Parents are giving babies giant melons to hug — it’s adorable, but there’s a good reason for it
Parents in China have been seen placing giant winter melons in their babies' cribs to help keep the infants cool during hot weather. The practice draws on traditional Chinese medicine, which uses the water‑rich gourd for its cooling properties. While the trend is visually charming, the melons' high water content and long shelf life make them a practical, eco‑friendly cooling aid.
- ▪Parents in China are nestling oversized winter melons in infants' cribs as a method to reduce body heat.
- ▪Winter melons are about 95% water and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to cool the body.
- ▪The fruit can grow up to 20 pounds, retain freshness for up to a year, and is harvested in the fall.
- ▪Social media posts show the trend gaining attention, with pets also joining the cooling setup.
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Parenting Parents are giving babies giant melons to hug — it’s adorable, but there’s a good reason for it By Hannah Sparks Published July 18, 2026, 2:48 p.m. ET Practitioners of ancient Chinese medicine have for centuries used winter melons to clear hear from the body. VCG via Getty Images See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Mo’ melons, no problems. Here’s a cuter way to stay cool in the sweltering summer heat. Parents in China have been seen nestling giant winter melons in their babies’ cribs to help keep their bodies cool. View this post on Instagram Images circulating on social media show the hot tots cuddling with oversized fruits and vegetables, which are often as big as the babies themselves.
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