The recent spell of hot humid weather has challenged many young infants and their parents, says Bay of Plenty District Health Board midwife and senior lactation consultant Karen Palmer.
"At this time of year there are many babies who will suffer from heat exhaustion. It's easy to forget that babies, especially newborns, have poor temperature control and are more greatly affected by changes in temperature than adults are."
"There are a number of ways we can help keep them comfortable," she said. "These include adjusting clothing and blankets frequently, keeping babies in cooler rooms, refreshing baths or showers, and having airflow in the house.
"Breastfed babies may want to breastfeed more frequently but for shorter periods of time, then catch up with longer feedings later at night or early morning. They may fuss and squirm at the breast if they're too hot. Feeding lying down in a cool room may help both mother and baby be more comfortable."
It was important the baby's cues for what he or she needed were followed, Ms Palmer said.