Parents have been issued a warning not to cover prams or buggies with blankets, towels, or muslins during the current heatwave, as doing so can cause babies and toddlers to overheat rapidly. Lancashire Health Visiting and School Nursing posted a reminder on social media, emphasizing that covering prams can trap heat and block air circulation, leading to dangerous temperature rises inside the pram.
Temperature Risk Inside Covered Prams
According to the social media post, temperatures inside a covered pram can reach around 37°C within an hour, even on a mild day. This can put babies at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. The warning comes as the UK braces for what could be the hottest June on record, with soaring temperatures expected this week.
Tips to Keep Babies Cool
Lancashire Health Visiting and School Nursing offered several tips to help keep babies comfortable and safe during hot weather:
- Use a pram parasol or sunshade designed to allow airflow.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Check your baby often for signs of overheating.
- Dress them in light, breathable clothing.
- Offer feeds regularly to keep them hydrated.
Nighttime Room Temperature Guidance
Parents have also been reminded to keep babies' rooms cool at night. Safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust has issued guidance recommending that a baby's room be kept at a temperature between 16 and 20°C. The charity advises checking a baby's temperature by placing a hand on their tummy or the back of their neck, rather than their hands or feet, which are always cooler. If the skin feels hot, clammy, or sweaty, it indicates the baby is too hot and layers should be removed.
