How to Keep Your Baby Cool and Safe During a Heatwave

During a heatwave, our little ones are especially vulnerable: their bodies do not yet regulate temperature well and they can dehydrate quickly. Managing these sweltering days can be stressful between the fear of heatstroke and restless nights. However, several straightforward and sensible actions can help you get through the summer calmly. To help you stay cool and ensure your child’s well-being, here are the right steps to take with a baby during extreme heat, with tips from pediatrician Eric Saban.

Can You Use Air Conditioning or Fans to Cool Down a Baby?

Dr. Eric Saban is not opposed to using a fan to cool a room during periods of intense heat as long as it is not placed close to the baby. “Contrary to popular belief, they do not cause infectious diseases. However, be careful not to place it near the child and choose a stationary model. The movement of fans can attract little ones who might put their fingers in them.” Regarding air conditioning, it helps cool down a room but be cautious with infants who might catch a cold or have sensitive mucous membranes.

How Many Baths Can You Give a Baby During a Heatwave?

Two to three soap-free baths a day are a great way to cool your baby during extreme heat. The pediatrician notes that “these cooling baths should be at a temperature of 30/32°C during a heatwave and last only three to five minutes.”

How Many Water Bottles Should You Give a Baby When It’s Very Hot?

Babies are among the first to be at risk of dehydration. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your child hydrated, whether you’re at home, in town, in the car, or at the beach. “A bottle-fed child can drink water between meals during very hot days. Give two to three sips of water every 30 minutes, halfway between meals. From 18 months, babies can drink water whenever they want,” Dr. Saban advises.

Should You Wake a Baby for Drinks During Extreme Heat?

No, a child’s sleep is essential. Let them nap as usual, but offer a bottle of water or their milk bottle if it’s mealtime as soon as they wake up. You can also give them a drink before bedtime or just before a nap if they seem sleepy.

How Many Feedings and Water Should You Give a Nursed Baby During a Heatwave?

“If the baby is breastfed, avoid giving water before 3 to 4 months. After that, they can start drinking a little,” the pediatrician suggests. Moreover, it’s possible to increase the number of daily feedings. This way, according to their needs, babies can nurse more often but for shorter durations. Don’t hesitate to offer the breast regularly throughout the day to hydrate the baby.

Can You Go Outside with a Baby in a Heatwave?

It is advisable for parents to avoid outings with a baby during a heatwave. If you must go out, it’s better to keep your baby “in strollers to keep them cool.” It’s particularly important to avoid baby wraps, which can overheat the baby and lead to discomfort.

How Long Can You Stay Outside with a Baby When It’s Hot?

“Normally, it’s advised to go out for an hour a day with your baby, but during intense heat, 30 minutes is enough. However, it’s best to avoid the hottest hours of the day and go out early in the morning, or late in the evening. If it’s really too hot, parents might even choose not to go out at all with their infant,” the pediatrician confirms. Finally, if you plan to go to the beach with your baby, do so before 10 AM or after 5 PM in the evening.

Precautions for Going Out with a Baby in Extreme Heat: If a necessity forces you to go out, whether you are heading on vacation or to the beach, extra precautions should be taken to shield your baby from the sun and heat. “Ensure that the stroller’s canopy is properly installed. To protect the child’s face and eyes, a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses are essential. As for clothing, a diaper and a short-sleeved bodysuit are enough. There’s no need to cover them more! Lastly, don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50) to exposed areas (face, arms, legs…).”

How to Help a Baby Cope with a Heatwave at Night

To prevent your baby from overheating at home, first think about keeping them uncovered. “Parents can keep them in just a diaper all day. At night, a diaper and a short-sleeved bodysuit are enough. By being uncovered, the child will sweat less and thus have fewer fluid losses to compensate for. Moreover, applying a wet cloth is not recommended,” Dr. Eric Saban states.

For more information on recommendations during heatwaves and high temperatures, the “Heatwave” information hotline is available at 0800 06 66 66 (free call from a landline in France, from 9 AM to 7 PM).