Top 10 Tips to Keep Baby Cool & Comfortable this Summer

When the summer temperatures soar, it’s natural that your tiny sweetheart might seem a little uncomfortable and bothered. But that’s not all - extreme heat is a safety concern for newborns and infants. Due to immature sweat glands, your baby cannot sweat and thus regulate their body temperature in the same way that adults do. This makes them easily susceptible to overheating and dehydration. So, how do you keep your little ray of sunshine safe during the hot weather? Let’s look at our top 10 tips on how to keep baby cool this summer.

1. Step outdoors wisely

Spending time in the great outdoors is wonderful for your little one, but it’s important to exercise caution when the temperatures rise. Avoid taking your little one outdoors during the hottest parts of the day. Try and time outdoor activities before 10 am and after 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are not as harsh. If you absolutely must go outside, keep baby out of direct sunlight and covered by shade as far as possible. This is especially important for babies under 6 months of age.

2. Stay in the shade and keep them ventilated

Baby’s skin is very thin and sensitive and can get easily sunburnt. Keep baby out of the direct sunlight by looking for a shaded area. If your little one is in a stroller, use the stroller canopy to block direct sunlight. Do NOT cover the stroller with a cloth or blanket as this can trap the heat inside, causing baby to overheat. Keep them comfortable and always ventilated. Pro Mom Tip: attach a portable fan to your baby’s stroller. This will keep them cool and happy when you’re on-the-go.

3. Dress them in summer-appropriate clothing

Keep baby cool and ventilated by dressing them in soft, lightweight and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton. Ditch synthetic fibers that can make baby hot and sticky. When you’re indoors, a onesie or T-shirt with shorts works well. If it’s too hot, strip baby down to just their diaper. When outdoors, dress them in light and breathable outfits that cover their skin and shield them from the sun as far as possible. A wide-brimmed sun hat can also help protect their heads. Click here to explore our wide range of ultra-soft, stylish & breathable summer clothes for babies.

4. Keep them hydrated

Even though babies don’t sweat much, your little one can get easily dehydrated in the summer and requires extra fluids. They might be dehydrated if they seem extra flushed, their skin seems warm to the touch, or they seem to be breathing rapidly. Water is not recommended for babies below 6 months of age, so simply increase their fluid intake by offering more breastmilk or formula. For babies older than 6 months, you can offer water in small amounts for extra hydration. Keeping baby well hydrated in summer is essential for their safety.

5. Watch for signs of overheating or heat exhaustion

Because of their inability to regulate their body temperature like adults do, babies can heat up pretty quickly, which could lead to dire consequences if not addressed in time. Click here for everything you need to know about overheating in babies, right from spotting the signs to preventing it and how to address it.

6. Baby needs SPF too

Yes, your little one needs sunblock too. Especially since their skin is extra sensitive and prone to sunburn and irritation. Choose a gentle, hypoallergenic, broad-spectrum sunblock that’s formulated specially for baby’s skin, like our SPF 30 Natural Sunblock Lotion that contains natural ingredients and Zinc Oxide that create a protective barrier between skin and the sun’s rays. For babies less than 6 months, apply a small amount on exposed skin when out in the sun. For babies older than 6 months, you can apply sunblock liberally when they’re out and about. Don’t forget to reapply every 90 minutes or whenever they get wet or sweaty.

7. Look out for signs of a heat rash

If your little one is a bit sweaty, you might see reddish bumps appear in the creases of their skin. around the neck area, arm pit or groin. This is what’s commonly known as heat rash. If your little one suffers from heat rash, make sure you keep their skin cool and dry. You can also dab a little baby powder on the affected areas to help absorb the excess moisture and soothe the skin. Try our Softsens Baby Powder that’s mildly formulated with natural oils that protect baby’s skin from irritation and rashes caused by sweat and skin friction.

8. Help baby cool down with a bath

Giving your little one a bath when they’re hot and sticky can help lower their core body temperature and leave them feeling cool and refreshed. A quick bath right before bedtime can help them sleep better too. Make sure you use a hydrating body wash like the Softsens Tear-free Baby Wash that has a gentle aqua-based formulation, designed to leave baby’s skin soft and nourished.

9. Treat sunburnt skin immediately

If your little one’s skin seems red, warm and slightly inflamed, this might be sunburn. For younger babies, it’s best to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Soothe baby’s skin with cool water, dab dry gently and apply a gentle, lightweight baby moisturizer that doesn’t block pores. You can even cool down baby’s skin and keep it from getting sticky and grimy with our 9% Pure Water Wipes that are made with the gentlest ingredients and ideal for sensitive, rash-prone skin. They’re also great for freshening baby when you’re outdoors for longer periods.

10. Keep baby’s room cool and ventilated

Make sure you keep baby’s room at a cool and comfortable temperature. Keep the curtains drawn whenever possible to block out light and heat. Ensure there’s adequate ventilation and air circulation. Use cotton bed sheets in baby’s crib to help them sleep better.

We hope you enjoyed these tips to help keep your little one comfortable in the hotter months. Stay cool and have a safe summer!