Your Summer Survival Guide: Heat & Safety

"Children are not little adults - they have more trouble regulating temperature than adults do”. - Dr. Aaron Bernstein, Pediatric Hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital

Most people, and probably all kids, like the sun as we get to spend more time outside, our mood changes, we go to the beach and so much more! However, apart from the outdoor fun, summer also brings challenges for parents especially those with babies and young children. From sunburn to dehydration, there are many risks, but with the right knowledge you can keep your little ones safe and comfortable.

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Sun Safety: Protecting Their Delicate Skin

Probably what you already know is to avoid direct sunlight and especially to keep babies away from sun during peak times. The skin of babies under 6 months contains too little melanin to provide adequate protection so keep them away from the sun, especially between 11am-4pm. If you need to be outside, make sure that you use sunscreen and you have them covered.

If your kiddos are in a pram, it is important for you to use proper shade (such as a clip-on parasol or sunshade) to allow ventilation and protection. Try to avoid covering the pram with a blanket or cloth as there is an increased risk of overheating.

Similarly to how you feel in the heat, you wouldn't like to wear tight and thick clothes. Make sure that you choose lightweight, loose-fitted clothing and you always use a hat - one that ideally also covers the back of their neck.

Last but not least - sunscreens. Typically, for babies under 6 months using sunscreen is not recommended. Try using wide-brimmed sunhats, light but long-sleeved shirts/ pants and proper shade as mentioned above. For babies over 6 months, you may use sunscreen with at least SPF 50 that offers both UVA and UVB protection which would be good to reapply every ~2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Staying Hydrated During the Summer Months

Keeping yourselves and your kiddos well hydrated is really important. Exclusively breastfed babies do not require additional water even in hot weather - this is a myth! - until you introduce solids and start offering water anyway. One of breastmilk's magic capabilities is to adjust based on your baby's needs so if your baby needs more hydration then your milk will adjust so that your baby gets all the fluids needed to stay hydrated. They may need to feed more frequently to stay hydrated though which might be slightly uncomfortable for both making you feel even more hot and sweaty. Consider using a flannel between your baby's and your skin that can help you both feel more comfortable.

Similarly to breast-fed babies, formula-fed babies, might need more frequent feeds to stay hydrated. According to the NHS in the UK, you can give a little cool, boiled water when it is very warm, but they need the calories from the milk, so do not fill their tummies up with water. For any concerns, please check with your pediatrician.

Once your baby starts solid foods (around 6 months) then you may offer sips of water from a cup or beaker with meals.

Safer Sleeping

In countries like Greece, it can be really hot during the night as well. Make sure that you keep your baby's sleeping area between 16°C and 20°C. If you need to, you may use a room thermometer to check. Just make sure that if you're using a fan or AC it is not directly pointing to your baby.

When it comes to dressing your baby at night, you can dress them in light sleepwear, a vest or just their nappy depending on what the room temperature is. Avoid using any blankets or additional sheets during a heatwave.

If nights are cooler, consider opening the windows to allow cooler air in (ensuring that it is safe!) and if it gets hot in the day you can keep the curtains/ blinds closed to block the heat out as much as possible.

Babywearing in the heat

If you're interested in carrying/ babywearing your baby, then opt for a carrier made from lightweight, breathable fabric. Also, don't foget about the T.I.C.K.S. Guidelines:

• Tight: Carrier should hold the baby close without loose fabric.

• In view at all times: Always see the baby's face without moving fabric.

• Close enough to kiss: Baby should be high enough to kiss their head.

• Keep chin off the chest: Ensure baby's chin isn't resting on their chest to keep airways clear.

• Supported back: Baby's back should be supported in its natural curve, without gaps between you and the baby.

Fun & Safe Activities

Even though the hot weather might restrict what we're able to do during the day - especially with a newborn - we can still engage in lots of fun activities!

Indoor Play: Engage in activities like reading, singing, or playing with toys in a cool room.

Water Fun: Use a paddling pool in the shade for supervised water play. This can be in the garden or a balcony but always stay within arm's reach of your baby.

Cool Baths: A lukewarm bath can help lower your baby's body temperature before bedtime and it is a great bonding activity as you can also jump in the bathtub with them!

Recognising Signs of Overheating

Be alert for symptoms such as:

• Flushed skin

• Rapid breathing

• Restlessness

• Lethargy

If you notice any of these signs, move your baby to a cooler environment, remove excess clothing, and offer fluids. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Eco-Friendly Baby Essentials

Looking for sustainable options to keep your baby cool and comfortable? Check out Parent Path's Eco-Friendly Baby Essentials blogpost for products that are gentle on your baby and the planet.

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