How to cool a baby down

How to cool a baby down in hot weather: 10 tips parent needs to know

(Image credit: Getty images / Future)

How to cool a baby down in hot weather is at the forefront of most parents' minds when a heatwave is imminent. Here we ask experts for tips on keeping infants cool.

Sunshine and soaring temperatures are two factors that parents are extra-vigilant of in the summer months. The intense temperatures during a heatwave leave our little ones feeling irritable, uncomfortable, and in extreme circumstances, susceptible to baby dehydration .

Whilst the latter may sound alarming, there are a number of simple tips that parents can try to alleviate a warm baby - from keeping the house cool to investing in the right sheets to help babies to sleep . As paediatrician and clinical adviser Dr Sharryn Gardener , explains: “Parents shouldn't immediately panic if their babies or children do get hot and bothered on warm days - it can often be easily remedied. However, what's most vital is knowing how to prevent things from becoming serious, how to spot the signs of dehydration or heatstroke, and taking quick action if they occur.”

1. Up their fluids

Credit: Getty

It’s essential for parents to monitor and increase their baby’s fluid intake during warm weather, says Dr Sharryn.

“On a very hot day, babies may need as much as 50% more breast milk - so ensure they have a lot of opportunities to drink,” she tells us. “If they have formula feeds, they can be offered small amounts of cooled boiled water on top of normal feeds.”

Mothers who are breastfeeding should also ensure they keep their fluid levels up to increase their own hydration and subsequent milk supply.

Babies who are weaning or older than 6 months, can take regular sips of water from a cup. Whilst those aged 1 or over can be offered regular water, very diluted fruit juice, or frozen lollies of water, which are “great ways of ensuring they take in fluids and avoid dehydration. ”

Signs of dehydration in babies to look out for are fewer wet nappies (under 6 in a day), less tears when crying, a lack of energy or a dry mouth that’s tacky inside.

If you are worried that your little one is showing symptoms, it’s important not to worry and to promptly feed them or give them water. Keeping them away from direct sunlight and in the shade will also help maintain healthy hydration levels, says Dr Sharryn.

2. Apply a cold compress

A cold wet flannel or makeshift ice compress is a quick and readily available hack that will help to cool a baby down in hot weather.

“If your baby or toddler is overheating, try wrapping a few ice cubes in a muslin square and use this to cool down your baby in their crib or buggy,” says Phoebe Davenport , Founder and Consultant at Oakleaf Private Childcare.

“Jojo Maman Bebe have extra large muslin squares which are great for this as they create an extra layer between your baby’s skin and the ice pack. You can then nestle this into your babies buggy and this is wonderful to use at home on a hot night in their crib. ”

Try Jojo Maman Bebe’s Extra Large Duck Print Muslin, £10.99

3. Give them a bath

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Experts agree that a splash in the tub is perfect for cooling little ones down during the day or before bed.

“If you’re worried about your little one feeling uncomfortable and sticky, opt for a cool or lukewarm bath for baby just before bedtime,” says Steve Pickering, CEO of Sussex Beds.

Scientists found that a bath before bed helps to lower the body's core temperature , which in turn aids better sleep.

The NHS also recommends a cool bath before bed and a dip in a shallow paddling pool for older infants - as long as there's no hosepipe ban in place, of course.

"Playing in a paddling pool is a good way of keeping babies and children cool," their website states. "Keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and supervise the children carefully at all times."

4. Choose cool surfaces

According to Angela Spencer , founder and author of Babyopathy, it’s good practice to check the temperature of surfaces where you are putting your child down to rest, play or change.

“Just as important as the materials on your baby’s skin is the surface that you lay them on, make sure it’s not sticky like a changing mat (put a muslin down first for example when changing in the middle of the night) and not too hot like a fleece just because it is softer,” she says.

It’s also worth investing in special cooling mats that feature hydrophilic cooling gel, which slot into a number of newborn prams and helps keep their temperature down on summer days. What’s more, these mats can be placed in the fridge or freezer for a few hours to improve their cooling effect.

Try LittleLife’s Buggy Cooling Pad, £12.49

5. Dress them in suitable and minimal clothing

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As with adults, what your baby wears on their body during sunny days can drastically affect their temperature.

Certain fabrics and items are better suited for warmer weather as Dr Sharryn notes, and making conscious clothing choices can help cool your baby down in the heat.

"Wearing the right clothing is key. Loose fitting clothes which cover their arms and legs are best," she tells us. "Breathable fabrics such as cotton are advised and you can also find SPF protective clothing in some shops. Wide brimmed baby sun hats (or those with neck flaps) with air vents are also really important, as are sunglasses."

If you've dressed them in appropriate clothing and are still concerned that they are overheated, then don't be afraid to strip off their layers.

"Remove clothes down to the nappy in a completely shaded area or put on fresh natural fibre loose-fitting clothes," adds Dr Sharryn. "You should also remove hats to allow heat loss from all of the head."

Try Jojo Maman Bebe's Broderie Anglaise White Cotton Baby Hat, £10

6. Light layers at night

Loose, natural layers are also recommended on hot nights when trying to cool your baby down for sleep.

“The general rule of thumb for clothing at night is that your baby would need one extra layer of thin clothing to what you need," says expert Angela Spencer. "So if you don’t need anything due to the heat, a thin vest top over their nappy should be sufficient and breathable.”

Try John Lewis & Partners Baby White Organic Cotton Short Sleeve Bodysuits, £10 (pack of 5)

7. Invest in cotton baby sheets

Credit: Getty

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 (pack of 2)

8. Ventilate and shade their bedroom

While it's generally thought to be best to keep windows closed in hot weather , Dr Sharryn says "Keep their bedroom curtains or blinds closed during the day (with windows and doors open) to stop the rooms heating up too much before bed. "

Another tip is to invest in a fan for their room which you can turn on ahead of their bedtime.

“If the room is very hot a fan generally just moves hot air about, so a good trick is to freeze a bottle of water and stand it in a bowl in front of the fan straight from the freezer.” Angela suggests. “This will help to cool the air the fan is moving around in the room and by the time the temperature starts to drop the water will have defrosted.

“Start this about half an hour before you put baby to bed so you can check the room temperature is safe for your baby’s bedtime.”

Try Keplin Cooling 13-inch Tower Fan, £36.99

9. Sleep downstairs

Credit: Getty

If you're in a house remember that heat rises, so a simple solution that parents can try to cool a baby down at night is to switch up where they sleep.

“If it really is too hot upstairs, change to sleeping in a room downstairs for a while as it will be slightly cooler,” says Angela Spencer. “Our heatwaves never last that long so it will likely only be a couple of days that you have to change to a cooler room.”

10. Pushchair accessories

Pushchair gadgets and added extras like detachable parasols and fans are a parent’s best friend in the heat.

“Fans clipped to prams or pushchairs can be really handy if you’re out and about,” says Dr Sharryn. This is because they’ll shade your baby without stopping air flow.

One common misconception is to cover your baby’s pushchair or pram with a blanket to keep them cool and shaded - but this is incredibly dangerous.

“Never cover the buggy with a blanket or muslin when baby is inside,” Chloe Westmore , a Developmental Baby Massage & Story Massage leader at Do It Like A Mother tells us. “It will act as insulation and the temperature can build to 40 degrees in a pram. Instead use a parasol and buggy fan.”

Try PrimeSportsShop Universal UV Parasol Sun Canopy for Pushchairs, £17. 99 or Battery operated Stroller Fan, £18.99

Emily Stedman is the Features Editor for GoodTo covering all things TV, entertainment, royal, lifestyle, health and wellbeing. Boasting an encyclopaedic knowledge on all things TV, celebrity and royals, career highlights include working at HELLO! Magazine and as a royal researcher to Diana biographer Andrew Morton on his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess. In her spare time, Emily can be found eating her way around London, swimming at her local Lido or curled up on the sofa binging the next best Netflix show.

7 Ways To Safely Cool Your Baby Down When They're Overheated

Life

riad135/Pixabay

by Angela Johnson

November 23, 2016

You may not think you have to worry about heat stroke in the middle of winter, but it is possible for your baby to become overheated if they're sleeping or outside, bundled in tons of winter gear. That's why you need to know the ways to safely cool your baby down when they're overheated.

According to the National Institutes of Health, babies are at higher risk for SIDS in the winter months. This is why it's extremely important to be aware of baby's body temperature when they are sleeping or taking a long ride in the car.

Parents may feel the need to pile on loads of layers at the first sign of a chill in the air, but it is possible to overdo it and cause your baby to be too warm in the process. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants up to one year only need one more layer than you would wear to keep yourself warm. So if you are melting in your winter layers, chances are your tiny tot is too.

If you notice that your baby is overheating, removing layers, uncovering her head, and giving a cool drink can help bring her body temperature back to normal. Although you may want to give your baby a fever reducer, according to Baby Center, acetaminophen will not reduce a temperature caused by heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

As you prepare your baby for the winter temperatures, remember to avoid the temptation to load up on layers and know what you can do to keep her body at a safe and comfortable temperature.

1 Remove Clothing

If your baby is overheated, it is possible that she's wearing too many layers. According to Parents, if your baby's temperature is too high, start by removing a layer of her clothing. This will help bring her body temperature back down to normal.

2 Use A Fan

According to Baby Center, fanning your baby can help bring his temperature down. If you don't have access to an electric fan, a magazine or even your hand can do the trick.

3 Give Them A Drink

As Parenting mentioned, a drink of water with electrolytes, like Pedialyte, will help baby cool down. If you don't have access to Pedialyte, you can also give your baby breast milk or formula to help regulate his temperature.

4 Put Them In A Cool Bath

If you're at home, Baby Center suggested a cool bath as a way to lower baby's temperature. But while you may be anxious to cool your baby down, remember to keep baby safe in the bath at all times. Never leave her unattended in the tub.

5 Elevate Their Feet

Your baby may not be able to tell you when he's too hot, but if you notice the signs that he is overheated, you can help get things under control. The experts at Seattle Children's Hospital recommend lying baby down on his back with his feet slightly elevated to help bring his temperature down.

6 Uncover Their Head

Although you will want to cover your baby's head in the colder temperatures, her hat may be the thing that is causing her to overheat, as heat is stored in the head. As Raising Children suggested, removing hats or other head coverings to allow baby to cool her body temperature down.

7 Use A Cool Cloth

If you can't give your baby a bath, you can cool her down with the contents of your diaper bag. Try wiping her head with a cool washcloth to help regulate her temperature.

How to help a child in the summer heat?

Peculiarities of thermoregulation in children:

The younger the child, the less perfect his thermoregulation. Overheating is more dangerous for a baby than hypothermia
children are usually very mobile, active, therefore their heat production is relatively higher
The ratio of body surface area to weight in children is less efficient for heat transfer than in adults
The younger the child, the more he is dependent on his parents, and, therefore, all the measures taken will depend entirely on the adequate attitude of the parents. nine0008

Why heat is dangerous:

when the ambient temperature rises, heat transfer becomes more difficult and a person can overheat
profuse sweating during heat (it has the purpose of increasing heat transfer) can cause large losses of fluid through the skin, as well as salts important for life - electrolytes
in violation of heat transfer, centralization of blood circulation occurs, blood thickening due to loss of fluid with sweat: as a result, circulatory disorders are possible, a tendency to thrombosis
some metabolic products are also excreted through the skin with sweat, while moist skin will be more easily infected, various rashes are possible, including pustules

How to prevent your child from overheating in the heat:

1. Reasonable cooling.

do not overheat the child with clothing. The right clothes for the heat are cotton or linen, loose, light colors. Cotton and linen let water and air through. Loose clothing will not allow scuffs, diaper rash to form, especially with excessive sweating, this is important. Light-colored clothing reduces the absorption of heat rays. nine0008
Protect from direct sunlight with a light cap or panama hat.
carry out water procedures. Bathe your child several times a day in a bath or shower with room temperature water. Do not use ice water - this will cause discomfort and is more dangerous for hypothermia. Water 23-24*C is optimal for moderate skin cooling and skin cleansing during profuse sweating.
air cooling. If the house has air conditioning, do not lower the temperature below 22-24 * C, while the risk of catching a cold is less. You can use a fan and even a draft to alleviate the heat in the room. nine0008
walks with a child should not be canceled because the sun and the air are good for him, but the time of walks should be in the morning before 11 o'clock or in the evening after 16 o'clock, when the heat is less and the sun is not so aggressive.
walks with a child in the "lacy" shade of trees are better and more useful than near the hot walls of houses.

2. Reasonable nutrition and reasonable replenishment of fluid losses

the child needs to drink additional water. The child's need for fluids (including liquid food) is 130-150 ml/kg of weight under the age of 1 year, and 100-120 ml/kg after the year. It is necessary to add approximately the volume of fluid lost
babies should not be constantly fed to quench their thirst. The volume of feedings should remain the same, but supplemented with water from a bottle or spoon
for drinking children of any age, as well as for adults, in the heat, mineral water is better suited, in which there are electrolytes, but no sugar. Do not use sugary liquids, sugary juices and sodas. Juice is best diluted 1:1 with water
in the heat it is good to use low-fat dairy products
it is necessary to move the main meal to the evening when the heat subsides. Adults can generally refuse meat, heavy food. And it is necessary to feed the child with meat and maintain the usual feeding ration. Only meat can be given at dinner, not at lunch. Both children and adults should avoid fatty foods, simple carbohydrates such as flour products and sweets in the heat
It is advisable to add more juicy fruits and vegetables to the diet of both adults and children
children under one year are not recommended to introduce new complementary foods during the heat period. nine0008

3. About medicines

Some medicines make you more sensitive to heat. These include antihistamines, antiarrhythmics, antispasmodics
for those who are constantly forced to take any medication, it is better to seek advice from your doctor

4. Sun protection

Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF > 30) to protect your skin from the sun's rays
it must be remembered that sun protection products reduce the risk of sunburn, but do not reduce the risk of heat or sunstroke, so exposure to the sun of a child should be limited to a minimum or completely eliminated

Signs of heat stroke in a child

fever, increased heart rate, respiration, agitation or even impaired consciousness, convulsions, dry hot skin, the child stops sweating

all cases of unexplained deterioration of the child's condition must be urgently consulted by a doctor

90,000 salvation from heat: 10 refreshing ideas

Get, citizens,
Paper fans,
Get fans,
So that the heat does not torment.
(Agniya Barto)

Even those who love summer very much sometimes complain about the tiring heat. Many adults suffer from the summer heat. And many children do not feel the heat - but they also suffer from it.

How to stay healthy when the air is hot outside, and even in the shade the thermometers show +30? Kidpassage knows the most effective ways to help yourself and your child survive the heat.

How to survive the heat with a baby
What to do with a child in the heat
How to cope with the heat in the apartment
What to drink
How to dress better

Let's not keep the intrigue and immediately reveal all the secrets. And then we will give explanations on how to put these tips into practice. So, when the summer gets too hot, you need to:

Drink water and water the baby.
Hiding from the sun. nine0008
Get rid of excess clothing.
Make friends with a draft.
Use air conditioning (you can even use someone else's).
Discover the advantages of the "ground floor" of the apartment.
Turn water rubdown from a hardening procedure into a pleasant game.
Cook less to take advantage of a child's reduced appetite.
Try to do without household appliances that heat up during operation. nine0008
Include folding paper fans and shooting with water pistols in the list of activities.

Let's see how it works?

How to survive the heat with a baby

It is not easy for babies in the summer heat: they are capricious and sleep badly, and mothers tirelessly struggle with sweating and diaper rash. Since such babies have not yet established a thermoregulation mechanism, parents can help them on hot days.

nine0002 The most important thing to do is to provide the child with drink.

Breastfed babies in the first months of life can usually do without additional water, the main thing is that the mother herself does not forget to drink. But the older the child, the greater his need for fluid.

And you absolutely need extra water if the child has a fever from the heat and other signs of overheating and dehydration are noticeable: dry lips and tongue, lethargic skin, sunken fontanelle, no urination for more than 3 hours. nine0005

It is equally useful to change the daily routine. If the little one gets up early in the morning, hurry up with him for a walk, and postpone household chores for the time when you hide at home from the heat.

In any case, try to return from a walk before 10 am, and next time go out after 7 pm. At this time, there is no scorching sun, which means that you don’t have to curtain the stroller with anything, and nothing will interfere with the flow of fresh air.

When dressing a baby for a walk, prefer to… undress him. Often, a light, loose-fitting shirt made of natural fabric or a thin diaper will suffice instead of a blanket. If you are walking with an open stroller, cover your child's head with a bucket hat. nine0005

At home, you can undress your baby at all, even remove the diaper, so that diaper rash does not appear. Air baths give pleasure to the little ones, besides, they contribute to the improvement of the thermoregulation of the body.

It would be good to bathe the child several times a day or wipe it with a sponge soaked in water at room temperature. After bathing, you do not need to wipe the child dry: evaporating, the water will cool the skin.

So, recommendations for infants: sufficient water, walks during the hours of the least heat and a minimum of clothing. And how to survive the heat in the city with older children? nine0005

How to entertain a fidget-preschooler in the heat

These babies can sleep for a long time in a crib or stroller, while their older brothers and sisters want to actively move, play, and have fun. There is no need to restrict their movement, you just need to take care of suitable conditions for games and walks.

Of course, parents think about whether it is possible to walk with a child in the heat. You need to walk, as with babies, in the morning or evening hours. Look for a shady yard with an abundance of greenery next to the house or go for a walk in the nearest park. nine0005

Even if there is no playground there, the situation will be saved by “classics” and any games, everything you need for which is always at hand.

The only item that can be specially purchased in case of hot weather is a water gun, or rather several, one for each family member. Fun and escape from the heat guaranteed!

At sea with a child: 6 facts about the benefits of swimming in sea water

Move all activities to the floor at home. On the “lower floor” it is always a little cooler - move pencils, puzzles, board games there. Sometimes a few sheets of paper are enough: you can fold them into fans and fan yourself. Teach the children to make a paper spinner and let the breeze into the house - it will bring coolness and spin the spinner. nine0005

Send all the characters from your child's favorite cartoons on vacation. TV, computer, tablet heat up during operation, raising the air temperature in the room. It is better to sit with a book on the floor and involve all the toys in reading - some of them may be able to be actors.

And in the heat you can walk around the supermarkets, where air conditioners work. Other places where the air is cooled to a pleasant temperature are also suitable: a cinema, an ice rink, a games room, a development center. It is only advisable not to enter a room with a low temperature if the child sweats a lot during a walk. nine0005

To sum it up: find shady places to walk around the house, move children's games to the floor, and consider how an air-conditioned shopping center can benefit the child. It remains to think about how to avoid the heat in the apartment.

How to cope with the heat in the apartment

The best assistant in the fight against the heat in the room is air conditioning. However, do not rush to throw yourself under his cold canopy after a walk. When you get home, set the same temperature as outside. nine0005

Lower the temperature a couple of degrees every half hour until you feel better. The optimal indicator is about + 22 ° С. If the air conditioner is installed in only one room, try not to allow large temperature differences in different rooms.

Monitor humidity - it must be at least 50%. You can humidify the air by hanging wet towels in the apartment or by placing bowls of water.

Ventilate rooms. It is best to do this early in the morning or late in the evening when the heat subsides. A fan will provide air movement during the day. If you put a bowl of ice water in front of him, the effect will be amazing. nine0005

Limit the access of sunlight to the apartment. You can buy blinds with a reflective coating or hang the windows with thick curtains in light shades.

Reduce the use of household appliances that get hot during use. Ditch cartoons for books, hot soup for fruit, and ironed clothes for air baths.

What is better to drink in the heat

Children and heat - this combination will no longer be frightening if you take care of the drink for the child. Mother's milk is enough for babies, and ordinary clean water at room temperature is suitable for older children. It is best to give your child table mineral water of a neutral taste, without gas. If the child sweats a lot, offer him brackish water. nine0005

You can prepare fruit and berry refreshing drinks in the heat: fruit drinks, compotes, juices. Just try to add as little sugar as possible.

Also excellent and healthy drink in the heat are decoctions or infusions of dried fruits. It is worth steaming raisins or dried apricots with boiling water, and you get a wonderful drink.

Any drink should be at room temperature. At the first sign of dehydration, start giving your child an oral rehydration solution to rehydrate. nine0005

Doctors' recommendations on how much water to drink in the heat are as follows: 30-50 ml per 1 kg of a child's weight (this includes water received with food). Encourage children to drink throughout the day. But you can not insist on the fact that the child eats: reduced appetite and unwillingness to eat hot dishes is a protective reaction of the body to heat.

How to dress a child in hot weather

The hotter it is outside, the less clothing a child should wear. Wear a dress or a thin T-shirt with shorts for a walk, cover your head with a scarf or panama hat, pick up open shoes (put your socks in a distant drawer). nine0005

The child will not overheat in light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics. But if your child sweats a lot, a dry change of clothes will come in handy.