Gabriel's first summer taught me one thing: babies are very poor at regulating their temperature. Where an adult sweats to cool down, a newborn or infant does not yet have this mechanism fully developed. Heat can become dangerous much faster than one might think.
Here's what we put in place, and what really worked.
1. Monitor room temperature
The ideal temperature for a baby's sleep is between 18 and 20°C. In summer, achieving this figure without air conditioning can be a challenge. The trick: ventilate early in the morning (before 9 am) and in the evening (after 9 pm), close shutters and curtains during the day. A thermometer in the room becomes essential — not to stress, but to know where you stand.
2. Dress baby lightly
In hot weather, a diaper and a light cotton bodysuit are often enough. No thick pajamas, no warm sleeping bag. If the night is cool, a 0.5 TOG sleeping bag (designed for summer) is a good compromise.
3. Hydrate regularly
Before 6 months and exclusive breastfeeding: more frequent feedings are enough to hydrate baby.
No need to add water. After 6 months, you can offer small amounts of water
between meals.
Signs of dehydration to watch for: sunken fontanel, dark circles under eyes, fewer
wet diapers than usual, crying without tears. When in doubt, consult a doctor.
4. Never leave baby in a parked car
Even "just five minutes". The temperature in a vehicle parked in the sun can
reach 60°C in less than 20 minutes. This is a life-threatening emergency — not a precaution
among others.
5. Protect from the sun without cream before 6 months
Before 6 months, baby's skin is too sensitive for sunscreen. Protection means
shade, light covering clothing (UPF 50+), and a wide-brimmed hat. After 6 months, a high-protection mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+) can be applied to exposed areas.
6. Lukewarm baths as a thermal regulator
A lukewarm bath (not cold — the temperature difference would be too abrupt) in the late afternoon helps to lower baby's body temperature and promotes sleep. No more than 37°C, no more than 10 minutes.
7. Avoid outings during the hottest hours
Between 12 pm and 4 pm in mid-summer, stay indoors if possible. Walks early in the morning or in the evening are much more pleasant for everyone — baby included.
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