Looking After Your Baby In Hot Weather in 2023
I'm writing this as the rain hammers down, but I'm sure that the sun will be out again soon!
If you have your baby in the summer, you might not need to be worrying about chills and draughts and snowsuits, but those can be replaced with concerns about the sun and overheating!
I thought I would give you a few pointers to help you navigate these times and help you keep your baby safe.
Prams and buggies should not be covered with a blanket or even a cloth like a muslin, as this can quickly lead to overheating. Research has found that when it is 22deg outside, a buggy covered by a thin blanket can reach a scorching 34 deg on the inside... in just 30 mins. Babies will, in these circumstances, may become limp and lethargic and might appear to be having a long nap. Instead, use a canopy or sun umbrella, a parasol.
The NHS recommends that babies under the age of 6 months are kept in the shade, have cool cover-up clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat as their skin is so sensitive. Although it is better for your baby not to be exposed to the sun at all if there is no avoiding it, there are sunscreens especially for babies, with skin sensitivity in mind, fragrance-free and SPF 30 and above, with UVA and UVB protection, use it unsparingly.
Babies might want to breastfeed more than usual to keep their fluid levels correct. Breastmilk will adjust accordingly (such clever stuff!), so breastfed babies do not need water until they start on solid food.
If you are formula feeding, your baby can have some cooled boiled water, in addition to their milk feed.
Keeping your room temperature right for your baby can be a real challenge in a heatwave. Invest in a room thermometer, open the door and windows to try to keep the temperature in the room between 16 and 20 degrees celsius. Also, use light bedding and clothing. A fan can be helpful but do not direct it at your baby.
When checking to see if your baby is too hot or cold, feel their chest or upper back, as hands and feet often feel colder than your babies core temperature :)
So, go ahead and enjoy the sunshine with your baby and keep rocking those parasols!