When the thermometer panics, protecting your baby from the heat becomes the top priority for all parents. Bathing, hydration, outings: discover the right reflexes (and the pitfalls to avoid) according to the recommendations of pediatrician Eric Saban.
Faced with the heatwave, our babies are particularly vulnerable : their body still regulates temperature very poorly and they dehydrate quickly. Between the fear of heat stroke and restless nights, managing these stifling days can quickly become a source of stress. However, a few simple, common-sense actions can help you get through the summer peacefully. To help you keep a cool head and ensure your child’s well-being, here are the right actions to take with your baby when it’s very hot, with advice from pediatrician Eric Saban.
Dr. Eric Saban is not against using a fan to cool the room during periods of high heat provided that it is not placed close to the baby. “Contrary to popular belief, they are not the cause of infectious diseases. Be careful, however, not to put it near the child and to choose a fixed one. The movements of the fans attract little ones and they risk putting their fingers in it.“As for the air conditioningit has the advantage of cooling the room, but be careful of infants who risk catching a cold, and who have fragile mucous membranes.
How many baths can you give your baby during a heatwave?
Two to three baths per day without soap is a good way to cool your baby when it’s very hot. The pediatrician indicates that “these refreshing baths must be of a temperature of 30/32°C during heatwaves and only last three to five minutes“.
Babies are among the first people to be exposed to the risk of dehydration. This is why we must always think about hydrate your child well, whether you are at home, in town, in the car, or at the beach… A bottle-fed child can drink water between meals on very hot days. Two to three sips of water every 30 minutes approximately, given halfway between meals. From 18 months, the baby can drink water on demand“, assures Dr. Saban.
In case of extreme heat, should you wake your baby to drink?
No, the child’s sleep is essential. Let him take his nap as usual, but offer him a bottle of water or his bottle of milk if it’s his meal time, as soon as he wakes up. You can also anticipate by giving him a drink before bed or just before his nap, if you see that he is sleepy.
How many feedings and water to give to a breastfed baby during a heatwave?
“If the baby is breastfed, avoid giving him water before 3 to 4 months. After this age, he can start drinking a little,” advises the pediatrician. Furthermore, it is possible toincrease the number of feedings per day. Thus, depending on his needs, baby will be able to breastfeed more often, but for less time. Do not hesitate to offer the breast regularly to hydrate baby during the day.
Can you go outside with your baby during a heatwave?
Parents are recommended to avoid traveling with baby during heatwaves. If you still have to go out, it is better to place your baby “in strollers to air them out”. Above all, it is necessary avoid baby slings, which risk overheating baby and causing discomfort.
How long to go out with baby when it’s hot?
“It is usually recommended to go out for an hour a day with your baby, but in periods of high heat, 30 minutes is enough. However, it is better 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 may not even go out with their infant at all.“, assures the pediatrician. Finally, if you plan to go to the beach with baby, go there before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. in the evening.
Precautions to take when going out with baby in case of extreme heat: If, however, an obligation requires you to travel, you are going on vacation or you want to go to the beach, additional precautions should be taken to protect your baby from the sun and heat. So, “you must remember to check that the stroller hood is installed. To protect the child’s face and eyes, a bucket hat or wide-brimmed cap as well as sunglasses are necessary. As for clothing, a diaper and a short-sleeved bodysuit are sufficient. There is no need to cover it any further! Finally, do not forget to apply a total sunscreen (index 50) to the exposed areas (face, arms, legs, etc.)“.
To prevent your baby from getting too hot in the house, you must first think about finding out. “Parents can leave it in diaper all day. At night, a diaper and a short-sleeved bodysuit are enough. By being uncovered, the child will sweat less and will therefore have less water loss to compensate for. Furthermore, applying a damp cloth is not recommended.“, says Dr. Eric Saban.
For more information on recommendations in the event of heat waves and extreme heat, the “Heatwave” telephone information platform is accessible to 0800 06 66 66 (free call from a landline in France, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Thanks to Doctor Eric Saban
