Warning to parents to keep your baby cool this summer, there is one key thing to remember

As TEMPERATURES begin to rise again, parents will be looking for ways to keep their baby comfortable and safe.

However, since babies are not able to regulate their body temperature very well, this can be a challenge.

Health care assistant Claire Cripps has revealed her top tips for keeping babies cool in the heatCredits: Getty

But fear not, Claire Cripps, health visitor and expert advisor for MAM, has some tips for keeping your baby cool in the heat.

Being inside

If you plan to stay indoors, dress your baby in loose, lightweight clothing, preferably made of cotton, which absorbs sweat much better than other materials.

A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby the same way you do. If you wear shorts and a t-shirt, that will work for your baby too.

Babies don’t sweat efficiently, so they can get hot much more quickly than an adult.

This is why you should never leave a baby in a hot room or in a car.

Hydration

Even if you don’t see beads of sweat on your baby’s forehead, he can still lose fluids in hot weather, so it’s important to always keep him hydrated.

If your baby has a red face, warm skin, rapid breathing and is restless, he or she may be dehydrated.

Hydrate young babies by giving them more formula or breastfeeding more frequently. In hot weather, babies should drink at least 50% more than usual.

Babies over 6 months should be offered small sips of water from a cup during mealtimes. In hot weather, you may need to offer them a little extra water outside of mealtimes.

Avoid direct sunlight and mid-day

Babies under 6 months have thin, delicate skin, so they should always be protected from direct sunlight.

“I grew up in Arizona and we have a specific method to cool your car down instantly without relying on the air conditioning – it will save you every time it’s hot, trust me!”

However, there will of course be times when this is not practical, so it will be important to ensure your baby wears sunscreen.

For babies under 6 months, apply a minimal amount to exposed skin, including the face.

For a baby over 6 months, use more generously and more often and reapply every 2 hours.

Choose a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF.

It is also necessary to avoid exposure to the sun at midday if possible; the worst time to be outside is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest.

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Take them off

It may sound simple, but taking your kids naked at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it’s hot outside. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun.

Refresh rooms before nightfall

When it’s hot outside, kids sometimes have trouble falling asleep, especially if their room feels like an oven. If you have a room that doesn’t get much sun, keep the windows open to let in some air. It’s also a good idea to keep the curtains closed to keep the room from getting too hot.

Wear a hat

Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure your kids wear a hat if they play outside. This protects their face and head from the sun and also helps if you have a little one who has trouble tolerating bright sunlight. If your little one has trouble keeping a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help.

Avoid the car

The car can be one of the hottest places to be during a heatwave and often takes a long time to cool down. If you can, it’s best to stay home rather than take the kids anywhere in a hot car.

Stay hydrated

This is always important, but even more so during a heatwave. Make sure to remind your children to drink regularly and provide them with cool fluids whenever you can. Also use ice to ensure the water is as cold as possible.