Whether it rains or is windy, indoors or outdoors, children need plenty of fluids, but it all depends on their age, sex, weight, activity level and the outside humidity.
Here are some quick tips to keep your baby hydrated during the summer.
From birth to 6 months
If your child is under 6 months, do not give water for now. At this stage, everything your baby needs is breast milk (or infant formula, if you are not breastfeeding).
That’s right, no water, even if it is hot outside. Why?
Water is too hard on your baby’s kidneys. It can also fill them up too much, which means they may drink less milk than they need to grow and develop.
To avoid dehydration, especially during the summer months, dress your baby in breathable fabrics (100% cotton, for example) and avoid blankets.
Keep in your diaper bag a Uriage thermal water to spray on you and the baby to cool down.
Finally, stay in the shade with a parasol or a shaded place to sit.
From 6 to 12 months
Once your baby starts eating solid foods, you can offer a few sips of water from time to time during the day. Remember that breast milk or infant formula will still provide the bulk of your baby’s nutrition. To learn more about feeding your baby and when to start, click here.
Giving your baby small amounts of water between bottles or during meals will help them stay hydrated and avoid constipation.
You should also avoid giving juice to your baby. Instead of fruit juice, offer whole fruit. Not only do the fibres in whole fruit help keep your baby healthy, but many fruits (and vegetables) naturally contain a lot of water, including watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries.
Tip : Pay attention to your baby’s wet diapers. Are there fewer wet diapers or less urine than usual? Is your baby constipated? These signs could mean your baby needs more fluids.
When your baby is sweaty and it is not yet time for a bath, clean their soft skin with Uriage cleansing water. It refreshes and lightly scents the baby instantly.
Toddlers and preschool children
For toddlers and preschool children, water is the drink of choice!
Other drinks, such as sports drinks, fruit juices and sodas, are full of sugar that your child does not need. Rather than offering juices and drinks, favour whole fruit.
Whole fruit contains fibre that helps keep your child healthy, and many fruits naturally contain a lot of water that can help with hydration.
Offer water regularly, especially in hot weather, and let your child drink as much as they want.
Children at this age naturally drink the amount their body needs, so don’t feel you must push them to drink when they don’t want to.
What to do if your child is dehydrated?
Be sure to speak with your child’s doctor if you are worried about dehydration.
In fact, sports drinks and fruit juices can make your child’s symptoms worse (such as diarrhoea), because they do not contain the electrolytes or nutrients your child needs to restore proper hydration.
Treating skin dryness in summer
In hot weather, you may notice dryness problems on your baby’s skin. A baby’s skin is very delicate and tends to dry out easily.
Also, excessive exposure to air conditioning during the summer can remove the elements necessary to keep your baby’s skin hydrated.
Here are some tips to help cool and care for your baby’s skin during the summer:
- Massage your baby’s skin with a baby cream at least two to three times a week. We recommend Uriage Baby moisturising cream, which helps to optimally hydrate a baby’s sensitive skin thanks to Uriage Thermal Water and Glycerin.
A body massage helps regulate blood flow while hydrating and nourishing the skin.
- After the bath, dry your baby's skin with a towel and moisturise it carefully. You can then use the Uriage Bébé moisturising lotion, ideal for hydrating your baby's little body.
- Another very important factor to ensure your baby has healthy skin is to change their diaper several times. This reduces the risk of skin rashes. You can use the wipes and the Uriage bébé diaper cream for complete care.
- Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your baby before going out. You can use the 1st mineral SPF 50+ Uriage Bébé cream, which offers very high protection against UV rays and helps prevent skin dryness. It keeps your baby's skin well moisturised throughout the outing.
- Always ensure the baby stays cool throughout the day. Apply talc to the baby's skin so they always feel fresh.
In conclusion
Remember that it is essential to choose the right products for the newborn. Uriage offers a full range for babies, including sun protection, lotions and much more. Discover the URIAGE baby line by clicking here.
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