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It’s almost that time—our favorite time of year—summertime! Summer is full of fun activities like splash pad play dates, floating in the pool, and playing in the sand at the beach. While planning your summer activities, remember that our little ones need special attention when beating the summer heat.
As parents, we must ensure our babies and children all ages stay cool, hydrated, and comfortable during those hot summer months. In this article, we have shared some tips and tricks to help keep not only your kids cool and happy but the entire family.
TLDR
If you are short on time, some quick tips are:
- Avoid peak hours of heat; play during the cooler times of the day, like mornings and evenings.
2. Dress baby in breathable fabrics.
3. Apply and reapply sunscreen to protect the baby’s skin.
4. Avoid the sun’s rays and play in the shade. Bring a large umbrella or an easy-up if you have one.
5. Drink plenty of fluids and watch for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion (see the article link below for more information).
A good rule of thumb: avoid spending too much time outside during those hot days. Look for spots that offer indoor play areas, like churches, gyms, or even Chick-fil-A.
6. We recommend reading this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics website: Extreme Heat: Tips To Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar.
Planning and Timing of Activities during Sunny Days
Planning outings during the coolest part of the day is the best way to enjoy summer days. Early morning is a great time to get out and walk with the baby. Going to a playground, finding a shady spot, and avoiding direct sunlight for a picnic are some tips on how to enjoy the outdoors.
The hottest part of the day may vary depending on where you live, so check your local news or the hour-by-hour weather report on your weather app. If you have to venture out during the hottest parts of the day for some outdoor activities, don’t sweat it (pun intended); keep reading to ensure your baby’s comfort during your travels and activities.
The Car Ride
Cars can get very hot during the summer. If you park outside, the car seat can get excruciating in hot weather. So, when heading out, it’s a good idea to start your car and blast the air conditioning. Some vehicles come with sun shades for the passenger windows; if not, you can purchase some online.
I also recommend getting a car seat/stroller cooling pad, a portable fan that can be used in the car and on a stroller, and even a playpen. It’s a good idea to dress the baby in light clothing (more tips on that below). Remember that sippy cup to help keep baby cool and hydrated. And obviously, never leave a child, pet, or baby unattended in a hot car.
Cool Lightweight Clothing
When dressing for success in the summer heat, breathable clothing is key. This goes for the entire family. Wearing clothes made in lightweight fabrics is a great way to regulate your body temperature. Loose-fitting clothing made with natural fibers is excellent for babies and children with sensitive skin. You can also purchase SPF swimwear and clothing made from a lightweight fabric that helps with that sun protection factor.
All the Shade
If you’re headed to the beach, park, or just going for a stroll, keep your baby safe by protecting them from direct sunlight. If there is not a natural source of shade available, there are several items you can purchase online that will help. Everyone loves a cute baby sun hat. Not only are they adorable, but they are also great for protecting a baby’s head. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat for Mom! For young babies, using a stroller with a large canopy is one of the best ways to protect baby.
As mentioned before, add a stroller fan to help keep a comfortable temperature for those walks. You can also bring a baby umbrella or a quick and easy tent. We love using a travel sunshade at the beach. These are great for young children who love playing in the sand. If you’re using a baby carrier, we recommend a lightweight mesh carrier to keep your little one cool. Some baby carriers come with a shade hood as well.
Sunscreen Sunscreen Sunscreen
It may seem obvious, but we often end up in the sun without really planning it. If you go out to lunch and sit outside, you may end up sitting in the sun as the day progresses. I always pack a small travel sunscreen stick in my purse and diaper bag. There are various choices, including ones made with natural ingredients. These are baby-safe and can provide up to 30 SPF protection. Remember to reapply every couple of hours and after swimming. I also like to keep a small container of baby-friendly aloe vera in my diaper bag. It is excellent for treating a heat rash and can help with itching from bug bites.
Following Signs of Baby
When playing outside in those high temperatures, keeping an eye on your baby’s mood is crucial. Also, if you notice fewer wet nappies, the baby may need additional fluids. Whether you’re bottle feeding with breast milk or formula, pack extra drinks and put them on ice. For breastfed babies, make sure Mom is getting in those extra fluids. Also, if your baby seems fussy and uncomfortable, you can rub cold water on the head and back of the neck.
I like to freeze a wet cloth and throw it in the cooler with frozen water bottles. They help keep things cool while also providing extra water when they melt. If you’re hanging out in the backyard, purchase a little paddling pool and fill it with cool water. Babies love splashing around in a little pool. Or throw some wet towels down on the patio. And there’s always the bath. After playing outside, run a cool bath to play with some water. I like throwing in some fun frozen teething toys. They cool down the water and offer some teething relief.
Home is Where the Heart Is
When the outside temperature reaches dangerous levels, crank that air conditioner up and play inside. You can still incorporate water play indoors. Lay down some towels in the kitchen and set up a water table. There are all different kinds of water tables depending on the age range of your children. They are always a hit, even for your older children. If you do not have an air conditioner, open windows early in the day to let in the cool air and then close them along with your blinds and curtains. Invest in a good fan to help cool down a hot room.
Fans are great for the baby’s room. They not only help cool down the room temperature on those hot nights but are also a great source of white noise that will help the baby sleep. We also recommend investing in a baby monitor that alerts you when temperatures get too warm (or cold). Cotton sheets in the crib will also help keep the baby cool during those hot months. And, as mentioned before, run a lukewarm bath during those hot summer nights. Baths are fun and soothing and help relax your little ones for bed.
There you go! All babies and children are different, so monitor their cues. Be sure to plan and prepare before heading out to play on a very hot day. It’s a great time to be a parent; so many accessories are available out there to help you and your family enjoy those summer days. So have some fun making those precious memories.
This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby.
