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HOW TO DEAL WITH BABIES AND KIDS IN HOT WEATHER

My number one panic on holiday has to be my baby or toddler getting overheated. Will they get sunstroke? Or sunburnt? Will they get dehydrated? Maybe they will shrivel up into a dried prune? “OMG, look there is a bit of sun on her head! Quick, quick get in the shade”. My husband looks at me like I’m a madwoman and is forever telling me to calm down.

The panic is real! I am from Ireland and my husband is from New Zealand. Two completely different climates, and for that reason one significantly more relaxed parent than the other. I have learnt to chill out a lot since first becoming a mother. Second child syndrome and all that. As a family travel blogger, I consistently get asked how to deal with babies and kids in hot climates.

Can you believe my kids have never got burnt in a hot place? We have had one incident of little burnt cheeks on our baby. I couldn’t believe it happened in freezing cold Cusco of Peru. It was the high altitude on a sunny but freezing day. We have never had any other issues with the sun, so I’ve learnt despite being out and about in extremely hot weather, it’s the places to least expect it.

Having been on the road for nearly nine months now, I’ve definitely calmed down a lot. We’ve been in 30+ degree Celsius weather for some time, so I guess Ive got use to it. Here are my tips and knowledge on dealing with little ones in hot weather.

HOW TO DEAL WITH BABIES AND KIDS IN HOT CLIMATES

WHAT TO BRING

As parents, we feel we have to be doing something, right?  We have a few trusted items we take everywhere with us for our two kids. Here is a helpful acronym to remember the four most important things:  KISS ~ Keep cool-  Insect repellent –Sun protection –Sipping drinks.

STROLLER FAN

Portable Stroller Fan, Use As Power Bank, 65H 12000mAh Battery Operated Fan Flexible Tripod…
  • INCREDIBLE 65-HOUR BATTERY LIFE, USB RECHARGEABLE FAN: Our battery powered fan built-in 12000mAh…
  • USE AS BACKUP POWER BANK, POWERFUL&PRACTICAL: Are you worry that your phone is going to run out of power…
  • IMPROVED COOL AIRFLOW, MIGHTY YET QUIET BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Small but sturdy, this small portable baby fan…

We ordered a stroller fan when Quinn was born. It was a seriously hot summer in the UK and we had it clipped near his Moses basket at nap time, or on the stroller when we were out and about. Although its called a stroller fan, we use it everywhere.

Sometimes its clipped to the table at dinner, or just holding it next to our faces when we are feeling really hot. Its been so good to have with us. Word of warning if you have two kids, its best to get one each. We’ve had some sibling rivalry over our one. Available on Amazon here.

Sale
Reusable Hot and Cold Gel Soft Ice Packs – 4 Pack Large Gel Ice Pack – Hot and Cold Therapy…
  • Versatile Pain Relief: Our Reusable Hot/Cold Gel Ice Pack provides soothing relief for injuries and pain….
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  • Large & Portable: Our 10″ x 6″ Reusable Hot/Cold Gel Ice Pack offers a spacious size for effective…

BABY CARRIER COOLER PACK

With the type of travelling we do, we can’t afford not to baby wear. Although our body heat together can be quite intense, we have found a way to keep baby a little bit cooler. We originally had the Mountain Buggy Juno carrier.

One of the accessories is the carrier gel cooler pack. We keep it in the fridge or freezer, and pop it in the pocket of the carrier when we go out. We have found it can be used in any carrier that has a pocket. Available on the Mountain Buggy website here.

SUN CREAM 

Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 Broad Spectrum – Body Sun Spray for Sensitive Skin…
  • A sheer & lightweight SPF 50 sunblock for delicate skin. Water resistant and perfect for babies, kids and…
  • Developed with non-nano zinc to provide 80 minutes of water and sweat resistant coverage. Fragrance free.
  • A sheer & lightweight SPF 50 sunblock for delicate skin. Water resistant and perfect for babies, kids and…

I quite often get asked what sun cream we use. To be honest, it’s mostly a hybrid approach depending on the situation. I really like to use an aerosol cream because its fast to apply. My son is so wriggly, that I have to be quick with applying. I quite often buy SPF 50Ambre Soliare  ****. Although it’s not hand luggage friendly, we sometimes use Mustella in a smaller size.

When you are choosing a sun screen, its important to know it protects agains both UVA (long waves) and UVB (short waves). The scientific knowledge about the sun and the damage it can cause is constantly changing.

However one evolving theory is sun cream needs to protect against both forms of ultraviolet waves. As parents, I think we are often quick to jump to buying factor 50.

Did you know that SPF (sun protection factor) is about the time it would take to burn the skin rather than the protection it offers? So for example, if you are using factor 30 on your skin, it would in theory take 30 times as long for your skin to burn than without the cream.

HOW TO DEAL WITH BABIES AND KIDS IN HOT CLIMATES

It is infact a star rating system that is used to measure UVA protection. It’s a one to five system. One is the least amount of protection, whereas five is considered the highest. If you are not aware of this, you could in theory, buy SPF 50 sun cream with a one star rating. Its important sun cream is right, SPF as well as star rating for maximum all round protection.

INSECT REPELLENT

I might be a little bit obsessed with insect repellents. Thats probably because I get seriously nailed by mosquitos. Did you read a recent article of mine about a new approach to preventing mosquito bites? I have been on the search for a solution for years because it is a really bad situation for me usually.

Despite lathering up, I always get a couple of bites somewhere. That was until I found the Incognito range. It’s not just a repellent spray. They also have a really nice hair and body wash, soap, moisturiser and sun cream. The idea is to weave the repellent into ever day products so that it leaves little room for unprotected skin.

KICKOUTOR Mosquito Repellent Spray for Body Skin 4 Fl Oz Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil Insect…
  • LONG LASTING PROTECTION – Lemon eucalyptus oil mosquito repellent spray protects you and your family…
  • STAY VIRUS RISKS AWAY – DEET free organic insect repellent spray can create a barrier against insects and…
  • FRESH SCENT & NON GREASY – KICKOUTOR bug repellent pump spray travel size leaves you with a cool,…

We have been using the products for a few months now, and I’m happy to report we have had little or no bites as a family. They come in a handy travel size and the products are all natural, as well as safe for babies from four months old. They have proven effective against zika, malaria and dengue.

HOW TO DEAL WITH BABIES AND KIDS IN HOT CLIMATES

COLD DRINKS

If you have read my articles before you will know, I’m quite keen not to use plastic when it’s not needed. We always take a stainless bottle with us, for ourselves, and the kids. You’d be surprised at how many filling stations there are around the place nowadays.

Not to mention, I am noticing so many establishments offering refills. The stainless works a treat at keeping water at a pleasant temperature for hot weather. Offering sips more often is an obvious thing and keeping an eye on the nappy and trips to the toilet. If the urine is a little more smelly or dark, they may need more fluid.
HOW TO DEAL WITH BABIES AND KIDS IN HOT CLIMATES

HYDRATION

Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder Packs Are a Convenient & Portable Way to Quickly Replenish Lost…
  • Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder Sticks help prevent dehydration by replenishing fluids and electrolytes
  • Conenient for on-the-go powder packs; just add water
  • Variety pack includes 2 strawberry, 2 fruit punch, 2 grape, and 2 apple, for kids and adults

If you are at all worried about dehydration being an issue, it may be an idea to give little ones an electrolyte top up. We’ve only ever used them once when Esme wasn’t drinking enough water throughout the day and we felt she was dehydrated from the heat. She drank the solution well and it was piece of mind for us that it was replacing any lost electrolytes.

SUN HAT 

Our little girl use to wear a sun hat all of the time without any issues. It’s a totally different story with our son. We have lost at least ten hats from him chucking them off as soon as he can. Having adjustable draw strings are a good idea for the cheeky little ones that throw them away. I love this one that comes in a variety of different colours and sizes. It also has a UPF 50.

Aenmt Kids Sun Hats UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hat for Kids with Neck Flap Adjustable Large Brim…
  • 【Lightweight and Breathable Fabric】: Aenmt kids sun hat is made of 100% nylon quick-drying…
  • 【Sun Protection Mesh Design】:52-56cm/20.5″-22″,suitable for most children aged 3-12 years,Mesh design…
  • 【Sun Protection Effect】This kids sun hat Wide brim mesh design UPF 50+ protection blocks 98% of UV…

SUNGLASSES  

Sunglasses are another tough one with babies. They either love them or hate them, and it’s usually the latter. If you are lucky enough to have a little one that loves styling it out with shades, make sure to get ones that have UV protection. A little similar to sun cream, category three provides a good level of UV protection. The system is from zero to three.

NACUWA Baby Sunglasses – 100% UV Proof Sunglasses for Baby, Toddler, Kids – Ages 0-2 Years -…
  • PROVIDE 100% EYE PROTECTION FOR YOUR BABY – Superior UV protection, featuring UV400 technology, protect…
  • SOFT AND UNBREAKABLE FRAME – The flexible and soft frame offers maximum comfort, absolute safe for your…
  • ADJUSTABLE AND REMOVABLE STRAP helps to sit securely and comfortably on your little heads.
HOW TO DEAL WITH BABIES AND KIDS IN HOT CLIMATES

SWIMMERS

I don’t usually buy UV protected clothing. I’m ordinarily happy with just the suncream. That said, Im thinking of very pale skin or really extreme temperatures, like the Middle East.

I remember being in Dubai and despite wearing factor 50, I was very burnt. In those circumstances, I would use UV protected clothing. I love these pretty ones that can be used interchangeably for a rash vest when bodysurfing as well.

TFJH E Girls Long Sleeve Swimsuits 2-Pieces Sun Protection Clothes UV 50+ Beachwear Girl Pink…
  • Girl Rash Guard Swimwear : Sets include :1pcs long Sleeve Swim Shirt + 1 pcs 5” Pants ,Recommended hand…
  • Swimsuit for Girls Feature :4-way high quality stretch fabrics, lightweight, breathable and quick drying…
  • Rashguard Swimsuit for Girls: Rated UPF 50+ … Blocking more than 97% of the sun’s harmful UV radiation….

OTHER TIPS

  • I guess the big thing I have learnt is, it’s ok for kids to be in the sun for a little while! I always made every effort to keep every damn bit of light off my first child, but that really wasn’t necessary.
  • Previously when we have been in very hot climates and want to do some site seeing, we get up super early and get it all done by 10am. The early morning temperatures make it more bearable for everyone.
  • We always try to ensure we have access to either a swimming pool or the ocean so we can cool down.
  • Something we often overlook and forget to check for AC. Make sure your accommodation has AC.

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Disclaimer: This post how to deal with babies and kids in hot climates has affiliate links. Some of our stay was complimentary in return for an honest review. As always all views expressed are entirely my own.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Motherof4Girls

Saturday 1st of June 2019

I have several old bandana's that I soak in cold water, and tie around my kids wrists or ankles (wring out the excessive drips), and we wear these out and about to keep it cool. I wear mine on my neck, but some might feel that is a choking hazard for kids. I've seen similar styled ones developed for military personnel but with an 8hr ice pack insert to wrap around their neck. Super smart! I wish I could find this item again! Sleeping at night, if tis hot, a fan is a must (10% cooler on your body!) with babies, I usually put them in their disposable diapers (cloths are so much more heat!), a short sleeve onesie or nothing (I hate trying to comfort a sticky hot baby with no shirt). Than they sleep with a cool wet receiving muslin cloth (blanket). The worst is when they are almost panting in their sleep. Gosh, soo hot. A cool bath in the night if they wake and won't settle (with Mom of course, for wee ones), is bliss. Sleeping on the floor instead of a raised bed is also helpful. Keeping our house cool by sun shades, drawn curtains (blackout), doors/windows closed during the day (if comfortable), and open at night, house fans on non stop, cooking outside (BBQ) or not cooking, are all great ways to keep the house from cooking with us in it! :)

Travel Mad Mum

Tuesday 11th of June 2019

These are some great tips! Thanks xx

Valerie

Monday 20th of May 2019

❤ the advice for mosquito bites. Will use it this summer thank you

Travel Mad Mum

Tuesday 11th of June 2019

So happy to hear that! xx

Valerie

Monday 20th of May 2019

❤ the advice for mosquito bites will use it this summer thank you.

Dana Scully

Sunday 6th of May 2018

Any tips please on what to dress baby in to go to sleep at night in hot weather?

Anna

Sunday 6th of May 2018

I wanted to share my sun protection tips on Instagram today, and would like to add your article as suggestion to read since you have much more tips that I haven’t used but others might want to. Is it ok for you if I link your Instagram and this blog? I am aaa_on_travel on Instagram and am your longtime follower :-)))