Here's some suggestions on how to keep your child cool and safe this summer:

Carry portable clip-on or keychain fans. These can be found in the seasonal aisle of almost any store during the summer and are surprisingly effective. Make sure the fan has soft blades and are child safe.

Keep baby wipes or handi-wipes in a cooler or the fridge for refreshing wipe-downs.

Clip-on umbrellas can be used on strollers and wheelchairs. Dark umbrellas actually block the sun's rays better than light colored fabrics, which can allow sunburning UV rays to penetrate.

UV rays reflect up from concrete, sand and water and can pass through clouds. It is possible to get sunburnt on cloudy days or under an umbrella. Always use sunblock, and apply sunblock half an hour before taking your child outside.

Use cold drinks and snacks to cool off unless your child is seriously overheated and showing signs of heat stress. If heat stress is suspected then use cool drinks as ice cold liquids will not absorb as easily and could cause stomach cramps.

Keep a wet bandana in the cooler, wring it out and place it on your child's neck or forehead for an occasional cool-off.

Check with your child's physician about how to hydrate if your child has any of the following:

• heart disease
  
• kidney disease
  
• diabetes
  
• absorption issues
  
• tube feedings
  

Babies might not seem as interested in eating if they are hot. Some considerations for babies under the age of one include:

• Offer smaller feeds more often but make sure they catch up with longer feeds when it cools off.
  
• There's no reason to give a baby water, especially if they are less interested in eating. They need the nutrition and calories of formula or breastmilk.
  
• Do not use sunblock until your baby is 6 months old without pediatrician approval.
  
• Have a physician check a sunburnt baby for dehydration, even if it's mild
  
• If your baby refuses to eat, is too sleepy to eat, or is so irritable that you cannot soothe him then see a physician immediately.

Remember, compression garments can trap heat and prevent evaporation of sweat. Since evaporation is necessary for the body to cool, limit use of compression garments in the summer. If your child does need one, then remove it regularly and cool the skin underneath. Dress for the weather with loose fitting, dark colored clothes, UV blocking fabrics, breathable weaves, and moisture wicking fabrics. You might also like: A Directory of Cooling Garments and Products Eat Your Water: Stay Hydrated with Water Rich Foods Love or hate what you just read? Be social! Leave a comment, or use the "share" button below to quickly link this post to your fave social media.