How to keep cool and protected in the Summer heat ☀️

Summer's here and the adventures are calling — beach days, park playdates, ice cream pit stops, and everything in between. But as temperatures soar, it's essential to keep your little ones cool, comfortable, and sun-safe.

Here’s our go-to guide for keeping your Hotdogs happy and protected all summer long:

🧢 Start at the Top: Sun Hats that Work Hard.

Your child’s head is one of the most vulnerable spots when it comes to sun exposure. Our Little Hotdog Watson sun hats are designed with UPF50+ fabric, temperature-regulating tech, and mosquito-repelling properties. Plus, they come in bold prints kids actually want to wear.

👕 3. Dress Smart.

Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo that keep kids cool while providing coverage. Long-sleeved styles with built-in sun protection can be lifesavers on scorching days. A mixture of a traditional SPF and additional coverage of UPF rating clothing is a perfect combo to keep safe in the sun.

💧Stay Hydrated.

Make sure to increase water intake on hot days to avoid kids feeling unwell and dehydrated. Hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon are another good way of ensuring a little extra hydration during hot days, and a perfect excuse for a picnic! 

It’s easy for little adventurers to forget to drink water when they’re having fun. Pack reusable water bottles and take sips often, even before they feel thirsty. Try freezing fruit slices (like strawberries or cucumber) into water for a refreshing twist.

🧊 Chill-Out Breaks.

Create shady pit stops with a UV sun tent or pop-up shade if you’re out for a full day. Cooling towels or a quick dip in a paddling pool can work wonders too!

At the beach? Bring a handheld fan, spray bottle, or a parasol to create your own cool-down zone.

☀️ Use an SPF.

Using a good SPF is vital, even when taking extra precautions of UPF clothing and shade. If you’re at the beach, don’t be fooled by the breeze - the sun's rays can still cause damage! If you’re going in water, it’s best to reapply any SPF, and otherwise reapply SPF every two hours. 

How to keep cool:

Homemade Water Gun. Make a small hole on the top of a water bottle and fill with water so they can squirt each other without needing to purchase water guns.

Play Car Wash. Water activities are always a winner on a warm day, and surprisingly easy for the amount of time it keeps the kids occupied! Take some bowls of water, some sponges and toy cars and figures, and let the kids have fun pretending to clean the cars up in the sun.

Make DIY Sponge Water Bombs. Simply take thin kitchen sponges found in a supermarket, and cut them into strips lengthways. Take two rows of four long strips, and tie them in the middle with a piece of string or an elastic band. Fluff up your sponge strips and dunk them in water! 

A good water fight is a great way to spend a hot day! These sponge water bombs are easy to make, reusable, cheap and will not hurt when thrown. 

Keep bedrooms cool. Warm air can get easily trapped in bedrooms during the day, making bedtimes uncomfortable. In the day, keep blinds and curtains closed to keep things dark and cool until bedtime.

Teething and Sensory Toys. Keep the babies teething and sensory toys in the fridge for cooling teeth and hands down on a hot Summers day.

Summer should be about carefree fun, but a little planning goes a long way. With the right gear and sun-safe habits, you can make every sunny day a safe and stylish one!

Don't forget to tag us in all your Summer adventures @littlehotdogwatson 💛