It’s incredibly important to try to keep babies cool and hydrated during a heatwave. A doctor has now shared some important advice all parents should take note of
Parts of the UK are currently facing the fourth heatwave of the summer so far, with temperatures expecting to rise as high as 34C. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree said: “Warmth is the focus in the forecast in the first half of this week, with temperatures likely to peak on Tuesday around the mid-30s, but remaining above average in the second half of the week, particularly further to the southeast.
“The exception to the widely warm conditions will be northwest Scotland on Monday, where showers will be more frequent. Warmth will develop there from Tuesday with temperatures peaking in the mid to high 20s.”
And while some people enjoy the summer heat, for others, especially those who are vulnerable, it can be incredibly stressful. Heatwaves can pose significant risks to healths, including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. And for those who have babies, they need to take extra precautions.
According to a GP known as Doctor Barbara on TikTok, changing one thing in your baby’s room can “reduce the risk of SIDS [Sudden Infant Death Syndrome] by up to 70%”, and prevent them overheating. The health professional recommended using a fan pointing away from your baby, circulating air in the room.
Doctor Barbara recommended parents have a room thermometer, and ideally keep temperatures “between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius”. You can help try to reach this by blocking the heat during the day. “So keep your curtains closed, your blinds closed, but keep your windows open and your doors open where you can,” she added.
If you want to check on your baby, you can use the back of your hand on their chest and their upper back. Doctor Barbara continued: “If they’re sweaty or clammy, please remove a layer.” If the room is 26C and above, “babies can sleep in their nappies alone,” according to the GP.
You also need to keep your baby hydrated. Breastfed babies don’t need water, but you might find they want feeding more regularly. “If your baby is formula-fed you can give them a small amount of cool, boiled water. If they’re over six months and you’ve introduced solids, you don’t need to boil the water,” she added.
In addition, the GP advised to be careful of hot cars, and making sure the vehicle is cool before bringing your baby in. If you’re using a pram, she urged not to cover it with blankets or cloths.
The NHS recommends attaching a parasol or sunshade to your baby’s pushchair to keep them out of direct sunlight. But covering the pram itself can lead to overheating.
The NHS adds: “Keep your child’s bedroom cool during the day by closing blinds or curtains. You can also use a fan to circulate the air in the room. Do not aim the fan directly at your child as this could make them dehydrated.
“Keep nightwear and bedclothes to a minimum. Your baby can just wear a nappy. If they’re hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes.
“A nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of your baby’s room. Your baby will sleep most comfortably when their room is between 16C and 20C. You can also keep the door of your baby’s room open and open their bedroom window (if it’s safe to do so).”
You should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if your child seems drowsy, they are breathing quickly or have a fast heart rate, no tears come when they cry, or they have a soft spot on their head that sinks inwards. You should also be aware if your child has fewer wet nappies than normal.