This summer, no doubt most of us will be taking the opportunity to laze about on Australia’s famous beaches. But while most adults can safely enjoy the heat with sunblock and ice cream, the increase in temperature can be a real worry for parents with young babies.

Here are 6 tips on how to keep your bub cool through the sweltering heat.

1. Spend time in a paddling pool – keep the pool in the shade during very hot weather and supervise your bub carefully at all times.

2. Take a quick, refreshing bath - A luke-warm or slightly cooler bath than usual might help to refresh your baby before bedtime and relieve any clamminess. Make it a quick one so that they don't get too chilly.

3. Dress your bub appropriately - If the room is very hot, for example over 25 degrees for most of the day and night, just a nappy and thin cotton vest may suffice in keeping bub cool. Ensure you dress them in a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back to protect their head and neck from the sun if you’re going out.

4. Keep your baby calm - A calm baby will remain cooler than a frustrated baby. So, try to maintain a calming bedtime routine and offer reassurance and comfort if they are agitated. A cool compress dabbed gently on your bub may also help to cool and calm them.

5. Check your bub’s temperature accurately – Babies’ hands and feet do get colder than the rest of their bodies so, it is natural for these to feel a little colder to the touch. If you are unsure about your baby's temperature, feel the back of their neck or use a thermometer.

6. Circulate cool air – If using an air conditioner is not an option, give your electric fans a helping hand buy placing a large bowl of ice or some frozen water bottles in front of the fan to cool the circulating air in the room.