The summer holidays can be a stressful time for mums with small babies and toddlers, although we all love the sunshine it can be dangerous for young children.

Here are some ways of making sure your baby is safe and cool in the sun:

• Stop dehydration: Breastfed babies may need extra breastfeeds during hot weather, but they usually do not need extra drinks of water.  Bottle-fed babies may need extra formula or small drinks of cool boiled water if they seem thirsty.  If you are worried about dehydration monitoring the amount of wet nappies is a good place to start.
• Get creative with the fluids: If your baby is over six months old and they get bored with water, try giving them very diluted fruit juices, ice cubes and homemade fruit juice lollies throughout the day.  For older children fruit and salads as well as drinks will help them keep hydrated.
• Use fans: Put your baby in the coolest part of the house with a fan going. Don’t point the fan directly at your baby – use it to keep the air in the room moving.   You could also try putting a wet towel in front of the fan so that it cools the air.
• Travelling: Avoid travelling in the hot weather if possible, or do it early in the day. Babies can overheat very quickly in cars. Never leave a baby alone in a car. Make sure your baby is in the shade in the car when you are travelling.
• Avoid the mid day sun: Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun. Children should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am to 3pm). If you do go out on a hot day, attach a sunshade to the buggy to keep them out of direct sunlight.
• Keep shaded: When it comes to travelling either in the car or in a buggy make sure your baby is in the shade.  There are all sorts of options available now as well as getting creative with a muslin so there really is no excuse.  For the beach UV sun tents are also great for days out, although make sure there is good air flow if your baby takes a nap in one
• Protection: If you are out in hot weather apply sunscreen, apply liberally and regularly particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or a paddling pool.  Sunscreen should only be used on babies over 6 months.Click here for our feature on sun screens without the toxic load.
• Clothes: Dress your baby in cool cotton clothes and keep their arms and legs covered with a light clothing.
• Keep them shut: One of the best ways to keep your house cool is to keep the curtains shut. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room.
• Keep an eye on the temperature of the room: Your baby will sleep most comfortably when the room is between 16°C (61°F) and 20°C (68°F).
• Hat: Get children in the habit of wearing hats from a young age.  Keep them wide brimmed and big enough to cover the back of their neck.