will not work loose and cover their face or get entangled during the night. A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby’s room, as your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C and 20C.
When your baby takes a long time to settle, it can feel like the day never really ends. The good news is that falling asleep is a skill babies learn over time, and small, consistent changes often help most.
The nappy area is one of the most sensitive parts of your baby’s skin. It’s exposed to moisture, friction, and irritants many times a day, and even with the gentlest care, that delicate skin barrier can become overwhelmed.
Last month we unveiled some brand new research that explored how many people in the UK are aware that what they themselves are eating during pregnancy and indeed if they are breastfeeding will have a long-term impact on their infant’s future health and...
Comments