An infant does not regulate their temperature like an adult. They sweat less efficiently and cannot undress themselves or ask for a drink. Vigilance rests entirely with the parents.
Why babies are more vulnerable
Their body surface area is large relative to their weight. They therefore absorb heat more quickly.
Their water reserves are proportionally lower. Dehydration can develop in just a few hours.
Signs to watch for
- Skin that is hot, red, or, conversely, unusually pale.
- Diapers that are noticeably less wet than usual.
- Unusual drowsiness or marked irritability.
- Repeated refusal to drink.
- A sunken fontanelle.
If you notice these signs, contact a healthcare professional. Do not try to assess the severity on your own.
Hydration: guidelines
Before six months, milk meets their needs. Simply offer the breast or bottle more often.
After starting solid foods, water can be offered regularly in small amounts. Our article on ANSES guidelines explains the general framework.
Dress lightly, but keep them dressed
A fine cotton vest and a diaper are often enough indoors. Leaving the body bare is not the best option in direct sunlight.
Cotton and linen allow air to circulate. Synthetic fabrics retain heat and moisture.
Sleeping in hot weather
A very lightweight summer sleep sack, without a sheet or blanket, remains preferable. Safe-sleep recommendations do not change with the temperature.
We explain them in detail in our article on safe infant sleep.
Cool your home without expensive equipment
Close shutters and windows in the morning. Open everything wide again when the outdoor temperature drops below the indoor temperature.
A fan should never blow directly onto an infant. Point it toward a wall to circulate the air.
Choosing the right room
Set up the play area in the coolest room, often one facing north. A foldable, movable play mat makes this change easier.
Our foldable play mats can be carried from one room to another in just a few seconds. The floor also remains the coolest place in the home.
Bathing: a simple way to help
A lukewarm bath, never a cold one, gently lowers body temperature. Cold water causes counterproductive vasoconstriction.
Two or three short baths a day are acceptable during a heatwave. Our foldable freestanding bathtub lets you give them one after another without the effort of carrying them.
Constant supervision is still essential, even for a cooling bath. See our drowning-prevention guidelines.
Going out and traveling
Avoid the hours between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Choose early morning or late afternoon instead.
Never cover a stroller with a thick muslin cloth: this creates an oven effect. Choose a sunshade that allows air to circulate.
In a car, never leave a child alone, even for a minute. Our article on traveling with a baby adds to these points.
Key points
- Offer drinks more often, without waiting for the child to ask.
- Dress them in lightweight cotton, without leaving their skin exposed to the sun.
- Keep the home closed during the day and ventilate it at night.
- Use lukewarm baths, never cold ones, with constant supervision.
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