Keep Your Little One Cool This May!

May in India can be brutal — temperatures soaring above 40°C in many cities. Young children, especially those under 5, lose water much faster than adults and cannot always tell you they are thirsty. As a parent, staying one step ahead of dehydration is one of the most important things you can do right now.

For babies under 6 months, breast milk or formula is enough — do NOT give water separately. It provides all the hydration they need. For babies 6 months and older, you can offer small sips of cooled boiled water between feeds. Toddlers aged 1–5 should drink at least 4–6 glasses of fluids through the day — not just water, but also homemade drinks like aam panna, chaas (buttermilk), coconut water, and thin dal water. These are cooling, nutritious, and loved by little ones.

Watch for these dehydration warning signs: dry lips, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, fewer wet diapers than usual, or unusual crankiness. If you notice any of these, offer fluids immediately and contact your doctor if symptoms persist.

Dos: Dress children in loose, light cotton clothes. Keep them indoors between 11am–4pm. Offer fluids every 30–45 minutes even if they don't ask. Include water-rich fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, and cucumber in their diet.

Don'ts: Avoid cold drinks, packaged juices, or sugary sodas. Never leave your child in a parked car even for a minute. Skip outdoor play during peak afternoon heat. Trust your instincts — you know your child best, and a well-hydrated child is a happy, active child!

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