"With every newborn baby, a little sun rises" - Imgrard Erath
We are heading into summer time here in the UK, which means potential heatwaves on the horizon!
Summertime is a really lovely time for you and your little ones to enjoy being outdoors. However, it is important that you are all staying safe in the sun. Below are some steps on how to do so:
#1 Sunlight hours: Babies under six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight and all children should avoid going out in direct sunlight between the hours of 11am and 3pm, this is when the sun is at its strongest.
#2 Pushchairs: It is not advised to use a blanket or cover over your babies pram as a sunshade, this can restrict airflow and your baby could overheat which can increase the risk of SIDS. The use of a parasol/umbrella that attaches to a pram is much safer, you are still able to see and monitor your little one, but also air is still able to circulate around them.
#3 Avoid dehydration: Be mindful you will need to offer your little one more water than usual when it is hot. Babies under six months may require more milk feeds, breast fed little ones do not require any water until they are introduced to solids but extra breast feeds throughout the day maybe necessary. Formula fed babies, may require some sips of cool boiled water throughout the day alongside their normal feeds and babies that are on solid food can be offered sips of water alongside food in a cup or free flow beaker.
Other food like watermelon, strawberries cucumber and spinach are all great for hydration as-well. Older children may need to be reminded to have sips of water throughout the day and homemade water and fruit lollies can also be a fun way to stay hydrated.
#4 Water safety: When using swimming pools, garden paddling pools and going to the beach or using a bath, it is important to note that babies and children can drown in just a few centimetres of water. It is extremely important your little ones are not left alone in water. The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) has more information and guidance on this topic https://capt.org.uk/drowning/.
#5 Sunscreen: It is important to check your child's sunscreen, check whether it has at least SPF 30 to protect their skin. Also, ensure the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You can choose sunscreen that is designed for babies and toddlers as these will be less harsh on their skin and contain less additives. Always remember to re-apply throughout the day if they are in and out of water.
#6 Sun hats & sunglasses: Try and use hats that have a cover at the back for their neck. Some little ones just wont keep a hat on, so choosing one with a velcro or elasticated tie that sits under their chin can help. Sunglasses are also a great way to help protect their sensitive eyes.
How can I help my baby or toddler sleep during the summer months?
#1 Bedroom environment: Try and keep your little ones bedroom cool throughout the day, keep curtains or blinds closed and open the windows in the morning or evening, when the temperature is a bit cooler. The use of a fan can also help circulate the air around the room throughout the day, do not place a fan directly onto where your child is sleeping. Consider getting a room thermometer to help you monitor the temperature of the room, around 16°C and 20°C is ideal.
#2 Cool bath or shower: Dependant of the age of your little one, running a cool bath or a quick shower after a day of sweating and heat can help them feel refreshed and less agitated at the end of the day.
#3 Clothing: Every child is different on how they cope with heat and every room temp will be slightly different too, so judging what to put your baby in to sleep can be tricky. It is better to keep clothes to a minimum in the heat, you are able to check your baby's temperature, by touching their chest or back of their neck, if they feel sweaty remove a layer of clothing. It is important to check which tog sleeping bag you are using, they will have guidance on what tog to use for each season. Generally speaking, go with your gut instinct, it is OK for your baby to sleep in just a nappy and vest if it is very hot!
It is very normal for sleep to become more disturbed in the heat, try and stick to your usual routine and see it through. The Lullaby Trust has some more info on this topic https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/baby-summer-safety/
Enjoy the sunshine!
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