by Jane Allyson

Created on: August 11, 2011   Last Updated: August 14, 2011

It can be difficult to keep your baby cool during the summer, and on a very hot day this can be an issue for many mums.

Unfortunately if baby gets too hot, your child will be unable to tell you how uncomfotable they are, other than by crying or exhibiting other signs such as really sweating or having a heat rash around the neck or having a flushed face.

The ideal temperature your baby should be comfortable at is about 18 degrees centigrade. If you have no thermometer, then place your palm against her chest or on her back. If she feels just a little warmer than your hand then she is at the right temperature.

Signs of overheating can also be an indication that your child is ill. If your baby appears lethargic and lacking in energy, not wet the diaper for at least 8 hours, stools are yellow/green, not feeding properly, cries and appears irritated or is vomiting, then seek medical advice.

Keep baby cool during the summer by:

Dress in easy to wear cottons and a wide brimmed hat.

Provide plenty of shade and provide a sun parasol to prevent sun rays from directly hitting baby’s skin. Use a sun cream with IV protection.

Avoid going outside during peak hours (10 am – 5 pm) especially midday. If you want to go for a stroll then make sure that the stroller is well ventilated and free of excess padding.

Cut down on nappy rash by taking the diaper off to allow the air to hit baby’s skin, and switch to cloth nappies, which will absorb excess sweat.

Increase intake of fluid. Breastfeeding mums may wish to put the baby to the breast a little more often which will do them no harm, as mother nature will provide the more refreshing “ fore-milk” for them, or bottle fed babies can be offered plain and cooled, boiled water.

Avoid using too much talcum powder. Just pat baby dry with a soft cotton towel and allow her some time to air dry in a non air-conditioned room.  

If baby appears sweaty and irritable then remove her garments, place her on a safe surface on a cotton towel and allow her to kick her legs and wave her arms freely. Keep an eye on her core temperature to make sure she doesn’t become chilled.

Let baby play with water to cool off a little. This can be in a baby bath or small inflatable pool. Make sure that you do not leave baby alone, even for an instant and that the pool is not sitting in direct sunlight.

If you find that your baby appears really irritable and you are having difficulty cooling her down, then a tepid bath may be the right thing for her. Afterwards dress her in light cotton garments and place her in a well ventilated room. Again, keep checking to make sure that she doesn’t become over cool.

Always ask advice from your midwife or doctor if you are an inexperienced mum or you are worried about anything. Sometimes you could do with a bit of reassurance that you are doing the right thing for your child or may need a bit of extra advice about something.

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