An infant does not regulate their temperature the way an adult does. They sweat less effectively and can neither undress nor ask for a drink. Vigilance rests entirely with the parents.
Why babies are more exposed
Their body surface is large relative to their weight. They therefore absorb heat faster.
Their water reserves are proportionally smaller. Dehydration can set in within a few hours.
Signs to watch for
- Skin that is hot and red, or on the contrary unusually pale.
- Nappies noticeably less wet than usual.
- Unusual drowsiness or marked irritability.
- Repeated refusal to drink.
- A sunken fontanelle.
If you see these signs, contact a health professional. Do not try to judge the severity on your own.
Hydration: the reference points
Before six months, milk covers the requirement. Simply offer the breast or bottle more often.
After weaning has started, water can be offered regularly, in small amounts. Our article on the ANSES guidance sets out the general framework.
Dress light, but do dress
A thin cotton vest and a nappy are often enough indoors. A bare body is not the best option in direct sun.
Cotton and linen let air through. Synthetic materials retain heat and moisture.
Sleeping in high heat
A very thin summer sleeping bag, with no sheet or blanket, remains preferable. Safe sleep recommendations do not change with the temperature.
We detail them in our article on safe sleep.
Cooling the home without costly equipment
Close shutters and windows from early morning. Open everything wide again when the outdoor temperature drops below the indoor one.
A fan should never blow directly on an infant. Point it at a wall to move the air around.
Choosing the right room
Set the play space up in the coolest room, often north-facing. A mat that folds and moves makes that change easy.
Our foldable play mats move from room to room in seconds. The floor also remains the coolest place in the home.
The bath, a simple ally
A lukewarm bath, never cold, brings body temperature down gently. Cold water causes counterproductive vasoconstriction.
Two or three short baths a day are acceptable during a heatwave. Our foldable bathtub on a stand makes it possible to repeat them without carrying effort.
Supervision remains total, even for a cooling bath. See our guidance on drowning.
Outings and travel
Avoid the 11am to 5pm window. Favour early morning and the end of the day.
Never cover a pushchair with a thick muslin: it creates an oven effect. Prefer a parasol that lets air circulate.
In the car, never leave a child alone, not even for a minute. Our article on travelling with a baby complements these points.
Key points
- Offer drinks more often, without waiting to be asked.
- Dress light in cotton, without leaving skin exposed to the sun.
- Close the home during the day, air it at night.
- Lukewarm baths, never cold, under constant supervision.
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