Summer is often synonymous with holidays, walks, picnics, and long sunny days. But when temperatures rise, toddlers are particularly sensitive to the heat.
Their bodies dehydrate more quickly than those of adults. It is therefore essential to adopt some good habits to help them stay well hydrated throughout the day.
How can you tell if your baby is drinking enough? What foods should you prioritize? What are the warning signs?
Let's take stock of the situation together.
Why is the baby more sensitive to heat?
Babies regulate their body temperature less well than adults.
They sweat more, lose water more quickly and sometimes have difficulty expressing their feeling of thirst.
That's why they can dehydrate more quickly, especially on very hot days.
In summer, it is therefore important to pay particular attention to their hydration, even if they seem to be doing perfectly well.
What are the signs of dehydration?
Mild dehydration can quickly progress if left untreated.
Pay attention if your baby shows several of the following signs:
💧 Dry mouth and tongue
💧 diapers less wet than usual
💧 dark urine
💧 extreme fatigue or unusual drowsiness
💧 hollow eyes
💧 crying with few or no tears
💧 intense thirst
💧 weight loss
💧 skin that lacks elasticity
If in doubt, or if your baby seems very tired, refuses to drink, or has several of these symptoms, consult your doctor promptly.
Milk remains the primary source of hydration
Before the age of one, breast milk or infant formula remains the main source of hydration for a baby.
Composed of more than 85% water, it naturally covers a large part of its needs.
Don't hesitate to offer breastfeeding or bottle-feeding more frequently during periods of high heat if your baby shows signs of needing it.
Water complements this hydration from the very beginning of food diversification.
It is offered during meals, but never as a substitute for milk.
To better understand the role of milk during weaning, also check out our article Breast milk or infant milk and BLW.
Fruits and vegetables rich in water are valuable allies
Nature often does things well.
In summer, seasonal fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in water.
You can, in particular, suggest:
🍉 the watermelon
🍈 the melon
🥒 the cucumber
🍅 the tomato
🍓 strawberries
🍑 peaches
These foods provide water while introducing new flavors to the baby.
Just make sure to always offer them in a format suitable for their age.
Find our advice in How to present fruit to baby? as well as Fruits and vegetables of the month.
What if the baby eats less when it's hot?
This is a very common situation.
When temperatures rise, many babies naturally have less appetite.
They sometimes prefer lighter meals, fruit, or fresher foods.
Rest assured, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
The key is to continue offering them drinks regularly and to respect their appetite.
You can also consult our article Baby eats less: normal or worrying?
How can I help my baby cope better with the heat?
In addition to proper hydration, a few simple actions can make the days more pleasant.
✔️ Dress baby in light clothing.
✔️ Opt for outings early in the morning or at the end of the day.
✔️ Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
✔️ Install a parasol on the stroller rather than a swaddle which prevents air from circulating.
✔️ Offer several lukewarm baths throughout the day.
✔️ Regularly refresh your face, neck and arms with a damp cloth.
Is it okay to offer ice cream to a baby?
Homemade fruit-based ice cream can be a great way to introduce new flavors while providing a bit of freshness.
On the other hand, commercially produced ice creams are often very high in added sugars.
Find all our advice in our article "Can you give ice cream to a baby?".
the most frequent mistakes
❌ Wait until baby asks for a drink.
❌ Thinking that ice cream replaces water.
❌ Cover the stroller with a muslin cloth.
❌ Go out during the hottest hours.
❌ Forgetting to offer water regularly during meals.
In summary
In summer, babies are more sensitive to high temperatures and can become dehydrated quickly.
Milk remains its main source of hydration, supplemented by water and water-rich fruits and vegetables when diversification is started.
By paying attention to your child's needs and adopting a few simple practices, you can serenely enjoy the beautiful days with your family.
