As we all slowly melt into a puddle, spare a thought for our little ones.

 

It's hard enough to handle the heat when you're an adult, nevermind when you're tiny and so vulnerable to the change in temperature. 

 

So we are arming you with an expert's top tips for keeping your little ones cool and happy in the heat.

 

In a study commissioned by WaterWipes, almost 80 percent of parents say their newborns have experienced skin irritations in the warmer weather, with heat rash accounting for almost half of the main complaints, followed by nappy rash and ‘general’ irritation.

 

 

Fidelma O’Dowd, an advanced nurse in dermatology at Beaumont Hospital, has compiled the following advice to keep our babies safe and sound in the amazing weather.

 

The first one is very straightforward - keep your baby cool. Check your baby regularly by feeling the back of their neck to see if they are too warm. 

 

If it’s at all hot or damp, it is time to remove a layer or move to somewhere cooler, said the nurse.

 

 

As we knock back the water, we may forget that our babies need extra hydration too.

 

Fidelma recommends as a rule of thumb that babies should be given 50 percent additional liquids in the hotter weather. 

 

Remember, they may not be visibly sweating or look hot, in order to lose fluids.

 

 

As babies under six months can’t drink water, replace lost liquids with extra formula or more regular nursing.

 

The next tip is to avoid heat rash. It can be identified as it is bumpy and red or pink in colour, heat rash tends to appear where airflow is poor.

 

This means places like skin creases or the bands of clothing, but it can also appear on babies faces.

 

The best way of treating it is by removing tight clothing or nappy and dabbing with lukewarm water on a sponge.

 

 

Keep skin clean and dry and use a barrier cream if required.

 

However, moist skin can cause irritation and further inflammation so keeping the skin dry really is key, explained the skin specialist. 

 

Ideally, make loose and cotton clothing your baby's best friend and the rash should go down within 12 hours.

 

If not, have a chat with your pharmacist or GP.

 

 

As the sun goes down, it's time to set a comfy bedtime! A cool 18 to 20 degrees in the bedroom with circulating air is ideal.

 

In terms of clothing and bedding, babies often require one additional layer than an adult may sleep in.

 

So if you’re sleeping in your birthday suit with no sheets, a t-shirt and nappy should do the trick for baby.

 

If the worst does happen, and your tiny tot gets sunburnt, Fidelma recommends for any parents to speak with your family GP if your little one is under 12 months.

 

 

For the bigger kids, you should seek our advice from your pharmacist. 

 

They will likely advise applying lukewarm water followed by a moisturiser or recommended topical treatment to the affected area.

 

Also, leave the blisters be, added the expert. 

 

If you're unsure about which suncream to buy or have doubts about the one you have: check out this suncream guide

 

 

If you do venture out to swimming pools or the beach in the warmer weather, keep in mind chlorine and salt water can play havoc with skin.

 

It is advisable to rinse it off as soon as possible in lukewarm water.

 

The summer sun can be fantastic family fun, but always remember to keep these tips in mind, so even the youngest members of the clan can enjoy the warm weather safely! 

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