Here are some things to bare in mind to ensure that children don’t get exposed to the sun for too long and ideas to keep them cool.
1. Dress your baby in appropriate clothes for the temperature.
During the hot night, just a nappy and thin cotton. If the environment is between 20-23 degrees a baby grow or shorts and t-shirt pyjamas perhaps with socks or just a nappy and a one tog sleep sack. If your baby is too young for any kind of bedding and it is too hot for a sleep sack, simply dress them in suitable clothing for the temperature so that no covering is required.
2. All windows should be open during the day time. Create a blow-through and pull curtain to block the hot summer’s sun. Also open your loft if there is one to allow heat to escape up through the roof.
3. Use only cotton bed sheets and avoid any waterproof mattress coverings.
4. Slightly warm bath might help to refresh your baby before bedtime. Make it a quick bath so that she doesn’t get too chilly.
5. Thermometer in your room should keep you informed. This will prevent any errors in judgement of your surrounding and provide your with confidence that you have chosen suitable bedding and clothes for your kid.
6. A fan mostly blows warm air around in the hot environment. Large bottles of frozen water, over one litre, placed in the kid’s room should assist to cool the air.
7. Offer your baby reassurance and comfort if he appears to be upset. A flannel or cold compress on your baby may help to keep him cool and calm.
8. Babies and kids most likely will need to consumer more liquids. For young babies you should cool billed water and put it in the fridge for night time use. Breastfed babies will stay hydrated on breast milk.
9. Consider moving to a cooler room in the house temporarily if you cannot keep your baby cool in the current room.
10. The temperature will drop in the night. Don’t put your baby in his cot in just a nappy if it will drop below 25 degrees. Check on him before going to bed to take the temperature.
11. Hands and feet get colder than the rest of the body. If you are unsure about your baby’s temperature, feel the back of his neck or use a thermometer.
12. Remember, you can pull the bed covers over you but a baby can’t.