Keeping babies cool in hot weather
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Dress light
Dress your baby in light clothing and use layers to adjust to the temperature.
Avoid direct sunlight
Babies under 6 months should not be out in direct sunlight. Use sunscreen for babies over 6 months.
Plenty of fluids
Offer breast milk or formula for babies under 6 months. They may want to feed more often, but for less time.
Use a fan
Use a fan to help circulate cool air. If using an air conditioner, don’t let it get too cold.
Cool bath
Give your baby a cool bath, especially before bedtime.
Shade, don't cover
Pram should be shaded, not completely covered to allow air to circulate.
Warning signs for heatstroke
- High body temperature
- Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
- Pale or clammy skin
- Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on baby’s head)
- Sunken eyes and may not have tears when crying
- Fast heartbeat and breathing
- Headache and muscle cramps
- Dark urine and not as frequent urine (wee)
- Appearing overly sleepy or ‘floppy’
- Seizure or possible loss of responsiveness
If your baby or child has symptoms of severe dehydration or heat-related illness, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
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Last reviewed: September 2023