Summer is wonderful. But babies really don't have it easy in hot temperatures. If the thermometer climbs towards 30 degrees, it can be quite exhausting for the little ones. They can't just cool off in the pool, enjoy an ice-cold drink or jump into a cold shower when it's hot. 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
Basically, babies have the same needs as adults on hot summer days. They just can't articulate them. If you are unsure whether your baby is too hot or not in summer, touch the back of your little one's neck. If the back of the neck is warm but dry and not hot, everything is okay. If your child's neck is sweating, he or she is too warm. Then these tips will help to cool your baby down.
#1: Leave the diaper off
You'll be doing your baby a big favor if you leave the diaper off from time to time and let them crawl around naked. The fresh air on their bottom will make your little one feel good. Plus: you automatically prevent diaper dermatitis and nasty rashes.
#2 Close the curtains and stay in the shade
It's best to air out your home at night and in the early morning to cool it down a little. During the day, you should block out the sun in hot temperatures by keeping the curtains closed. When you are outside, you should always stay in the shade. It's best to avoid the midday heat in particular. An awning or parasol is also highly recommended when you take your baby out for a walk in the baby carriage. Another tip: don't be fooled by a cloudy sky and never take your baby outside naked and unprotected. The UV radiation is too strong for your baby's delicate skin and even in the shade you should remember to wear adequate UV protection.
#3: Drink a lot and change frequently
You should drink a lot when it's hot. This applies equally to children and adults. If your baby is breastfeeding, offer the breast more often. At the beginning of the feed, the milk is thirst-quenching. Only when your baby drinks longer does the breast milk become thicker and more nutritious. You will notice this on a hot summer's day: Your baby wants to drink more often, but for a shorter time.
By the way: Breast milk is perfectly adequate when it comes to hydrating babies, even on hot days. You do not need to offer additional water or tea to satisfy your breastfed baby's thirst. This can not only be unfamiliar in the first six months, but can even be harmful and, in the worst case, lead to water intoxication.
The same also applies to industrially produced pre-milk. This is designed to completely cover your baby's fluid requirements, even on hot days. Always have a prepared bottle to hand in case your baby gets thirsty. When mixing the milk, always 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 children's room - especially at bedtime - damp towels on the floor in front of the window or on a clothes horse will help. The moisture rises as it evaporates. This provides a gentle cooling effect. If your curtains can take it, you can also moisten them extensively with a spray bottle. But be careful: This trick is only useful if you ventilate the room at the same time, otherwise the air will only get muggier. So take advantage of evaporative cooling, especially in the morning when airing the bedroom.
#5: (Warm) splashing fun
Your baby also loves a refreshing bath in summer, especially when the sun's rays are pushing up the thermometer. Refreshing, yes, but please not in cold water (as we adults like it). Because little ones cool down much more quickly. Your baby's body is not yet able to regulate the heat. That's why a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius is ideal for a longer bath. On hot days, let your little one soak in the bath more often and treat him or her to a few long splashing moments. It's good for you and lifts your mood.
#6: Washcloth cooling
Don't have time for a little bathing fun right now? Then rub your baby with a lukewarm washcloth the next time you change their diaper. The water evaporates on the skin and provides a quick, cooling effect, and sweat is also rubbed off directly. Our tip: Add a few drops of almond oil to the water to nourish the skin and prevent rashes. However, it is important that your baby is not lying in a draught. Otherwise it can quickly catch a cold. That's why fans and air conditioners are also taboo in your child's bedroom!
Pro tips for hot summer days with teething babies: Instead of teething rings and the like, give your little one a lukewarm washcloth to play with. This also cools things down a little - and is fun!
#7: Cool snacks for older babies and toddlers aged 6 months and over
If your baby is already eating porridge from time to time or even family food, you can opt for cooling fruit and vegetables. For example, watermelon or a slightly chilled cucumber, tomatoes and peppers provide refreshment. Pears, peaches or apricots also contain a lot of liquid and are delicious and refreshing. A blender can also be used to prepare great smoothies for the whole family.
#8: Loose, airy clothing
Sleeveless bodysuits or loose-fitting dresses and rompers without feet are just the thing for your baby when the temperatures rise. You can then put socks on and take them off as required. It is also important that you have a sun hat made of light fabric with UV protection and a wide neck brim. This will protect your baby's head and face from UV rays when you are outside in the park or garden. If you put your baby to sleep in extreme heat, a diaper and a muslin cloth will also suffice to prevent your little one from overheating.
#9: Avoid secret sources of heat in the home
Electrical appliances such as computers, games consoles, laptops and tumble dryers not only consume electricity, they also generate waste heat and therefore heat up the home unnecessarily in summer. The same applies to power supply units in standby mode. So unplug appliances completely from time to time, including the mains plugs. This will prevent unnecessary extra heat in your home. And nature will thank you too.
Summer heat and babies: three important questions
1. what to consider when driving?Please never leave your baby or child unattended in the car. Not even for a short time. This can be life-threatening for your baby. The heat build-up in the car is already rapid at an outside temperature of 23 degrees. After 10 minutes, the temperature inside your car is already 30 degrees. This table shows impressively how quickly the temperature of a car rises when stationary.
2. is my baby allowed to eat ice cream?
If your child is at least 10 months old in summer and tolerates complementary foods and milk well, then it is perfectly acceptable for them to lick ice cream. However, to rule out the risk of salmonella, only packaged ice cream is recommended and not ice cream from the ice cream parlor. If you want to feed your baby a sugar-free diet, you can also make child-friendly ice cream yourself. Simply defrost frozen fruit a little, put it in the blender and spoon it into your little one's mouth. If you like, you can also add some yogurt.
3. which sun protection is the right one for babies?
Are you wondering what is the best protection for your baby's sensitive skin? Textiles, or even better: UV-protective clothing. The best way to protect your little one from UV rays is with clothing - on all parts of the body. That's why you should also think about a sun hat. However, if it's very hot and you can't avoid being outside, look for shade under a tree and try to avoid the blazing sun. Mineral sunscreen with factor 50 is recommended for UV radiation. Apply cream to your baby carefully and regularly.
We love summer, even if the sun makes us sweat a lot. Cool down regularly to make the heat more bearable for your baby. We hope that our tips will make it easier for you and your child to enjoy the summer and the sun.
