With the UK finally enjoying some summer weather, parents and kids across the country will be getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine - but it's also vital to make sure the youngest members of the family are kept safe in the heat.
Heatwaves can be a particular worry for parents of babies and young children, who are more susceptible to becoming seriously ill in hot weather from dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. High temperatures are also a risk factor in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so it's essential to know how to keep them cool throughout the day and night.
Experts at iCandy in conjunction with The Lullaby Trust have shared some practical advice on preventing your baby from overheating, whether in high temperatures at home or enjoying a family holiday abroad. From making pushchair adjustments to creating a safe sleeping environment, there are several things you can do in hot weather to keep your child safe and comfortable.
Cameron Appel, Vice CEO at iCandy, commented: "As a parent myself I know just how tricky it can be trying to keep a young baby cool in the summer, but it's so important to do what you can to keep them comfortable in the heat. Not only will it reduce the risk of overheating, which is a known SIDS risk factor but it will help to keep your baby happy and feeling rested which makes day-to-day life just that little bit easier."
Cameron added: "The key things to remember are to keep them out of the direct harsh sunshine, try and keep their sleeping environments cool and keep an eye on how they're doing throughout the day - it doesn't take much to cause overheating so being vigilant during particularly hot spells is a must." Here are the iCandy team's top tips on how to protect your baby from the hot weather this summer.
Keep your babies out of direct sunlight
It's important to keep babies in the shade or indoors when it's hot outside, especially during the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its highest. As sun cream is not recommended for babies under six months, keep them covered with loose clothing and a hat made of light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or muslin, the experts advised.
Use ventilation and sun protection on your pushchair
If you are out and about whilst it's warmer outside, make sure to use the right protection on your pram to offer your baby some respite from the sunshine, iCandy urged. Do not cover the pushchair with blankets, muslin clothes or any other cover as it can increase the temperature inside the canopy, which could lead to an increased risk of overheating.
Use parasols and sunshades
Attaching a parasol to the pushchair can be a great way to keep your baby shaded from harmful UV rays. Choosing one with a flexible arm means you can position it in multiple ways and means you can give your little one some shade no matter where the sun is in the sky, iCandy recommended.
Create a safe sleeping environment
Making sure your baby is sleeping on their back on a flat mattress that is clear of toys and loose bedding is key to safe sleep, the experts advised. The NHS warns that babies can overheat because of too much bedding or clothing, increasing the risk of SIDS, so your baby may not need any bedclothes if it's very warm.
The health service also advises making sure that a baby's head cannot be covered by bedclothes, slings or carriers while they're asleep, because they lose excess heat through their heads. Babies should never sleep with a hot water bottle or electric blanket, next to a radiator, heater or fire, or in direct sunshine.
Manage room temperatures
This can be a little trickier to do at home, but it's best to try and maintain a cool room temperature (16-20°C) where your baby sleeps. Use light bedding and clothing during the summer months and if you're using a baby sleep bag, try switching up the tog for different seasons, iCandy suggested.
"Keep blinds closed to keep the warm sun out of the room - you might also like to use a fan to cool the room, but don't aim it directly at the baby," the experts said. "Keeping a thermometer on hand can help you to make sure the room is at the right temperature."
Monitor their temperature
Checking your baby's temperature regularly is essential, as young babies can't regulate their body temperature. Check the back of their neck or chest; if their skin feels sweaty or clammy, they are too hot. If this is the case, simply remove a layer of clothing or bedding to help cool them down.
Plan your travel carefully
For families heading off on road trips this summer, it's important to take regular breaks for the whole family to feel more comfortable - but especially for young babies. Avoid prolonged sleeping in car seats, as these are mostly designed for travel safety and not as the primary sleeping place.
If your car struggles to stay cool during the day, consider travelling outside of peak heat hours, and instead drive in the evening or early in the morning, the experts suggested. The NHS has more tips on keeping your baby safe in the sun here.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
