How to cope with the heat with a baby

Summer with a little baby can be tough on many parents. When tropical temperatures hit, being outside becomes more demanding, and so does staying at home. So what should you watch out for, and how can you protect your baby?

Don’t go out at midday

Since the sun is strongest roughly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., it is better if you prefer to stay at home during this time. Of course, sometimes that is not possible because you have planned a trip, are on holiday, or need to take care of an older child, etc. In these cases, try to follow the advice below.

Stay in the shade as much as possible

If the environment allows it, stay in the shade as much as possible so that the baby is protected from the sun’s rays and does not get so hot. The shade is good for all children regardless of age, as well as for adults, because let’s be honest, the sun is a great source of energy, but also an excellent energy drain when there is too much of it. Whether it comes as heatstroke, sunstroke, or sunburn.

No sunscreen

For children under one year old, we should not use sunscreen at all. We should rather shield them from the sun’s rays. So if you cannot spend time in the shade, dress the baby in light cotton clothing, even long sleeves and sweatpants, so that as much of the body is covered as possible. If you are flying to the sea with a baby, it is worth investing in UV clothing and a beach tent that will provide lovely shade for the baby.

Do not cover the stroller

It looks like a great and practical idea, but the opposite is true. If you cover the entire bassinet with a diaper or a cloth, heat will start to build up in the stroller and you will cook the baby in it faster than if the sun were shining on it. Please don’t do this. Instead, choose a sun shade that you attach to the canopy and handle, so air can flow into the bassinet. Or go for a stroller sun umbrella.

What about the wrap and carrier?

If you know you will be carrying the baby for a longer time, it is a good idea to bring spare clothes for both of you. Whether you want to or not, you will both sweat while carrying. At the same time, remember that the baby needs to have its legs, arms, and head covered so it does not get sunburned. You can buy UV leg covers, or choose lighter cotton clothing.

Keep fluids up

It does not matter whether you are breastfeeding or using formula. On warmer days, top up fluids more often, both for yourself and for the baby. It is possible that the baby will wake more often in the heat, or on the contrary, will have trouble falling asleep. Offer milk as often as you can so you can be sure the baby drinks enough.

Heat at home too

If it is very hot in the apartment or house as well, you can leave the baby in just a diaper, or even without a diaper on some waterproof mat. Do not leave them anywhere in a draft, and for sleeping you can cover them with a cloth diaper or a thinner blanket. After all, body temperature drops during sleep, and even if it is hot outside, the baby could still get cold.

It won’t last forever

At least for the whole first year with a baby, you will be thinking about how to dress them, how to get them to sleep, how to start first foods, how to clean their teeth, and many other concerns. Fortunately, hot summer days do not last forever, and just like with other worries, this is only a period that you will surely manage. And if you do make a little mistake, don’t worry, the baby will not remember it.