How to get through hot days with your child

Make sure both you and your infant are drinking enough, even when they don’t seem thirsty. It’s best to offer small amounts of fluids throughout the day. Sweet drinks and sugary popsicles may feel refreshing at first, but they can actually raise body temperature in the long run and worsen the feeling of heat. A simple water-based popsicle, on the other hand, can work wonders. Try to give your child foods that are rich in water and fiber, such as watermelon, sliced bell pepper, or cucumber. Avoid heavy or hot meals. Keep things light, fresh, and healthy. And yes, a water-based popsicle can truly help on a hot afternoon.

Try to stay in cool places as much as possible. If you do need to go out (for example, to run errands) do so in the morning. Between noon and 6:00 PM, the heat tends to peak. Dress your child in lightweight clothing made of breathable materials like cotton or linen, and avoid synthetic fabrics.

Window shades and curtains can help keep your home cool. If it’s cooler inside than outside, keep your windows closed. If it’s cooler outside, open as many windows as possible. A lukewarm shower or a splash of cool tap water is a great way to cool down and can help at bedtime. Focus on cooling the wrists, armpits, groin, and neck. A wet washcloth with an ice cube inside can also be soothing for your little one.

Heading out into the sun? Keep in mind that in bright sunlight, skin can burn in just 10 minutes. Make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every two hours. Don’t forget the nose, ears, and feet, and check your child’s skin regularly. For little ones, a UV-protective swimsuit offers added protection. A hat, cap, or sunglasses can help shield the face.

Before applying sunscreen, it’s a good idea to check whether the product is still effective. In general, unopened sunscreen is good for about two years. Once opened, it usually stays effective for another year. If it has a strange color, doesn’t mix well after shaking, or smells odd, it’s time to toss it. Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight on hot days, heat can reduce its protective power.

It’s important to closely monitor your little one in the heat, especially since babies can’t yet express how they’re feeling. Their bodies also struggle more to regulate temperature, so they sweat more and are at higher risk of dehydration.

Pay attention to how often they urinate. Infrequent urination or dark yellow urine may signal dehydration. The color of their skin also tells a story: red skin may indicate overheating, while pale skin may suggest exhaustion or faintness. Other signs of heat-related illness include decreased appetite, no thirst, nausea, or a rash. Call your doctor if your child urinates less often, has a dry mouth, or cries without tears. If your infant becomes drowsy or hard to wake up, contact your emergency medical service right away.