In preparation for a long, hot summer (we can always be optimistic, right?) I wanted to focus on helping little ones stay happy and sleep well during the hot summer months.

Here are a few activities for playtime and some top tips for getting tinies off to sleep on those oh so sweaty nights. I hope a few of them are helpful for you.

When summer comes, the first thing all children crave is water play, and whether you are pulling out the paddling pool or taking a trip to the lido, it’s the one thing guaranteed to satisfy those adventurous little hearts.

Remember to always keep delicate skin covered – a loose t-shirt and a hat wherever possible is a must. Plus, of course, keep slathering on the sunscreen and don’t forget yourself. So many times I’ve returned home with happy, healthy kids and a severe attack of sunstroke because I forgot to care for myself whilst out and about!

If you are in the garden, water sponge bombs are cheap and fun, and offer endless scope for made up games, fun and laughter. Best of all, it only takes a towel and the sun to clear up all the mess.

Painting with water is great fun, as it dries so quickly on pavements or walls, but do remember to have drinks available all day so they are not tempted to drink the painting water (yes I speak from experience!).

Lunches of fruit kebabs and other buffet-style items they can graze on are always welcome, as kids prefer to nibble through the day rather than sit down to a full meal. And remember, they are always hungry but never want dinner, so healthy snacks are the way to go in the summer holidays.

Hot nights are always a challenge

Once the day is done, it’s bedtime, and hot nights are always a challenge. My top tip for a really hot day is to try to keep bedrooms dark in the daytime to limit the sun heat in the room. Use blackout blinds where possible, close the curtains and open the doors to keep air circulating.

Try a nice cool bath before bedtime. You could even do storytime in the bath, or play some soothing music to help them relax and unwind after an exciting day.

Even in the hottest days the littlies will still want to be cuddly and snuggly, so a damp flannel in a pot near the bed is great for mopping warm brows after mummy cuddles, and it feels super soothing too!

If bedtime is just too hot, making beds on the floor is a real winner, as it really is the coolest place in the room. A nest of their own making is fun and gives them the chance to create their own environment. My daughter spent months sleeping on the floor in her ‘camp’ and eventually preferred it to her bed long after summer had gone!

Have a fabulous summer and remember to keep your cool!