DRESSING UP OR BARE FACTS?
No matter how hot it is, young children should not be allowed to crawl around completely naked. Ideal protection is provided by loose-fitting cotton clothing or UV-protective clothing that covers the body, including arms and legs. Hats with sun-protective neck flaps also help protect the head – for the eyes, sunglasses with the "UV 400" label are suitable.
However, babies' bottoms can sometimes be given a little "diaper-free freedom": on hot days, in the afternoon, the sun is less scorching, while the air is still warm. This period is suitable for the baby to move around without a diaper. This is very beneficial for body awareness; feeling the air and temperature contributes to the baby's development. It is also good for the skin in the diaper area.
FEEL, PLAY IN MUD, EXPERIENCE
Warm weather is an excellent opportunity to develop motor skills and gain new sensory experiences. For crawling or toddling children, playing barefoot and feeling the grass or sand under their feet is a wonderful sensation.
A nice activity that can be done in the shade is playing with water: it is enough to pour water from a watering can onto a towel to create small puddles. When a few seashells or twigs are added, the baby can explore new shapes with their hands.
While the sun and wind gently tickle the baby's skin, they can also watch colorful butterflies and insects. All these provide new sensory experiences and support the development of young children.
PERFECT SNACKS
Amidst so many experiences and activities, small refreshing snacks should certainly not be missing. If the baby is still breastfed, no extra fluids are needed.
For older children who sweat in the heat, plain water is suitable as a drink. As a light snack, small seedless watermelon pieces or fruit puree can be preferred; these quickly re-establish the children's fluid balance.
The question, "Can my child eat ice cream?" is also important. As a general rule: a child who is at least ten months old, has started complementary feeding, and tolerates milk well can occasionally lick ice cream. An important point is to prefer packaged ice cream instead of open-air ice cream to prevent the risk of salmonella.
Those who wish can also prepare a child-friendly ice cream at home: slightly thawed cold or frozen fruits can be blended with yogurt to create a refreshing snack.
SUNSCREEN IS MANDATORY!
Even in the shade, approximately 50% of the sun's rays reach us. Therefore, even when wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen is absolutely mandatory.
Especially areas like the face, ears, neck, hands, and feet should be generously covered with sun protection products specifically designed for sensitive baby skin. For example, sensitive face cream products with SPF 50+ can be used.
To maintain protection, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours. It is also crucial to use a sufficient amount of sunscreen to ensure full protection. When choosing a product, attention should also be paid to it being fragrance-free and water-resistant.
If slight redness occurs on the baby's skin despite all precautions, immediate action should be taken, and the child should be moved indoors. To soothe the sensitive skin, applying pure aloe vera gel to the affected areas is recommended. This calms the baby's skin and also moisturizes it.
HOT NIGHTS: GOOD SLEEP DESPITE HOT WEATHER
Hot nights can be as tiring for babies as they are for adults. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the windows closed in the children's room during the day and, if possible, to lower the blinds.
The best times to ventilate the room are early mornings and cool evenings. When the air is oppressive, parents can also use a fan. However, it should be turned off before the baby is put to bed; the baby should never sleep directly in a draft.
Furthermore, unnecessary blankets and soft bumpers (nestchen) should be removed from the bed; this improves air circulation and increases safety. For sleep, usually only a diaper, a thin bodysuit, and a summer sleeping bag are sufficient.
Before going to bed themselves, parents should check again whether the baby is too cold or too hot.