How to keep your child cool in hot weather?
Nutrition plays such a key role in keeping your little one cool in hot summer days. here’s the tips of a nutritionist for keeping kids cool in summer:
Water, water and more water:
Offer your child water. from 6 months of age. If your little one is breastfed and under 6 months of age there is no need to give water, your little one may want to feed more to keep himself/herself hydrated. if your little one is formula-fed and under 6 months of age you may want to offer few sips of cooled boiled water in extreme weather condition. on top of their regular milk feeds.
Avoid sugary/fizzy drinks
It increases dehydration and can make your little one feeling more thirsty. They are the major contributors of dental decay , risk of obesity and diabetes.
Hydrating foods for kids
Offer foods that contain high water content like fruits,, vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers
Avoid fatty , salty, sugary foods:
Stick with light, meals great options are cous cous/rice/barley/quinoa salads. Add a source of protein like boiled egg/chickpeas/lentils some fresh feta and raw bell peppers/carrots.
Cool snacks for children in hot weather
Offer vegetables sticks, fruits, homemade popsicles, yoghurt, hummus and vegetables . Offer fresh homemade smoothies .
Encourage drinking and eating regularly
Encourage your child to drink throughout the day and eat during the day.
What else can you do?
Keep your child indoor during the hottest hours of the day
Avoid exposing your little one in the summer and between 11am and 3pm. apply suncream at least 30 SPF, although I prefer applying 50 SPF and make sure it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply regularly especially if they are at the pool/sea. Let them wear hat to protect head and neck from the sun.
Babies under 6 months should avoid direct sunlight.
If you are out with the buggy apply a parasol/keep them in the shade.
Do not cover the pushchair/carry coat with a blanket as this increases the temperature and it can be very dangerous.
Dress them appropriately
light , cotton/linen clothes. Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum.. Run bath time before bed time to cool them down.
"How to create a cool and safe environment for children in hot weather" by lowering the blinds during the day, using fan, AC. Open the windows at night to get some fresh air in.
Have fun playing with water and enjoy picnics in the park!
And yes you can have ice-cream!