Foods To Fight Heat In Toddlers

Indian summers are notoriously harsh. Nevertheless, adults can always find ways to cope. On the other hand, it can be very difficult for children to cope with hot summer days. Children are particularly susceptible to dehydration during hot weather. It goes without saying that breast milk is the best food for babies in the summer. Breast Milk provides adequate hydration and nutrition to babies under 6 months of age. The question is, what about toddlers? Don't worry. There are foods to fight heat in toddlers as well.

In the heat of the summer, you can keep your toddler healthy by choosing the right food. Citrus fruits and fruit juices aren't the only remedies for beating the heat. According to Ayurveda, all foods have a warming or cooling effect on the body. Foods that have cooling properties help the body regulate its temperature and prevent dehydration. However, not all cooling foods are suitable for toddlers. 

Check out a few baby-friendly foods to fight heat in toddlers during summer.

1. Yogurt 

Because of its cooling properties, curd or yogurt are great ways to keep toddlers cool during the summer. Curd is a popular dairy product in almost every Indian household. It is good for the digestive system of a toddler. It is a source of calcium and protein and is loaded with various other nutrients. You can give it to the toddler in the form of buttermilk. Buttermilk is easily digestible. Being loaded with probiotics, yogurt also boosts the immunity of the toddler and helps to keep common summer ailments at bay. It is good for the toddler's skin. Choose homemade curd for your little one instead of buying store-bought.

2. Watermelon

Electrolytes in watermelon protect against heatstroke. Approximately 92% of watermelon's weight is made up of water. It is a great way to keep your toddler's body cool by serving them some freshly made watermelon juice. This fruit is not only great for quenching thirst, but it also contains vital nutrients, such as vitamin C, B6, and A. Watermelons are a wonderful summer snack for toddlers. The watermelon flesh keeps them full for some time. Once all of the seeds have been removed from the watermelon flesh, cut the pieces into rectangular shapes. This will be great hydrating finger food for toddlers.  

3. Gulkand

Gulkand is a sweet preserve made with rose petals. The best time of the year to eat the Gulkand is in the summer.  Natural cooling properties help prevent internal body heat from building up during the summer. Besides rose petals, it also contains certain herbs that are beneficial for toddlers' health. You can usually find it in supermarkets and health stores.  In addition to facilitating digestion, it also reduces the sensation of burning in the body caused by heat. Gulkand is also rich in antioxidants.  This also contributes to the improvement of eyesight and the reduction of eye inflammation and redness common during the summer. Drinking a chilled Gulkand milkshake is a favorite among toddlers.

4. Avocado 

Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids, which help remove toxins from the body and excess heat. Furthermore, they are also very easily digested, which means that the toddler's body will not need to work extra hard and generate more heat in order to digest the food. In this way, they also contribute to preventing the accumulation of heat inside the toddler's body. As a toddler food, avocado is a terrific choice because it is so nutritious, and a good source of energy. If your toddler is suffering from the summer heat, avocado yogurt or frozen avocado cubes are instant remedies that will help him cool off. 

5. Tomatoes

In addition to its many benefits, tomatoes help to cool the body. As a result, it is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. The fact is that tomatoes are 94% water and can help provide hydration, as well as promote regular bowel movements. Both contribute to fighting the heat. If your child doesn't like tomatoes, offer tomato juice mixed with honey instead.

6.  Muskmelon

Another fruit that is 90% water, a great hydrator, and ideal for summer is musk melon. Muskmelon has diuretic properties, which help the body to get rid of toxins. This reduces the heat accumulated inside the body. Furthermore, they contain vitamins A, C, beta-carotene, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. As a result, this fruit helps combat fatigue in toddlers as well. A cool glass of Muskmelon Juice is the perfect summertime refreshment for toddlers. It can also be cut into long, wide, thin slices, and toddlers can eat it that way. The slicing eliminates any choking hazards. 

7. Sabja water and Cumin water

Cumin seeds and sabja seeds provide many health benefits, including regulating body temperature. Drinking sabja water and cumin water (jeera water) are excellent ways to keep a toddler's body temperature in check on hot summer days.

Let's conclude

Toddlers can find it hard to cope with the summer.  The best way to keep them hydrated is to ensure they drink enough water. Fruits are also a good source of hydration. IT is equally important to limit a toddler's exposure to the sun during the afternoon when the sun's rays are strong and damaging.  Dress them in loose cotton clothes. This summer, be safe, have fun, and stay cool.