As the weather gets hotter, moms may notice their little ones becoming more irritable: waking up cranky, lacking patience, and throwing tantrums at the slightest inconvenience... What happened to the once well-behaved angel baby? Why has he or she turned into a difficult little monster?
In fact, this sudden change in behavior could very well be a case of "emotional heatstroke." With the sun blazing and the heat unbearable outside, babies are cooped up at home for long periods, losing their space to play and move around. Even the gentlest of babies can feel lonely, bored, and stifled. And for those with a naturally short temper, crying and defiance become outlets for their pent-up emotions.
So, how can you cool down your little one's emotional meltdown?
1. Timely Comforting
When your baby loses control and starts crying uncontrollably, try picking them up and gently patting their back, just like when you’re helping them burp. This helps expel the large amount of air that enters their lungs, preventing the risk of choking from crying or coughing.
You can also use tools to divert their attention, such as Richell’s all-silicone pacifier.
Made from food-grade silicone, it’s safe and non-toxic. Its soft texture and breast-like shape offer a breastfeeding-like sucking experience, helping to quickly soothe your baby’s agitation and alleviate symptoms of emotional heatstroke.
2. Ensure Adequate Sleep
When babies don’t get enough sleep, they’re more prone to impulsiveness, irritability, and the effects of high temperatures, leading to emotional heatstroke.
Newborns need 18-20 hours of sleep per day, with no day-night pattern yet.
Babies aged 1-6 months should sleep 14-16 hours a day, typically napping twice during the day—1-2 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Consistent bedtime routines and sufficient sleep are crucial for their physical and brain development.
Babies aged 7-12 months should sleep 12-15 hours a day, napping twice during the day for 1-2 hours each, and sleeping about 10 hours at night.
Toddlers aged 1-3 years need 12-13 hours of sleep per day, sleeping through the night.
In hot weather, consider turning on the air conditioning early to create a cool, comfortable sleep environment. If your baby has trouble falling asleep, a pacifier can help calm them down and ease them into dreamland.
3. Mindful Diet
On the dietary front, it’s recommended to ensure your baby gets enough vitamins by eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep meals light and avoid greasy foods, which can also help prevent irritability and heatstroke. If your baby is very active and sweats a lot, make sure to keep them hydrated.
From angel to little monster? Your baby isn’t to blame—it’s the scorching weather. But if moms master the above three tips and show a little more patience, they can effectively ease their baby’s emotional heatstroke, keeping the tantrums at bay and bringing back the sweet, angelic child.
