Keep Your Little One Cool This Summer!

April in India can be brutally hot, and little bodies heat up much faster than adults. Children under 5 are especially vulnerable to dehydration and heat exhaustion — and they often cannot tell you when they are thirsty. So it is your job as a parent to stay one step ahead!

For babies under 6 months, breast milk or formula is all they need. Do not give water at this stage — it can actually dilute essential nutrients. Feed more frequently during hot days, as babies sweat and lose fluids faster. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you yourself are drinking enough water.

For babies 6 months and older, offer small sips of plain, clean water between meals. You can also offer cooling foods like diluted coconut water (after 1 year), thin dal water, or homemade buttermilk (chaas) without salt for toddlers over 1 year. Avoid packaged juices and cold drinks — they are full of sugar and do not truly hydrate.

Watch for warning signs of dehydration: dry lips, sunken eyes, no tears when crying, fewer wet diapers than usual, or unusual crankiness. If you notice these, contact your pediatrician immediately.

Dress your child in light, loose cotton clothes. Keep them indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM. Use a cool damp cloth on their forehead and neck during hot afternoons. A well-hydrated, comfortable child is a happy child — and a happy child means a calmer parent too!

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