Top Tips to keep you & baby comfortable in hot weather

If you live in the southern hemisphere, you will know that the summer season has well and truly hit!

Parents often be concerned about making sure that their baby has plenty to feed to prevent dehydration.

So what is it that you can do, to make sure that your baby being adequately nourished and hydrated during summer?

Please note that this advice is general and not to replace the advice given to you by your own Midwife, Infant Welfare Nurse or Doctor. 

Children under the age of 6 months do not need extra water during the hot weather.  This is because breastmilk and formula are tailor made to meet the nutritional and hydration requirements of your baby.

Your baby may even be fussing through the hot weather as they may be feeling uncomfortable.  See below for information about how to know your baby is well nourished and hydrated, along with tips to keep your baby comfortable.

If your baby is over the age of 6 months, whether breast or bottle-fed, you will find that he or she is feeding more frequently than usual.  This is completely normal and expected during hot weather.  If your baby has already started drinking water, you will find that he or she will drink more than usual.  Its ok to give your baby extra water in this case, but don't need to add extra water to infant formula or breastmilk as you don't want to disturb the delicate balance of fluids and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium for example.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF BABY IS BEING ADEQUATELY NOURISHED & HYDRATED IN HOT WEATHER?

Your baby should have:

• 6 or more heavily pale wet nappies per 24 hours regardless of age
• If breastfed and less than 3 month of age - watery and/or soft yellow poo 2+ times per 24 hours 
• If breastfed and less than 6 months of age - soft yellow poo at least once a week or more frequently
• If formula fed and under 12 months of age - soft poos daily to second daily

TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOU & YOUR  BABY COMFORTABLE IN HOT WEATHER

• Ensure your baby is not in direct line of the air conditioner or cooling fan

• Dress baby in a singlet and nappy only
• Sponge your baby with cool water compresses
• If breastfeeding, place a microfibre towel between the both of you to absorb the sweat
• Freeze some breastmilk into icy pole moulds for baby to suck on
• Feed your baby on demand to appetite
• Have a siesta with your baby
• Make a handy food basket - including a bottle of iced water, fruit, nuts and seeds to snack on
• Have a spray bottle filled with water in the fridge to spritz and cool yourself down