What to do on a hot day with a toddler

Keeping toddlers amused during a heat wave.

This week in greater western Sydney we are expecting to see a massive heat wave with temperatures in the high 30s, and 3 days in a row of 41°C. For a mum with MS heat intolerance, this can be a bit problematic, as any time out in that heat can incapacitate me for a few days, which is not great when you are the main carer for a toddler. So here is my plan for what to do on a hot day with a toddler.

Air Conditioning

It is an essential to have access to air conditioning if you wish to have a cooperative toddler. Hot, cranky toddlers are not someone you want to be dealing with for a whole week! If you don’t have air conditioning available at home, try to get out to places like a shopping centre where you can be in the cool for part of the day at least.

Paddling Pool

Although it can be too hot to be out in the middle of the day (and high risk of sunburning in the smallest amount of time exposed to the sun), it can be quite handy to have a paddling pool available. An early morning or late afternoon/evening splash in the pool can help cool down the crankiest toddler. Just make sure there is an adult available to supervise at all times!

Ice treats

Frozen treats like ice blocks or frozen fruit are terrific to cool down your toddler. And are a fun way to eat food for them. Give them a bowl to place ice blocks in when they get too cold or drippy for them…this can also help save the mess on the furniture if eating inside too.

Fully stocked fridge

Have a fully stocked fridge and pantry can help tame the toddler in a heatwave. We all know toddlers graze constantly during the day due to little tummies. So having enough snacks and meals ready in the fridge and not needing to go down to the local shop with a hot, cranky toddler can be a great help. Luckily for our heatwave we’ve just had Christmas, so of course we are fully stocked with salads and cut ham, plus so many snacks galore with fresh fruit and of course chocolates and biscuits. What to do on a hot day with a toddler

Toys

If keeping your toddler indoors for a long heat wave, it can be handy to rotate the toys they have out to play. If you just leave a couple of things out, and hide other stuff away, you can create new appeal for old toys when you bring out something different each day.

Toilet training

A heat wave can be a great time to work on toilet training your toddler. It’s hot. They don’t need much in the way of clothing on, and can even run around in the nude if you’re willing. Any wet clothing will also dry in record time, so don’t have to worry about it piling up in the laundry!

Movies

A good way to keep a toddler amused inside in a heat wave is to put on a kids movie. Or if adventurous take to a cinema for the latest flick showing. You may end up watching the same movie over and over…but it’s a small price to pay for a happy toddler in a heat wave. I always like to do computer work next to my toddler if movie watching in the heat. Or get a few jobs done around the house.

iPad apps

If the appeal of movies has worn off, you can try switching to the iPad for some games. Our favourites here are ABC animals, Dinosaur Puzzle Game and Smart ABC, along with ABCKIDS iview and listen apps.

Busy Bags

Grab a busy bag of activities that you can do with your toddler, or they are capable of doing on their own. These can be individualised to your child’s age and needs.

Those are just some of the ideas I use for keeping my toddler amused in a heat wave. Hopefully these will help you maintain some sanity while battling the toddler in a heat wave war.

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