As the heat returns this week, Brits can enjoy warm weather across the country. But with temperatures rising significantly, especially on Monday and Tuesday according to the Met Office, there are certain groups who may be particularly vulnerable. Babies are especially at risk during hot weather, with official NHS guidance stating that babies and young children can become ill in high temperatures.
While NHS advice recommends that babies under 6 months old be kept out of direct sunlight, older babies can go out but should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. However, one specialist at a baby products company has urged parents to watch out for a dangerous mistake when it comes to babies' prams.
The Danger of Blankets in Prams
A specialist at For Your Little One said: "A blanket or muslin can feel like the quickest fix when the sun is on the pram, but the danger is that it can stop air moving through the pushchair. Parents should think shade, not seal."
A blanket can trap warm air around a baby, even when the cover looks thin and breathable. A study at the University of Sydney found that covering strollers with dry materials, like flannelette or muslin sheets, can raise the temperature inside a pram by almost 4 degrees Celsius in just 20 minutes on hot summer days.
Alternative Solutions
The baby products expert recommended that parents use a parasol or fitted sunshade instead. They added that the pram should also be kept moving where safe, placed out of the strongest sun, and parents should ideally be checking on their baby frequently.
They also said: "If your baby feels hot to touch, looks unusually flushed, is irritable, lethargic, breathing fast or seems generally unwell, move them somewhere cool straight away and remove extra layers. If symptoms are severe or you are worried, seek medical help immediately."
Additional NHS Advice
The NHS also advises against dressing your baby in too many layers, instead selecting loose-fitting clothing for them to wear. Sunglasses and a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap are also recommended. The official website states that babies should be kept out of the sun between 11am and 3pm during the summer.
