How to survive hot summer days with baby in tow

When I did antenatal classes with New Baby Company when I was pregnant, I remember being extremely worried about having a summer baby and the recommendations for keeping the room cool. Since we didn’t have air-condition, it seemed like it would have been so much easier to have a winter baby. But Vicki Scott, midwife and founder of New Baby Company, and her expert team ensured me that we would be fine, and gave us lots of useful tips.

Now I’ve asked Vicki again to share her advice on surviving a hot summer with baby, and here are her top tips:

Keep your little one well hydrated with extra breastfeeds, or drinks of cool boiled water from a cup or bottle if bottle-feeding

Ensure baby is covered head-to-toe even in the shade, particularly when the sun is at it’s hottest in the middle of the day.
Choose practical summer hats, such as wide-brimmed, soft cotton hats that will protect baby’s eyes from the sun–especially if he won’t tolerate wearing sunglasses!
Try to keep baby’s room cool by keeping curtains closed, open windows if it’s safe to do so, and use a fan to circulate air. Stand a bottle of frozen water in front of the fan to cool the air.
Be aware that foxes have been known to enter properties if you leave windows or doors open
Try using a shade on your pushchair for total sun protection, as this tends to be more effective than a parasol despite not being as pretty!
For older babies who are on solids, try freezing natural juice into little lollies or little sachets of fromage frais for a cooling snack!
Keep a large muslin handy to use as an extra sunshade or for something to sit on on the grass in the park!

Tags: Antenatal course, Breastfeeding, Dehydration, New Baby Company, Pram accessories, Shade, Summer, Sun, Sun hat, Sun protection