Heatwave Hacks to Keep Babies Cool and Safe

With temperatures soaring during recent mini heatwaves, the hot and humid weather can quickly become uncomfortable, and even dangerous, for babies. Whilst we all want to enjoy the fun of the summer season, it’s important we know how to keep babies cool in the heat.

To keep little ones cool and comfortable in the heat, Kirsty Carroll, parenting expert at baby and nursery retailer Kiddies Kingdom offers her best hacks for heatwaves.

Use Pushchair Parasols

The best way to keep little ones safe is to avoid being in direct sunlight. Where possible, babies should be kept inside or sheltered from the sun, allowing them to be protected from both the heat and harmful UV rays.

Kirsty says, “When you need to be on the move outside, parasols that attach to your pushchair are handy to help keep the strong summer sun at bay. Pushchair accessories like parasols and sunshades are easy to attach to strollers, look for parasols that are made with UPF 50+ fabric, meaning your baby will be well protected.”

“Even with sun protection, babies should always be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11 am - 3 pm, where the sun is at its highest and strongest.”

Try Tummy to Tummy Babywearing

“It may seem more likely to warm things up, but one of the best ways to cool down a baby is actually to place them, bare-skinned, on your tummy or chest” Kirsty explains.

“This is known as ‘tummy to tummy babywearing’ where the skin-on-skin contact helps the little one to regulate their temperature with their mother’s, making things more comfortable for them.”

Feed Them Ice Lollies

While it’s important for babies of all ages to stay hydrated in hot weather, those over twelve months can be treated to ice lollies to keep them cool. Lollies from the supermarket may be too sugary for young babies so try making homemade ice lollies, using plain water or very diluted fruit juice as a great alternative.

Kirsty suggests “To help protect your babies’ teeth, only give ice lollies made of diluted fruit juice at mealtimes and ensure you’re brushing their teeth thoroughly afterwards to remove any damaging sugars.”

“If you don’t have time to freeze up some lollies, another option is to make use of items you may already have. Try placing toys for teething in the fridge to cool before giving them to your baby to chew or suckle on. Even if they’re not teething yet this will bring some relief from the heat!”

Dampen Muslin Cloths

Muslin cloths are a staple of any parents’ baby bag as they have so many different uses. One use perfect for the summer is dampening the cloth with water and gently applying it to the baby, in particular across the back of the neck.

Kirsty says, “A damp muslin cloth is a great makeshift cold compress, especially if you are out and about during the day, as you can use bottled water to make one on the go.”

“If you’re using this hack on babies under 6 months old, be careful to check the water isn’t refrigerated and too cold beforehand, as their delicate skin is fragile and more sensitive to temperature.”