Staying hydrated in the heat – tips for you and your child

Many of us look forward to summer, but when we have really hot weather it can be hard to know how to make sure our children are having enough to drink. You might feel worried that your baby or child will get dehydrated, and wonder what you need to look out for on a hot day.

We have a few tips for keeping hydrated when the weather is hot, and advice about when you should seek medical advice.

Babies aged 0 – 6 months

If you breastfeed, your baby might request more frequent, shorter feeds.

If your baby is breastfed, they don’t need water to drink – just let them feed when they want to.

If you are bottle-feeding, you may want to feed smaller amounts more often, or if your baby has had all their usual milk feeds you can offer them a little cooled, boiled water. Don't offer unboiled tap water, or bottled water, to young babies.

Babies aged 6 – 12 months

Offer some additional water to drink, although milk should still be their main drink. If you are breastfeeding, your baby might want some extra feeds.

From 12 months

Water or milk should still be your baby’s main drinks. They might also like lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice (only give fruit juice lollies at mealtimes to protect your baby’s teeth).

Fruit and salad can help to keep fluid levels up. The NHS advice is that undiluted fruit juice and smoothies should not be given to children under five, as they cause tooth decay.

You

Don’t forget to make sure you stay hydrated too – when it is hot, drink more than you would normally.

If you are breastfeeding, having a drink each time you feed your baby could be a good way to make sure you are drinking plenty – remember to be very cautious with hot drinks when you are feeding.

Eat plenty of fruit and salad, as these foods are high in fluids and can help you to stay hydrated. Try a fruit juice lolly or a smoothie if you fancy something different.

Remember time in the heat and alcohol can make you become dehydrated more easily. So, keep cool and seek shade when you can, and if you have an alcoholic drink, perhaps have some water too.

How do I know if my child is, or I am, dehydrated?

If you are dehydrated, you or your child might:

• Feel thirsty
• Have dark yellow and strong-smelling urine
• Feel tired – your child might feel tired when it has been hot because it can be harder to sleep but if you are concerned speak to a health professional
• Have a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Wee fewer than four times a day – check your baby’s nappy is wet when you change them

When to seek help for your baby or child

You know your child best; if you are concerned that your baby or child is dehydrated, speak to a health professional for more advice.

The NHS suggests taking your baby or child urgently to Accident and Emergency or a GP if they:

• seem drowsy
• are breathing quickly
• have few or no tears when they cry
• have a soft spot on their head that sinks inwards (sunken fontanelle)
• have a dry mouth
• have dark yellow pee or have not had a pee in last 12 hours
• have cold and blotchy-looking hands and feet

Information from:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/