Warm weather can make babies cry more – here’s how to cope and keep them safe

During spells of warm weather, many parents notice that their baby cries more than usual. Overheating can make babies uncomfortable, unsettled, and harder to soothe – and this can be stressful for anyone caring for them.

Dr Suzanne Smith, ICON Founder, said: “Understanding that babies normally start to cry more from about the age of two weeks has helped many parents cope with the crying, knowing it reaches a peak at six to eight weeks and gradually starts to reduce.

“When babies are hot, they can become irritable and cry more. This can be challenging for parents and carers, especially when it’s difficult to cool them down. Knowing how to keep your baby safe and understanding that crying is normal can make a big difference.”

To help reduce overheating and keep babies comfortable:

• Dress them in light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Keep rooms cool by closing curtains during the day.
• Use a fan to circulate air, but don’t point it directly at the baby.
• Offer feeds more often – babies may need extra milk to stay hydrated.
• Never leave a baby in a parked car, even for a short time.

If your baby’s crying becomes overwhelming, remember the ICON messages:

I – Infant crying is normal and it will stop

C – Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop

O – It’s okay to walk away if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you

N – Never, ever shake or hurt a baby

If your baby is unusually sleepy, irritable, or has fewer wet nappies, they may be dehydrated – seek medical advice.

For more advice on coping with crying and keeping babies safe, visit www.iconcope.org.