Keep Your Little One Cool This May!

May is one of the hottest months across most of India, and little bodies heat up much faster than adults. Babies and toddlers under 5 are especially prone to dehydration, heat rash, and heat exhaustion — and the tricky part is they cannot always tell you they are thirsty. So it falls on us as parents to stay one step ahead.

For babies under 6 months, breast milk or formula is all they need — do not give water separately, as their kidneys are not ready for it. If you are breastfeeding, nurse more frequently during hot days. Your baby will naturally feed longer to stay hydrated. For formula-fed babies, ensure feeds are on time and never skip them.

For toddlers and children between 1 and 5 years, offer water every 30–45 minutes even if they do not ask. You can also give homemade drinks like nimbu paani (with a tiny pinch of salt and sugar), coconut water, thin chaas (buttermilk), or diluted fresh fruit juice. Avoid packaged juices, cold drinks, and sugary squashes — they do more harm than good in this heat.

Watch for warning signs of dehydration: dry lips, fewer wet diapers or trips to the toilet, sunken eyes, unusual crankiness, or no tears when crying. If you notice these signs, consult your pediatrician promptly. Do not wait.

Practical tip: dress your child in loose, light-coloured cotton clothes, avoid outdoor play between 11 AM and 4 PM, and keep the room well-ventilated. A cool, hydrated child is a happy child — and a relaxed parent too!

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