This is a collaborative post
Under the scorching sun, summer offers an ample opportunity for garden parties, ice cream trips, and outdoor swimming. However, for many mums, the heatwave also brings with it the challenge of managing young children for long stifling nights. As the sun stays up later and temperatures refuse to drop, there is a daunting task of ensuring that both mums and their kids get a good night’s sleep, despite the heat. Here are some helpful tips for mums to survive summer nights with kids during a heatwave.
Wear the Right Clothing
The majority of us struggle to sleep properly in extreme heat. And what does one of the old maxims say about wearing cooler clothes for a better night’s sleep? That’s right; it’s about time Mum swapped her usual pyjamas for a lighter, more breathable chemise nightdress. Though little ones might still insist on their favourite pyjamas, consider getting them some lightweight, cotton attire for night-time to keep them cool and comfortable.
Keep Hydrated
Throughout the hot summer days and nights, it is vital to fret about hydration. Ensure that both you and your children have a regular intake of water to replenish lost fluids. You could make the process fun by introducing fruit infusions or turning your tap water into refreshing homemade lemonade. Coupled with a good intake of fresh fruits, this would not only guarantee hydration but also keep kids entertained.
Monitor the Room Temperature
Investing in a room thermometer could help you keep your kid’s room within the safe zone of 16-20°C. During the day, it’s a handy tip to keep curtains slightly closed to limit the amount of heat entering the room. When it turns cooler in the evening, open windows and doors to allow for natural ventilation.
Use a Fan Wisely
While fans are a popular solution for battling heat waves, it’s crucial to use them effectively. Directing a fan right at your kids might dry out their skin and eyes. Instead, place a dish of ice in front of the fan; as the ice melts, it will help cool the surrounding air.
Prepare Cold Meals
Hot days can lead to a lack of appetite. In this case, preparing simple, cold meals such as salads, sandwiches, or even a cold pasta dish can be a smart move. Not only would the cool food be appealing to the little ones, but it would also save you from standing over a hot stove.
Cooling Baths before Bedtime
A tepid bath before your kid’s bedtime can help bring down their body temperature and prepare them for a good sleep. Following this up with a moisturising lotion could be an added benefit, restoring skin hydration lost in the heat.
Establish a Routine
Although routines can turn upside down during summer, especially with older kids who wish to make the most of the late sunset, maintaining a regular bedtime routine can be beneficial. This includes winding down activities, a bedtime story, and lights out at a usual hour, despite the brightness outside.
Juggling the exhausting life of a mum with a heatwave is indeed a Herculean task. However, with a little planning and preparedness, you can transform those long summer nights from an impossible nightmare into an opportunity for unique memories with your little ones. In reality, heatwave or not, ‘Mum Life’ is always about adapting and making the best out of every situation, and these trying times in simmering temperatures are no different.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post