5 tips to soothe your baby during a heatwave

It's hot, way too hot! All you want to do is lie naked like a starfish on the tiled floor in front of a fan. And let's not even talk about the sleepless nights, soaking the mattress with sweat. Pure bliss! These temperatures are unbearable, and yet, we'd better get used to it… #climatechangehello. If the weather makes your days and nights uncomfortable, imagine how a newborn feels, whose body temperature regulation system is still immature in the first few months of life. To help them get through the heatwave, follow these 5 valuable tips.

Babies are tiny beings who are particularly sensitive to heat. Besides discomfort, the main risk during a heatwave is dehydration caused by hyperthermia, which can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Unable to sweat to regulate their temperature, the child overheats, dangerously raising their internal body temperature and potentially impairing the function of their vital organs. While there's no need to panic, it's crucial to pay close attention to their overall condition during periods of intense heat, ensuring they are regularly cooled down and adequately hydrated.

Signs of dehydration

Contact a pediatrician or the emergency room if the baby wets fewer than six diapers in 24 hours or if their urine is particularly concentrated (dark yellow) and smelly. Other warning signs include a change in behavior, such as lethargy and listlessness, rapid weight loss, a grayish complexion, dark circles under the eyes, fever, or a sunken fontanelle.

1. Appropriate clothing

Generally speaking, it's mostly a matter of common sense. Just like for yourself, choose loose-fitting clothes in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Opt for light colors whenever possible, and if you can, let your baby run around in just a diaper, but always keep them out of the sun. The only essential accessories for outings are a hat to protect the head, forehead, and neck; sunglasses suitable for newborns' delicate eyes; and high-SPF sunscreen (link to the article: How to properly protect your baby from the sun?) to prevent sunstroke and other burns to the retina or skin. Remember to also adapt their sleepwear (with or without a bodysuit, pajamas, or sleep sack). This very clear infographic created by Joone , the French brand of skincare products for mothers and babies, and diapers, can help you. 

2. Limited outings

It's best to avoid walks and outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you absolutely must go outside, try to keep your baby in the shade as much as possible. Opt for outings in well-ventilated areas (but be careful of drafts and overly cold or powerful air conditioning) or places with access to water for cooling off. However, never immerse a child in cold water, as this can cause thermal shock.

Important warning : Every year, every summer, the media around the world reports on tragic accidents that could easily be avoided. It cannot be stressed enough: never, ever leave a child (and this precaution also applies to animals) in a car, even for just a few minutes, even in the shade and with the windows open. Besides the stress the abandoned child might experience, the temperature inside the car rises rapidly and can reach levels that cause severe respiratory distress. Similarly, when a baby is in their crib or stroller, do not cover the top of the baby with any fabric, however light, to protect them from the sun. As with the car example, this will restrict airflow, causing a rapid increase in the child's perceived temperature. 

3. Sufficient drinks

No matter your age or health, it's important to drink more during periods of intense heat (and we're not talking about relying solely on happy hour—except for Virgin Mojitos—we thought of that before you, but no… bad idea). Indeed, everything requires more effort from the body in excessive temperatures; we sweat more, and the body has a vital need for water to function properly. The best solution, once again, is breast milk and its wonders. It's composed of 85% water and provides the baby with everything they need to be perfectly hydrated, as it adapts to their needs from one feeding to the next. During a heatwave, the rule is to offer the breast to your baby as often as possible, even if they don't ask for it. And for stylish and comfortable breastfeeding, nothing beats a Milk Away garment, of course.

If the child is older, avoid the trap of giving them cold drinks or food straight from the refrigerator or freezer. Ice-cold liquids are indeed difficult for the liver to digest. Instead, offer your baby unsweetened drinks (sugar increases thirst) at room temperature or even lukewarm. Take a cue from hot countries where desert dwellers drink tea throughout the day to stay hydrated. Another tip is to include water-rich fruits and vegetables with meals, or even a small piece of unsweetened ice water as a dessert.

4. Refreshing accessories

When it's very hot, you can imagine all sorts of activities to do with water. Invest in a misting spray bottle to cool your baby down during the day. Otherwise, play with your hands or feet in the water, get out the hose, or take lukewarm baths at 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) – that's ideal. Never immerse a child (or an animal, for that matter – the rule is the same) in an ice bath. This risks frostbite or even thermal shock, which can lead to cardiac distress. However, ice cubes can be used as a toy and for exploration, but always under adult supervision. Trap some plants or pebbles inside the ice cubes and invite the child to gradually free them by pouring lukewarm water over them. 

As for a fan, it can be used to cool the room before putting the baby to bed, for example, but should never be pointed directly at the child to avoid chilling them. The same goes for drafts. Create them to cool the ambient air, but keep the child out of the room to prevent them from getting cold. 

5. Cool surfaces

Whenever possible, we adapt the child's play area. We prefer tile to carpet, and we take care to protect their feet from heat-retaining surfaces like sand, asphalt, and metal. There are also cooling and insulating play mats available for the floor. 

#inmumwetrust #sunbaby #vacaymode #mothering #hotsummer #vacaymood

Photo credit: Lubomirkin for Unsplash.