Making Parenting Easier
Babies should be kept in a cool, shady place. If they need to be outside on a very hot day, cover their pram or pushchair with a damp towel or buggy accessories, such as the Mima Parasol.
Prickly heat is a rash of tiny little red pin-head spots, with tiny blisters.
It is common in hot weather on parts of the skin that stay moist, such as in the nappy area or under the chin.
Creams such as zinc and cod-liver oil creams, or zinc and castor oil creams will protect the skin. The same creams that are used for protecting the nappy area can be used under the chin and on other areas that are prone to prickly heat.
Changing the baby’s clothes more often, and giving tepid baths can also help.
If babies do not get enough to drink, or if they lose a lot of fluid through sweating, diarrhoea or vomiting, they become dehydrated.
Babies show that they are dehydrated by looking unwell; being more floppy or irritable than usual; losing weight; having dry skin and a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on top of their head is lower than usual); by having fewer wet nappies than usual.
If you think your baby may be dehydrated, and is refusing to take liquids, it is important to have the baby checked by a doctor or health worker.
Heat stroke occurs when too much body water is lost and their temperature starts to rise. It can, if severe, cause damage to the body organs and it can be fatal.
Signs of heat stroke in babies, children and adults, include:
If your child has any of these signs, they need urgent treatment. Babies and children who are a little dehydrated may be able to recover with extra drinks. But by the time a child has signs of heat stroke, they will need treatment in a hospital or other health centre.
What to do while you are getting help for your baby:
Cheeky Rascals Limited is a company registered in England & Wales (registered number: 3933118) whose registered office is at Liss Mill, Mill Road, Liss, England, GU33 7BD. VAT number: GB GB689097664. ©2021. All rights reserved.
