As an adult, you can help yourself if you become uncomfortable or too hot in rising temperatures. Your little ones however may need a bit of help adjusting.

Babies and toddlers in particular are more vulnerable to heat-related health issues, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and need extra protection during the summer as a result.

In this blog post, we share our top tips for keeping the kids cool, comfortable and happy during the summer months.

Dress the part

Hot and humid weather means that as a parent you have to be more prepared than ever. Your preparations begin first thing when you get your baby or toddler ready for the day.

Your child’s summer wardrobe should be full of clothes that help them to stay light and breezy. Your summer clothing choices should be made from natural, breathable fabrics to ensure they stay at their coolest as FirstCry Parenting describes:

“Having a large collection of baby clothes gives you the option of dressing him up in the manner of your choosing. Summers, however, demand a specific type of clothing that allows his body to breathe and absorb sweat better than anything else.

Hence, stuff away all those synthetic and silk clothes for some other time and stock up on cotton clothing that is lightweight and comfortable. Avoid dark colours since they can easily absorb heat and make it hotter than it already is.”

Create shady spots

Whether you’re venturing outside or pottering about at home, using shade to your advantage is important, especially at the hottest time of the day.

Keep rooms in your home cool by closing the curtains during the day. Add a detachable parasol or breathable hood to your pushchair to guarantee a shady spot when you’re out and about.

Keeping your child’s room cool and cosy at night is another essential. Investing in a room thermometer that can be checked at a glance provides extra peace of mind during hot and humid summer nights.

Keep them hydrated

Good hydration is the key to staying healthy and happy whatever your age or the time of year. Fostering good hydration habits is key for health, so why not start this summer?

Always carry a BPA free, reusable water bottle for your child and make sure they hydrate regularly throughout the day. Regular top ups of water will keep your child hydrated, cool and safe.

Be sure to pack extra water supplies along with a good quality, SPF 50+ sunscreen and sun hat on those summer days out.

Filling your child’s plate with lots of water-rich foods at every mealtime will also increase their water intake. Check out our list of hydrating foods and drinks for inspiration.

Make it fun

Staying cool and hydrated doesn’t have to be boring. Jazz up your regular filtered water with an infused water recipe. Toddlers and older children can get involved in the infusion process, and pick their own favourite fruits and vegetables to add to the mix.

When temperatures climb further, you can use water to your advantage in other ways. Get the paddling pool out, head to the beach, or hit the local swimming pool to stay cool and have plenty of fun.