As the temperature rises, it can be difficult to keep your infant or weaning child comfortable during the summer months.

To help make things easier, here are 5 Summer Tips for Infants and Weaning Children that will help keep them cool and comfortable during the warmer weather.

From dressing them appropriately to staying hydrated, these tips will help ensure your little one has an enjoyable summer.

5 Tips to Keep Your Infant Cool and Comfortable

1) Use light, breathable fabrics

Keeping your baby cool during the summer is essential for their comfort. To do this, you should use light and breathable fabrics for their clothing and bedding. Light fabrics are better for air circulation and will keep them cool in the hot weather. 

Cotton, linen, and bamboo are great materials that are not only lightweight but also offer moisture wicking properties.

For babies, opt for loose fitting clothes that don’t cling to their body or trap heat. If they're too small to wear regular clothing, just go with basic onesies or tank tops and shorts.

When it comes to bedding, use lightweight sheets and blankets to avoid trapping heat in their sleep area.

2) Indulge in cooling foods

It's important to give your infant or weaning child cooling foods. This will help regulate their body temperature and keep them comfortable in the heat. Some great options include chilled fruits such as watermelon, apples, and grapes, as well as chilled yogurt, pureed fruit smoothies, and popsicles. 

A great way to also entice your toddler to eat their fruits or yogurt is to use fun and exciting cutlery. You could also engage them by asking them what shapes and colors the food is.

Try also to offer lots of water and electrolyte drinks such as coconut water to keep them hydrated.

You can also offer cold soups, such as gazpacho, chilled vegetable salads, and light proteins like boiled eggs or grilled fish.

All these options are delicious, nutritious, and a great way to keep your baby cool during the hot days!

3) Avoid the sun during peak hours

The sun's rays can be especially intense during peak hours, which are typically 10 am to 4 pm.

Generally speaking post 10 am it’s best to keep your baby out of direct sunlight. This is easily achieved by staying in the shade, using stroller covers when you’re out on walks or a hat with a brim.

It is also advisable to use sunscreen and put your toddler in clothing that is breathable and light.

Try to keep your baby in the shade as much as possible while outdoors. If they do get too hot, move them to an air-conditioned space or a cool kiddie pool.

4) Put sunscreen on your baby

Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your baby’s delicate skin from the harsh summer sun. If you’re taking your baby outdoors, it’s essential that you apply a generous amount of sunscreen to their exposed skin.

Sunscreen will not only protect them from sunburn and skin damage, but also from the risk of developing skin cancer.

When choosing a sunscreen for your baby, it’s best to opt for one with a high SPF (sun protection factor). A good rule of thumb is to go for SPF 30 or higher. This means that the sunscreen will block out 97% of UVB rays, providing more protection than lower SPF sunscreens.

It’s also important to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors, and to reapply every two hours - especially if your baby has been swimming or sweating a lot.

Finally, always make sure to check the expiry date of the sunscreen and that it hasn't been previously opened.

5) Keep your baby hydrated

Staying hydrated is an important part of keeping your infant cool and comfortable in the summer. It is important to ensure that your baby is getting enough fluids throughout the day, but be aware that overhydration can also be an issue.

When giving your baby formula or breastmilk, make sure to check the package for the recommended amounts as too much can cause tummy troubles.

Additionally, adding water or juice to their diet may also help your baby stay hydrated.

Fruits such as watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, oranges, and grapefruits are high in water content and can help your baby stay hydrated.

Pureed fruits are a great way to add extra hydration to your baby's diet. You can also freeze pureed fruits and offer them as frozen treats on hot days.

Finally, avoid giving sugary drinks as they can contribute to dehydration.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your baby hydrated during the summer and keep them comfortable.

Make sure to offer plenty of fluids throughout the day and take frequent breaks in the shade and air conditioning to give your baby time to cool off.

Final Thoughts

Summertime can be a challenging time for infants and weaning children, but with the right precautions, you can make sure your little one stays cool and comfortable.

Being mindful of the fabrics you choose, the food you provide, and sunscreen you apply will go a long way in protecting your baby from the sun’s harsh rays.

Additionally, having a mosquito net handy and keeping your baby hydrated throughout the day will help reduce the risk of them getting bitten or suffering from dehydration. With these simple tips in mind, you can ensure your infant has an enjoyable summer.