Yes, there are budget-friendly ways to keep kids cool this summer. Here's how.

Thanks to our brand partner, NSW Health

Australian summers are filled with fun in the sun and long, hot days.

For kids, these school-free stretches bring a sense of freedom, fully embraced with bike rides, swimming and activities that help them delay bedtime just a little longer.

Unfortunately, the other reality of Aussie summers is that they are getting hotter, and higher temperatures have associated health and safety risks, including dehydration and heat-related illnesses, particularly for babies and kids.

"In hot weather, young kids and babies overheat and dehydrate more easily than adults and can become seriously unwell quickly," Dr Cybele Dey, a Paediatrician and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, told Mamamia.

She emphasised the importance of recognising signs of dehydration or heat-related illness, while highlighting simple, budget-friendly ways to stay safe and enjoy summer.

1. Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Dr Dey recommended staying in cool indoor places during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 5pm, especially when temperatures soar.

"Planning to catch up [with family or friends] during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, helps people stay connected without overheating," she said.

2. Make the most of available resources.

Thankfully, you don't need to reinvent the wheel because there are a wide variety of resources already available that you can use to stay safe in summer.

"The NSW Health website has some excellent, free information about how to stay cool, healthy and safe in hot weather," said Dr Dey.

This includes tips for keeping your home cool, such as closing curtains and blinds and reducing the use of ovens and stoves to lower temperatures. There are also great resources for keeping kids emotionally healthy in the heat on the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website.

3. Use the correct pram coverings.

While protecting your baby from the sun with a pram covering may seem helpful, Dr Dey said that prams can become very hot, especially when covered with dark-coloured covers or plastic, and advised against covering prams with these.

"The air becomes stagnant and dark colours trap heat, which can be dangerous. Parents and carers might feel comfortable in the surrounding air and not realise how much their baby is overheating."

Instead, Dr Dey recommended that if you're using a pram, cover it with the pram's canopy or shade cloth and check that air can get through to your child.

You can wet a light-coloured, breathable cloth (like muslin or thin cotton) and partially drape it over the pram, ensuring good airflow. The damp cloth and movement will help keep the area cool while protecting your baby from the sun. Be sure to keep the cloth wet and monitor your baby at all times.

"This can really help a baby or young kids stay cool while you are taking them out in the stroller," she explained.

When the heat is extreme or at its peak, Dr Dey recommended moving your baby or young child into a cool indoor environment.

"Outdoor strategies will not be enough to counteract the heat," she said.

4. Keep air conditioning cost-efficient.

That's right — you don't need to shy away from using your air conditioning.

Setting the temperature to 23 or 24 degrees Celsius (rather than 19 or 20) and using it in a limited area will save you money on energy bills.

"When keeping your home cool, having one or two rooms in the house that you keep cool and can stay in with your baby or kids is much more cost-effective than trying to cool a whole house or large open-plan area," said Dr Dey.

With adequate provisions, one room can provide hours of fun for the kids (and relaxation for you).

"Puzzles, board games and art and craft activities are worth having on hand, and they also have the advantage of being physically less demanding, which helps kids stay cooler when it's hot," said Dr Dey.

5. No air conditioning? These tips can help.

While some of us love nothing more than playing Sleeping Lions underneath the cool breeze of the loungeroom's air conditioning (surely this isn't just me?), for those who don't have air conditioning in their homes, this doesn't mean you can't stay safe, healthy and enjoy being indoors.

Using a fan can help keep you cool (just make sure little fingers stay away from the blades). Additionally, wetting your skin with a cloth or spray bottle can make a big difference.

Dr Dey suggested organising a play date with a family member or friend with air conditioning, or visiting a public space like a shopping centre.

If your kids enjoy reading, visiting the library is a great way to escape the heat and keep them entertained in one fell swoop.

Still want to get creative in the kitchen? Whip up some frozen treats together, such as this tutti fruity watermelon ice block recipe.

6. Sun protection and loose clothing.

When the temperature allows, and a beach or park day is on the agenda, Dr Dey emphasised the importance of ensuring you and your kids, including babies, use proper sun protection.

"Light-coloured, loose, breathable and lightweight clothing is best during hot weather, and lightweight, sunproof hats will help protect children's skin from sunburn," she said. 

Using SPF 50+ sunscreen is recommended, reapplying every two hours and limiting sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.

7. Stay hydrated.

And finally, remember to stay hydrated and help keep your kids hydrated.

"Babies up to six months should have breast milk or formula suitable for their age and extra feeds as they lose more fluid through sweating to stay cool," said Dr Dey.

Water is the best drink for adults, kids and infants over the age of one. If you're breastfeeding, "drink more water to help keep up with the demands of breastfeeding in the heat," she said.

For more tips on keeping kids cool, healthy and safe this summer, visit NSW Health's Beat the Heat website.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Hot weather is dangerous, especially for babies and young children as they can get too hot and dehydrate quickly. Keep your family cool, healthy and safe this summer. Offer babies and young children extra breastmilk, formula or water and dress them in light loose-fitting clothing. Plan activities for when it's cooler and stay inside during the hottest part of the day. Search "Beat the Heat NSW" to learn more simple tips on keeping your child safe during hot weather.