We know this isn’t your typical Irish weather... and if you’re anything like us, you're wondering how to keep your little one cool and content in this heat. ☀️
From sunny garden play to sticky bedtimes, we've rounded up our favourite parent-tested hacks to help baby cope in the heatwave — safely and happily.
🌿 1. Cool Play Hack: Nappy-Free Time (with a twist!)
Letting your baby enjoy some nappy-free time helps them cool down and avoid heat rash. To avoid messy clean-ups, lay down a puppy training pad – it’s absorbent, soft, and ideal for catching little accidents. Win-win!
Letting your baby enjoy some nappy-free time helps them cool down and avoid heat rash. To avoid messy clean-ups, lay down a puppy training pad – it’s absorbent, soft, and ideal for catching little accidents. Win-win!
🕶 2. Shade First, Sun Later
Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (11am–3pm). If you’re heading out, stick to shady parks, pop-up UV tents, or use a parasol over the pram. And remember — sun hats with wide brims are your best friend - Dunnes has tons of these if you need one ASAP!
Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (11am–3pm). If you’re heading out, stick to shady parks, pop-up UV tents, or use a parasol over the pram. And remember — sun hats with wide brims are your best friend - Dunnes has tons of these if you need one ASAP!
💦 3. DIY Cooling Pad
Fill a hot water bottle with cold water and pop it in the fridge. Tuck it into baby’s pram or cot (wrapped in a muslin cloth) before heading out or before naps — remove just before placing baby in and put back in the fridge - it’s a lovely way to take the edge off the heat.
Fill a hot water bottle with cold water and pop it in the fridge. Tuck it into baby’s pram or cot (wrapped in a muslin cloth) before heading out or before naps — remove just before placing baby in and put back in the fridge - it’s a lovely way to take the edge off the heat.
😴 4. Sleep Smart
Hot nights can make sleep tricky for babies (and parents!).
Hot nights can make sleep tricky for babies (and parents!).
Here’s how to help:
Dress baby in a single layer — think just a vest or even a nappy.
Use a low tog sleep sack or blanket and perhaps one of baby's cellular blankets instead
Point a fan near (not directly at) baby’s cot with a bowl of ice water in front to help cool the room.
Keep the blinds closed during the day to keep heat out and crack the window slightly.
🚿 5. Lukewarm Baths Before Bed
A quick bath in lukewarm (not cold) water before bed helps bring down baby’s body temperature just enough to promote sleep. Keep it short and sweet with no product to avoid stripping their skin of natural oils — 5 minutes is plenty.
A quick bath in lukewarm (not cold) water before bed helps bring down baby’s body temperature just enough to promote sleep. Keep it short and sweet with no product to avoid stripping their skin of natural oils — 5 minutes is plenty.
🍼 6. Keep Up Fluids
If you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, expect baby to want more feeds. That’s totally normal. You can offer small, frequent feeds to keep them hydrated and happy.
If you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, expect baby to want more feeds. That’s totally normal. You can offer small, frequent feeds to keep them hydrated and happy.
☁️ 7. Take It Easy
Lower your expectations and slow things down. Skip the big outings, skip the housework, soak a muslin cloth in cool water for wipes on-the-go, and lean into calm, shady moments together. You're doing great and both this stage in life and this weather don't last long! 💛
Lower your expectations and slow things down. Skip the big outings, skip the housework, soak a muslin cloth in cool water for wipes on-the-go, and lean into calm, shady moments together. You're doing great and both this stage in life and this weather don't last long! 💛
Phew, that's alot but take what you will from it.
We’re right here if you have any questions - I rode out the heat wave of 2017 with a newborn so I've a few more tips up my sleeve!
If you try any of these tips, let us know over on Instagram — we love seeing your real-life parenting wins!
