Hot Weather Hacks for Kids by dayze
The heat is on, and like all parents, we want our little ones to stay cool and sleep at night! We asked the dayze community for their go-to hacks and tips to keep kids cool as the temperatures rise. You ready?!
The Best Ways To Keep Babies Cool In The Day And Night
Babies can't manage their temperatures as well as an adult. They can’t let us know if they are too hot or too cold, so we need to regularly check them for overheating by touching the back of their neck, not checking hands or feet, which are always cooler.
Check their room temperature: With something like the Gro-Egg, an accurate way of reading the temperature of your baby’s room.
Close the blinds and open the windows: Hours before nap time and bedtime to help the airflow.
Sleeping bags: Great for hot weather. Opt for a 0.5 tog or go for a lightweight breathable blanket or muslin. If they are still too warm, strip them down to their nappy.
Cool bath: A slightly cooler bath than usual just before bedtime helps cool babies down.
Fluids: Make sure your baby is drinking plenty of water and milk.
Sun hat: Ideally one that is cool and lets the airflow as well as protects them from direct sunlight.
Pop bedsheets into the fridge: Pop their sheets into a plastic bag and stick them in the fridge. Then around an hour before bedtime put the sheets onto the bed. This is only appropriate for babies six months and older.
Grab a wet flannel: Dab babies gently with a cool, damp flannel to cool them off.
Natural bedding: Cotton or bamboo sheets are a must when sleeping in the heat whether you're a baby or a fully-fledged adult, to absorb sweat and generally keep things cool.
Don’t cover the pram or buggy: As it could cause them to overheat, use a parasol or clip-on sunshade.
Clip-on fans: Are great for attaching to buggies or nearby cots and beds.
Make some fruity ice pops: Blend and freeze their favourite fruit, smoothie mix, or even breastmilk. Not suitable for under 6-month-old babies.
The Best Ways To Keep Toddlers And Kids Cool And Happy
Natural materials: Opt for breathable fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton or bamboo when it comes to clothing and bed sheets.
Freeze their water bottles: Put a water bottle in the freezer overnight and take it out in the morning so the ice slowly melts throughout the day. Make sure you check for leaks before using it with hot water in the winter months.
Remove waterproof mattress covers: As they often encourage sweating. Use a towel or dry sheet instead.
Splish, splash water fun: Make water play of any kind fun from paddling pools to buckets of water. Throw in a sponge, some ice, and their favourite toys and they can play (and stay cool) for ages!
UV pop-up tent: Easy to put up, quick way to keep them shaded and out of the sun.
UV swimsuits: We are big fans of the long-sleeved UV sun suits that gives us parents peace of mind.
Fan: Place a large metal bowl of iced water in front and it will blow colder air in your direction.
Freeze a pillow: Pop a small pillow or pillowcase in the freezer an hour or two before bedtime. It won’t stay cold all night, but it’s a great way to cool down hot and sweaty kids in an instant.
Make your own cold spritz: By using any spray bottle filled with water and kept in the fridge.
Frozen fruit and milk: For babies on solids, freeze fruit pieces and give them something cool to suck on. Frozen bananas and orange segments are a couple of cool ideas.
Make a cover for them to play under: Get them to help you decorate an old sheet or piece of tarpaulin to stretch across two fences or trees for shade or choose a tent they’ll actually want to use.
Cool gel pads: Pop them in the fridge or freezer and place under the sheets just before bedtime to take the edge off (not suitable for under 6 months old babies).
Teach them about the sun: Kids need a high SPF which has protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s so important that children grow up with a knowledge of how dangerous the sun is, and know how to apply sun cream themselves. Buy one that rubs in easily, isn’t sticky, is water resistant – and apply it even when it’s cloudy.
Get some suncream application stickers: Boots and Safer Sun sell fab UV detection stickers that change colour when it’s time to reapply suncream. Genius!
Outdoor play ideas for the hot weather
