Keep Your Little One Cool This May!

May in India is one of the hottest months of the year, and little bodies heat up much faster than ours. Babies and toddlers are at higher risk of dehydration because they cannot tell you when they are thirsty. As a parent, you need to stay one step ahead.

For babies under 6 months, breast milk or formula is all they need — do not give water separately. Breast milk naturally adjusts to become more watery in summer, so feed more frequently, every 1.5 to 2 hours if needed. For babies above 6 months and toddlers, offer small sips of water regularly throughout the day — do not wait for them to ask.

Natural hydrating foods are your best friends this season. Offer diluted coconut water (after 1 year), mashed cucumber, watermelon pieces, buttermilk (chaas) thinned with water, and homemade fruit popsicles. Avoid packaged juices, aerated drinks, and too much sugar. Cool dal water and rice kanji are wonderful traditional options that also give nutrition.

Watch for warning signs of dehydration: dry lips, no tears when crying, fewer wet diapers (less than 4 in 24 hours), sunken eyes, or unusual sleepiness. If you notice any of these, contact your doctor immediately.

Always dress your child in loose, light-colored cotton clothes, keep the room ventilated, and avoid going out between 11 AM and 4 PM. A cool, calm baby is a happy baby — and a relaxed parent makes all the difference!

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