Ways To Keep Babies Cool In The Summer According To Experts
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to put away your baby’s coats and booties and pull out the rompers, shorts, and sunblock. And while it’s nice not having to worry about keeping your baby warm, the summer brings a whole new set of worries for parents to ponder. From avoiding ticks and bee stings to purchasing the right sunscreen, a mom’s work is never done. So, how do you keep babies cool in the summer? And, perhaps just as importantly, are the ways do so that won’t increase the amount of “stuff” us parents have to haul around?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , keeping your baby cool, safe, and healthy in the summer heat can be a challenge, but it’s also important. Babies can easily get overheated, and their skin is more sensitive and prone to sunburns. To make things more complicated, the AAP does not recommend sunblock for babies under 6 months of age, so to keep them cool it’s best to find some shade or keep your baby inside, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the day is hottest and the sun’s ultraviolet rays are strongest.
At nighttime, What to Expect suggests that you keep your baby’s room relatively cool between 68 and 72 degrees all year round. If you need some help cooling things down, a fan is a great addition to your baby’s nursery and, according to one study published in the journal Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, can reduce their risk of sudden infant death syndrome by 72 percent.
Summer Punch Recipes To Keep You Cool
Put down that cocktail shaker and forget those craft drinks because this BBQ season, its all about these stunning and simple summer punch recipes.
Theyre gorgeous, fast, and perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot day.
Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Whether youre on the hunt for something fruity and boozy or for something the kids can enjoy, too, youll want to bookmark these sensational summer punch recipes.
Theyre so easy to whip up, you can practically do it in your sleep by the pool with your shades on!
All you need is a punch bowl, some fun glasses, and a bunch of little umbrellas. Enjoy!
Babies Need To Be Comfortable
Bringing your newborn home at the beginning of the summer can come with some unique challenges. With rising temperatures, it is important to keep your child cool and comfortable when they sleep during the summer months. Keeping your baby cool can reduce the risk of overheating and will help your baby sleep more soundly. Here is how you can keep your baby cool during hot days.
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How To Protect Your Baby In A Hot Car
While an air-conditioned car is a great escape from the heat, its crucial to never leave a baby in a car, even for a quick dash into the grocery store.
In moderate sun, a car can become like an oven, rising almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes extremely dangerous for little ones whose body temperature goes up five times faster than yours. Even in 60-degree weather, a car can become extremely hot quickly and cause heatstroke in children.
In fact, heatstroke, which happens when a person’s core body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 to 105 degrees F and results in central nervous system dysfunction, has caused dozens of preventable vehicular deaths among children in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration .Trusted SourceNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationPrevent Hot Car DeathsSee All Sources
Bottom line: Keep your baby and other children with you at all times when you’re going somewhere by car.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Give Your Baby A Cool Bath
A splash in the tub is the perfect way to cool your bub down after a long hot day, as it can lower the body’s core temperature. If your baby’s due a bath, run a cool/lukewarm bath instead of the warm one you might normally run.
If not, you can dab your baby’s body with tepid not cold towels at bedtime. Or if you’d prefer to keep things al fresco, you could give your baby a dip in a paddling pool.
Your baby will love a paddling pool, but ensure the water’s not too cold. Ideally it should only be slightly cooler than their bath. And don’t forget the swim nappy if other children will be using it or if you want to reuse the pool again later. Use our guide to the best paddling pools to find one you can order now for the weekend.
‘Its a good idea to give your child a cool bath before putting them to sleep. Doing this will bring their body temperature down to a cooler level, helping them remain at a comfortable temperature throughout the night,’ says Levin.
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Use Fans But Carefully
Fans make a big difference, but some precautions need to be taken.
Keep it simple with the bestselling white desk fan by John Lewis & Partners – £15, johnlewis.com
Make sure any fan is out of reach and not pointed directly at your baby, said Ms Ward from the Lullaby Trust.
Blade-free, silent fans can also be purchased, but are typically somewhat more expensive
A useful tip from Ms Marsh is to place a bowl of ice in front of the fan, to rapidly cool the air as it moves. It will also help to turn the fan on an hour before bedtime.
Use A Nursery Thermometer
A nursery thermometer will allow you to assess the temperature of the room, ensuring its not too hot for baby during nap time and for bed. Keep the room cool during the day by pulling the curtains/blinds and having the windows open. You could also use a fan to help circulate the cooler air around the room.
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How To Keep Newborn Puppies Cool In Summer
Keeping your newborn puppies cool in the summer can be a challenge. The heat and humidity can cause them to overheat, which is dangerous for their developing organs and immune system.
As a caring pet owner, you must take steps to keep your pup as cool as possible during this time of year.
Youre probably asking how to keep newborn puppies cool in summer. Its a great question, and its not easy, but there are some things you can do to make them feel more comfortable.
This article will teach you how to keep newborn puppies cool in summer, so they dont overheat and get heatstroke.
Invest In Cotton Baby Sheets
Cotton sheets have been scientifically proven to improve sleeping in the heat whether you’re a baby or fully-fledged adult.
“In the warmer weather, change baby’s bottom sheets to cotton rather than nylon – the latter will absorb sweat.” explains sleep expert Steve Pickering.
It’s important to make sure the sheet is safely secured in your baby’s cot bed , so that there’s a reduced risk of the sheet coming loose and covering your little one in the night.
Try John Lewis & Partners Baby’s White Pram/Crib Flat Sheets, £12.60
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How Can My Baby Maintain Their Body Temperature
Dress your baby comfortably in light, loose clothing and avoid overdressing them. If your baby is outside, make sure they are wearing a broad brimmed hat which casts a shade over their head, face, neck and chest. Stay inside on very hot days. If you need to go out, keep outings short and try to stay in the shade.
Offer your baby extra breastfeeds or formula to drink if they are younger than 6 months. On very hot days, babies aged over 6 months can be offered small amount of cooled boiled water in-between their milk feeds.
Bath your baby as often as you feel you need to. Ideally, the temperature of the bath water needs to be lukewarm, rather than cold.
Never leave your baby in a car, even for a short time. The temperature in a parked car can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
What Are The Effects Of Hot Weather On Babies
When the weather is very hot, it’s harder for babies and children to maintain a comfortable body temperature. A child’s body temperature rises faster than an adult’s and they can be affected quickly by the impact of heat on their body. They are also more at risk than adults of becoming overheated and being affected by a heat-related illness.
Babies and young children cannot adjust to temperature changes as efficiently as adults do. Another big difference is that babies and young children don’t sweat as much as adults, which reduces their ability to cool down.
Babies are prone to developing heat rash or prickly heat because their sweat glands are not fully developed. Use a soap-free wash when bathing your baby and dress them in light cotton clothing.
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Strawberry Ros Wine Punch
Rosé is all the rage, and its quickly turned into the drink of the summer.
But if you macerate some strawberries in a little bit of sugar, then blend them up and pour the puree over rosé, its even more addictive.
Top it off with bubbly soda for something genuinely delightful.
I think this is my favorite summer punch on the list. Im a margarita gal, after all!
And this makes serving a crowd so much easier!
Citrus flavors with tequila and some bubbly soda will be an instant crowd-pleaser. You may even love this more than your usual marg.
No matter the occasion, you cant go wrong with a punch.
Keep The Fluids Flowing
Dehydration is a major consideration when the temperature gauge rises. If your baby is not getting enough fluids it can be dangerous for them . They will lose moisture through sweating so increasing fluid intake is a must.
Breastfed babies get all the hydration they need from your milk . Increasing the amount you breastfeed your little one when its hot will help prevent dehydration.
Formula-fed babies will need to have extra formula, Babies over the age of 6 months may need extra water. However, do not give more than a 4 oz bottle of extra water.
You can monitor whether your baby is getting dehydrated by checking how many wet diapers they have compared to normal. Stronger smelling, dark-colored urine is also a sign they might not be getting enough fluids .
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Try To Keep The Room As Cool As Possible
Ideally the room where your baby sleeps should be kept at about 16-20 degrees but in the hot weather this can be really difficult.
- Create a flow of air by having as many windows open as possible and have the curtains or blinds partly closed during the day to protect from direct sunlight.
- If you have a fan, pop a bottle of frozen water or bowl of ice in front of it so it cools the air as it moves.
- If you are worried about the room temperature then it may be worth having a room thermometer to keep an eye out.
How Can I Protect My Baby During Hot Weather
Try to stay indoors with your baby during the hottest part of the day and plan outings which are inside and protected. Check the weather information and forecast on your state or territory’s meteorological website. Download the Sunsmart app on your phone this will help guide you in when you and your baby need sun protection.
It’s not always possible to avoid being out in hot weather, and it’s important to follow sun protection guidelines.
When dressing your baby, make sure they are not overdressed. Try to stay inside, or in shady areas if you need to be outside.
How to keep your baby cool in hot weather.
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Breastfeeding Your Newborn In The Summer
To feed and hydrate your baby, you need to feed and hydrate yourself first. Keep a large water bottle nearby, and try to drink every time you nurse. Have healthy snacks and meals nearby, and dont be afraid to ask your partner, parents, or friends to help keep the kitchen stocked. Choose snacks like protein balls or bars, granola, cheese sticks, nuts, trail mix, and fruit. Dont be afraid of carbs or calories, you are burning a lot of energy and will likely be hungrier than normal.
Tip : Use Breathable Fabrics
Make sleeping through summer a breeze with breathable and comfortable fabrics. Our summer essentials have everything you need to keep your little one comfortable when it’s warm.
We make sure we use a lightweight sleep sack, we use the MORI Clever Sleep Sack 0.5 TOG in the Summer which is perfect for her. – Holly @holly_rose_walker
Teddy wears a t-shirt and nappy for the day and bed to keep him cool, and he has a breathable blanket for bed. – Robyn @robynandteddy_
The ultimate summer outfit is the Ribbed Summer Zip Romper, the soft breathable fabric keeps my little one cool and comfortable all night. – Rachel, MORIs Brand Manager
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Tropical Alcoholic Party Punch
The next time you feel like you need a vacation, make this stunning party punch. Youll feel like youre on the islands after just one sip!
Pre-made powdered drink mixes have never tasted this good. Theyre the perfect way to add tons of flavor to a cocktail or mocktail.
Youll add pineapple and orange juices along with rum, schnapps, and brandy. So yeah, its pretty strong!
Throw in a bunch of colorful fruits, and its ready to serve.
If you like piña coladasyoull love this punch recipe.
Made with cream of coconut and fresh pineapple juice, its fully loaded with natural fruity flavors.
The coconut cream also gives it a delightful creaminess thats absolutely heavenly.
Plus, its gorgeous on any party table.
The ice rings take a bit of planning , but its so worth the extra effort!
How To Keep Baby Cool In A Stroller During Summer
Is summer approaching and youre afraid youre going to be on lockdown? You dont have to be. You can get your vitamin D fix by keeping your baby cool in a stroller.
That way, you and your little one can make the most of balmy spring and summer days.
Yes, its important that babies dont overheat or get a sunburn, but there are things you can do to avoid this.
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Giving Your Little One An Oil Massage Can Help
Both Burts Bees and The Honest Company have natural, organic massage oils that your baby will love. Calm and cool them down by giving them a head-to-toe oil massage before bath and bedtime. Youll only want to use a little oil, starting at their feet and working your way up to their legs, stomach, and arms. This is a gentle bonding activity that can help relax them for a better nights sleep. Bonus? You can enjoy contact without the sweat.
The Risks Of Excess Heat For Babies
Once the temperature gets over 80 degrees, the body has a harder time cooling off, especially for babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics has no official statement on babies and high temperatures, but , director of pediatrics at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, says to avoid the heat as much as possible.
“It is not OK to take a newborn or any infant outside when it’s very hotover 80 degrees or so,” she says. “Babies cannot sweat, which is your body’s way of cooling itself off, so they can often suffer heat stroke much quicker than an older child or adult.” Plus, babies can get dehydrated faster, too. Heat rash is also a concern.
Overheating has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome , a fatal sleeping disorder. “Babies sleep deeply when they’re hot, making them difficult to arouse, which may increase the risk of SIDS,” explains Bruce Epstein, M.D., a pediatrician in Pinellas Park, Florida.
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Never Leave Your Baby In Your Parked Car
This goes without saying, but never leave your newborn in your parked car. The car heats up QUICKLY. And your newborn will heat up even quicker. Grab that carseat and drag it inside when you run into the grocery store. Or better yet, use one of the online grocery ordering programs and pick up at the curb!
Keep Your Baby Happy And Healthy With Nature’s Baby Organics
It’s important to choose baby products that are gentle on and soothing to the sensitive skin of little ones, especially during summer.
Nature’s Baby Organics has a range of baby skin and hair care products that are organic, natural and free of harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances perfect for your little one’s skincare routine during those hot, sunny days.
Our plant-derived, cruelty-free, and USDA-certified organic products are suitable for all skin types and in particular, problem-prone and irritable skin. In fact, Nature’s Baby Organics is perfect for the whole family! From shampoos to oils, we’ve got it all.
Head over to our website today and let your baby enjoy a refreshing and gentle summer.
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