Belinda Joyce
Babies and young children are more vulnerable to the risks associated with hot weather, they can overheat and dehydrate quickly. Babies can’t tell you how they are feeling, when they are too hot for instance, therefore they are at more risk of dehydration, sun damage, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Clothing:
If it’s hot, just a nappy and singlet or short body suit may be all that is required. Think about what you are wearing yourself to help you decide. If it is very hot you may only need the nappy!
Fluid Intake:
Does my baby need extra fluids in hot weather?
Yes, they do, they are at a greater risk of dehydration and they can dehydrate quickly. They can’t tell you that they are thirsty.
How you give them the extra fluid depends how you are feeding your baby and their age.
Extra fluids if breastfeeding?
If under 6 months of age most babies will demand more breastfeeds due to thirst and this is normal. If not, offer more breastfeeds and your baby will likely happily drink some more.
It gets very warm with Mum and baby pressed together breastfeeding. A cool wet face cloth or cloth nappy between you can really help. Having a fan close by directed at you both is also helpful.
Extra fluids if bottle feeding?
If under 6 months of age your baby still only needs their formula bottles however you may find they need smaller bottles more frequently and that they drink more than usual-just like we do.
Should parents give their baby water as well?
After your baby has started solid foods, around 6 months of age you can offer some cool boiled water as a drink between formula bottles. It is important that these drinks of water are in addition to their usual breast or formula feeds. We don’t want to fill them up on water that has no calories or energy.
Foods given to your baby can be helpful in increasing fluid intake such as purees, custards, jellies, icy poles, and even frozen fruit.
Sleeping:
We all know that sleeping can be exceedingly difficult if it’s very hot. Light bedding such as a sheet only or no bedding can work. You may need to go in later and pull up a sheet if it starts to get colder, your baby will let you know when they get cold.
If your baby is used to sleeping in a swaddle or sleeping bag this can be a difficult time as you will need to transition away from this as most are too thick for high heat- this can affect sleep as you make this transition. When moving to sheets and blankets ensure these are ‘short sheeted’ so your baby’s feet are at the end of the cot. Tuck the sheets in on each side to reduce the chance of your baby wriggling down under them or getting tangled in loose bedding.
A fan can help keep your baby feel cooler so they can sleep. I found an oscillating fan to be highly effective as it also provided white noise. At some point overnight they may need this turned off as the temperature drops, again your baby will let you know.
Sun Safety:
It’s important to stay out of direct sunlight when you are able. Even shading under a tree will help.
When using the pram, use a purpose made pram cover that cuts down the UV and provides shade and good ventilation. It is a common practice to put a blanket or wrap over the pram to block out the sun, but these have been shown to trap hot air inside and may overheat your baby.
Sunscreen – If your baby is less than 6 months old it is best not to use sunscreen regularly – better to use shade, clothes, and hats. For those over 6 months use baby or toddler varieties, these are generally made for sensitive skin and have reduced chemicals and fragrances. Look for at least 30+ SPF and reapply if going in and out of the water. You can test this on a small area of baby’s skin first time to check for irritation.
Hat- hats are essential, try different sorts, the best have a UV protection rating. Some are great for getting wet when swimming and dry fast too. Some fasten under the chin to stop your baby removing them, make sure they are supervised while wearing these.
Beach and pool:
Babies often love the water, and it helps everyone cool down too. Most public pools have a baby/toddler area with shaded areas both in the pool and outside. It’s best to wait until your baby is 2 months old to go to a public pool due to the risk of infection.
If you are heading to the beach, popup beach shelters are fantastic as you can keep your baby out of the sun for at least some of the time.
If you are at home you can try a little wading pool or even a splash around in the bath will help, especially before bed or naptime.
Car Safety in hot weather?
Sunshades for the windows are helpful for reducing UV and providing shade.
Never leave your baby in a car unattended even for a few minutes – the temperature will rise dramatically, and it can be fatal. 75% of the temperature rise occurs within the first 5 minutes of closing the car.
The risk is highest in summer. Even on mild days the temperature inside a parked car can be 20-30 degrees hotter than the temperature outside. When it’s 30 degrees outside, a child could be suffering in up to 60-degree heat.
Always take your child out of the car with you. It is against the law to leave a child unattended in a car in most places around Australia.
The risk of heatstroke and dehydration is very real.
Most babies won’t experience heat related illness, but it is important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can act quickly if required.
Signs of Heat Related Illness such as Exhaustion or Stroke (seek medical attention)
- Not their usual selves, irritable, unwell
- Floppy
- Pale skin
- Concentrated urine (darker than usual)
- Thirsty
- Dry mouth, skin, and eyes
- Refusing feeds if too hot to breastfeed
- Fontanelle on top of head (soft spot) sunken
Worsening (seek urgent medical attention, dial 000 & ask for an ambulance)
- Confused
- Vomiting
- Body temperature rising
- Breathing rapidly
- Flushed red, hot and dry skin
- Loss of consciousness
Remember your baby may be experiencing hot weather for the first time in the coming months, particularly if you live in the southern states of Australia! This is something new for your baby to get used to and for you as a parent as well. Like adults, some babies will love the heat and others will find it harder to cope with.
Enjoy the warmer weather and the ability to get out and about a little more.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Baby.
