Keep Your Little One Cool This Summer

April in India means scorching afternoons, power cuts, and little ones who lose fluids faster than we realise. Babies and toddlers cannot tell you they are thirsty — by the time they seem cranky or dull, they may already be mildly dehydrated. Watch for early signs: fewer wet diapers (less than 4–5 in 24 hours), a dry mouth, or darker yellow urine.

For babies under 6 months, breast milk or formula is all they need — do not give plain water, as it can upset their electrolyte balance. If you are breastfeeding, nurse more frequently in the heat, even every 1.5 to 2 hours. Your milk naturally adjusts to quench their thirst.

For toddlers aged 1–5, offer small sips of water every 30–40 minutes rather than waiting for them to ask. Hydrating Indian foods are your best friends — thin dal, coconut water (after 1 year), cucumber sticks, watermelon cubes, chilled buttermilk (chaas with a pinch of jeera), and homemade aam panna are excellent choices. Avoid packaged juices and fizzy drinks — they have too much sugar and very little nutrition.

Dress your child in loose, light-coloured cotton clothes and limit outdoor play to before 9 AM or after 5 PM. Never leave a child in a parked car even for a minute. Keep a water bottle visible and within reach — children drink more when they can see it. You are doing a wonderful job protecting your little one through this tough season — stay cool together! 🌿

Plus growth tracking, vaccine reminders, AI guidance & more.