Summer is here and the holidays just a hop, skip and a jump away!  With so many balmy carefree days ahead, laying out at the pool or swimming in the sea is pretty much all we want to be doing.  However, as a parent with a tiny baby or toddler, you’re more than likely feeling a little uneasy when it comes to safety around the pool and in the hot weather, in general.

Of course you want your baby or toddler to enjoy swimming with you, whether that’s in the pool or in more open water, such as the sea. Babies can go swimming from 2 or 3 months of age.  Whilst on holiday, a great tip is for you to first visit the pool by yourself and have a look around.  Check whether or not there are change rooms available.  

If you have chosen a public camping site, it’s not likely that they will have water warm enough in the deeper pools.  The toddler pool will be your best choice.  Always go in the pool with your toddler and if possible let your partner accompany you as well.  That way, you can divide up the tasks, keeping an eye on safety and also take some amazing photos.  Bring along a swimming band that will allow your baby to kick and float and enjoy the water with you.

Swimming in the sea with your baby or toddler is a little different.  The sea is much colder than a warm toddler swimming pool.  Sticking to the shallows where the waves break onto the beach, can be great fun for your toddler.  Make sure that if you are going to the beach, that your toddler wears shoes or sandals, to avoid them getting cuts on their feet from sharp stones or shells.

We all find it quite uncomfortable to sleep during those incredibly hot summer nights and of course, baby will too.  This rough guide should help you decide what best to dress your baby or toddler in to ensure that they are comfortable and more able to sleep.

27 degrees + : dress in a vest and happy or even a nappy only

24 – 27 degrees : dress in a short sleeved vest and 0.5 tog sleeping bag

21 – 23 degrees : dress in either a short or long sleeved vest and a 1 tog sleeping bag

17 – 20 degrees : dress in a Babygro and a 2.5 tog sleeping bag

Always opt for light-weight natural fabric blankets to cover your baby or toddler whilst they sleep.  Baby and I have a selection of muslin and cellular cotton blankets that are just perfect for warm summer nights and to cover baby in the pram.  

There are a number of ways that you can keep your baby or toddler cool during summer and these are:

1. A cooler than usual bath before bed. 
2. Increased fluids.  If your baby is being breastfed, that should be sufficient, however, formula fed babies can be offered some cooled boiled water when it is excessively hot.  Water can be given to your toddler in their sippy cup or a water-bottle with a straw.  Please don’t give baby any water within 30 minutes of their feed as they won’t feel as hungry for their milk feed.
3. Using a fan to keep the air moving in their room will create a very welcome all-round breeze.  A great tip is to place a bottle of frozen water in front of the fan to keep the room even cooler.
4. Fresh air coming in from an open window is great.  Keep the blinds partially down or the curtains partially closed.  Open windows a few hours before nap time and bedtime.
5. Monitor the room temperature to keep it constant.
6. Placing your hand on your baby’s or toddlers tummy or the back of the neck, should give you a fairly accurate indication of how hot they are.  Remember that arms and legs are always cooler to the touch.
7. Use white noise which also mimics the sounds of inside the womb, to muffle outside noises.  Your baby or toddler will fall asleep easier and will stay asleep longer too.

Other signs to look for to tell if your baby or toddler is too hot are :

1. A flushed face
2. Rapid breathing
3. Skin that is unusually warm to the touch

Pick the right clothes and swimming attire :

1. Loose-fitting, lightweight garments, preferably made from a natural fibre such as cotton is always best.  Natural fibres absorb perspiration much better than synthetic fabrics and sweating is body’s way of cooling your baby or toddler down.
2. When outdoors, light-coloured lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts help to ensure that their delicate skin is protected from the sun.  Always choose a wide-brimmed hat to shield their face.

Time outdoor activities to ensure that you limit the amount of exposure your baby or toddler has to the hot South African sun.  And of course, don’t ever forget that all important sun-screen!  Use a lightweight muslin or cotton blanket if they are in their pram when the weather is hot.  This will allow the air to circulate – always supervise your baby or toddler when they are sleeping in their pram.

When it comes to fabrics for baby clothing and blankets, cotton is always the best choice primarily because it is so soft.  It is also one of the most popular options available and has been used for generations.  Cellular blankets are made from 100% cotton with holes or ‘cells ‘ to allow for airflow and insulation when layered.  They are most certainly the safest type of baby blanket and the best option to use as bedding for your newborn baby.

Baby and I Melrose have a beautiful range of baby swimwear, including matching Mommy and Me swimsuits which can add an element of fun to any swimming lesson or outdoor swimming activity.  Protect your children’s eyes from the harsh South African sun with funky sunglasses, also available from Baby and I Melrose, in a variety of colours and designs.

As a local Premier Baby Boutique, Baby and I Melrose offer an exceptional range of essential baby products, clothing and accessories, making it easy for you to purchase most of your summer essentials for your little one, online – saving you time, delivering to your door. Baby & I Melrose offers a unique experience as a Baby Boutique in South Africa.  Check out our website https://babyandimelrose.co.za/