I’m a parenting whizz – 5 tricks on keeping your kids cool in the summer including how to make their room pitch black
FROM playing in the paddling pool to enjoying an al fresco dinner or barbecue, it’s all fun and games during a heatwave – until it comes to bedtime.
For little ones especially, the sweltering temperatures can wreak havoc on their sleep, which can make for some especially exhausting nights for parents too.
Thankfully there are plenty of ways to try and keep them cool and calm, to hopefully ensure you can also get some much needed kip.
Parenting expert and mum-of-four Catherine Wasley says: “Parents know that a restless night for their child will most probably result in tiredness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating the next day for everyone, so it can be quite stressful to come up with ways to combat the heat at night time.
“This is particularly challenging with young children who may not be able to express their discomfort adequately and it’s hard as a parent to work out which solution they prefer, so it becomes a case of trial and error.”
Here, Catherine and holistic infant sleep consultant Hannah Clapham shares their top tips for a ‘chilled’ eve…
Shut the heat out
There’s always the temptation to open the windows during the day when it’s hot, but actually if it’s sweltering hot outside and there’s not much of a breeze, you could just be letting the heat in.
It’s therefore sometimes best to wait until the hottest part of the day – from noon until mid afternoon – has passed before opening them.
Catherine says: “Keep the windows shut during the day to keep hot air out.
“Keep the curtains shut too, to keep direct sunlight out.
“If you have one, make sure you open the attic or loft window at night time though.
“The hot air rises, and the last thing you want is for it to be trapped in the house.”
Hannah adds: “Open the windows from about 11pm to 3am to let the cool come in but then close everything as the sun can come up as early as 4am.”
Hot water bottle hack
Little ones are bound to get hot and bothered during the day, especially if they’ve been running round in the garden.
So it’s good to reset in the evening, with a refreshing wash.
Catherine says: “I recommend a cool bath or shower before bed, to reduce body temperature.
“If they’ll let you, applying a cold, damp flannel on their forehead can also help to lower their body temperature.
“You can also fill a hot water bottle with crushed ice and cold water to take to bed.”
Feel the breeze
If there’s no movement in the air, that can also make a room feel stuffy and add to the ‘hot and bothered’ feeling.
Catherine says: “Make sure there’s a fan in their room to circulate air, and switch it on before bedtime.
“You can also pop a frozen water bottle in front of it, to cool the air down further.”
However, if your little one is still tiny, Hannah says: “Never sleep with a fan pointed directly at a baby as they don’t have temperature regulation abilities like we do.
“An oscillating fan in the room is fine though – just not pointed at the baby!”
Stay refreshed
It’s also important your kids stay especially hydrated.
Catherine says: “A bottle of cold water by the side of bed to stay hydrated during the night is a good idea.
“Even better if it was frozen beforehand.
“Also, if old enough, encourage them to suck ice cubes during their bedtime story.
“Running cold water over the wrists for a short time before bedtime can also help if they’re hot and bothered.”
Hannah adds: “You can also try giving your baby breastmilk ice-lollies if you’re breastfeeding.”
Pay attention to materials
Finally, assess the materials around your child, and be mindful of what they’re sleeping in, too.
Catherine says: “If you have a waterproof mattress cover this can cause more sweating, so consider removing on particularly hot nights if possible.
“Also make sure your little ones are wearing cotton pyjamas where possible, to prevent and absorb sweat.”
As with all parenting tips, please do ensure they’re age-appropriate for your child before trying, and always ask a professional if unsure.